For example, I can point to my eye:
the eye itself;
I can point to an object of the eye:
a book;
But I cannot point to the eye-consciousness that arises based on the two.
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Sign up to join this communityFor example, I can point to my eye:
the eye itself;
I can point to an object of the eye:
a book;
But I cannot point to the eye-consciousness that arises based on the two.
From MN 28:
If, friends, internally the eye is intact but no external forms come into its range, and there is no corresponding conscious engagement, then there is no manifestation of the corresponding section of consciousness. If internally the eye is intact and external forms come into its range, but there is no corresponding conscious engagement, then there is no manifestation of the corresponding section of consciousness. But when internally the eye is intact and external forms come into its range and there is the corresponding conscious engagement, then there is the manifestation of the corresponding section of consciousness.
Trying to point to one's consciousness is like trying to point at the wind. One can't really "point" it out. One can only point to its manifestation. How to point at the wind? When seeing a tree and its branches are shaking or feeling a breeze brushing against one's face, etc. Similarly, how to point out one's eye consciousness? By the fact that one's able to cognize the form object like a book, a table, etc..
Pointing to a consciousness is the same as pointing to a computer program. Your consciousness is not an object, but rather a property of another object (your brain), similar to how a computer program's behavour is really just a convenient side-effect of a very specific arrangement of million of bits. You can't point to your consciousness, just like you can't point to Microsoft Word. The best you could do is point to your brain, which would be comparable to pointing to your monitor or hard drive.
Consciousness a not a thing. Its a knowing. The misunderstanding arises because we are forced to talk about such phenomena using the limitations of language, e.g. nouns.
Consciousness exists as a taker of objects. Its the basic awareness of an object. Its divided into 6 types by way of its bases;
(a) eye consciousness cognizes visual objects, light
(b) ear consciousness cognizes sound waves
(c) nose consciousness cognizes smell
(d) tongue consciousness cognizes taste
(e) body consciousness cognizes tangible sensations
(f) mind consciousness cognizes mental objects such as ideas, concepts,images, abstract notions etc.
The above 6-fold classification is mentioned by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi in his short text on "The Five Aggregates Of Clinging".
Based on the Vipassana retreat I attended (and translated), when it comes to place one's mindfulness one one's mind(s), the trick is to start with identifying the function of the mind: seeing, hearing, thinking, etc.
The mind is that which is clear and knowing. Its function is to know (realize) objects and it is easier to identify this aspect than it is to identify its clarity factor (which is its nature and makes it able to take the subjective aspect of what it apprehends, in the same way a mirror takes the aspect of whatever it reflects). I suggest you start by identifying the functions of your mind: seeing, hearing, and so forth. You can also read Analayo Bhikkhu on the topic.
In short:
In the case you point to your eye through body consciousness by feeling the sensations around the eye. Here you are not pointing to the eye consciousness but directing your attention to the body consciousness around where the eye physically exist.
In the case what to point to an object of the eye you direct your attention to the eye consciousness whereby you see the object at the eye.
In both cases above once contact with the eye happens this is followed by the contact with the mind in which further processing and thinking is done.