Our story
Consciousness is the profound awareness that shapes every facet of our existence, influencing how we think, feel and perceive the world around us. It is the essence of who we are, acting as a bridge between our inner selves and the greater universe, offering insights into the nature of reality. From experiencing emotions to making decisions, consciousness is the foundation of life itself, enabling both personal growth and transformation. Yet, one of the most perplexing and unresolved questions in both science and philosophy is: How can a physical system as seemingly inert as the brain and nervous system give rise to the rich, subjective first-person experiences that constitute our consciousness?
This central mystery, referred to as the “hard problem of consciousness,” was coined by philosopher David Chalmers to describe the difficulty in understanding how physical processes in the brain lead to the qualitative, subjective experience of being aware (qualia). While modern neuroscience has made great strides in mapping the brain’s complex neural activity and correlating it with behaviours and experiences, it has yet to provide a concrete explanation for how the physical brain generates these deeply personal experiences. Despite technological advancements and increasing knowledge about the brain’s functions, the question of how consciousness arises from neural activity remains elusive.
Several theories propose that consciousness may not be merely an emergent property of neural activity but rather a fundamental aspect of the universe itself, much like space, time, or energy. Among these, Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and insights from quantum mechanics suggest that consciousness could be intrinsic to the fabric of reality, rather than something created by complex neural interactions. This idea challenges the traditional materialistic view of consciousness as a byproduct of the brain’s processes, opening the door to new possibilities for understanding the nature of awareness.
From the perspective of Advaita Vedanta, consciousness is not merely a byproduct of the brain or a separate phenomenon; it is the singular, nondual reality that underlies all existence. Advaita Vedanta proposes that both the brain and the external world are mere expressions of a singular, all-encompassing consciousness. Just as a dreamer creates both the dreamer and the dream world, consciousness itself is the source of both the self and the universe, with no true separation between them. This nondual perspective shifts the paradigm from viewing consciousness as an isolated occurrence to understanding it as the foundational essence of reality itself.
When we recognize consciousness as the core of existence, it offers a radical shift in how we perceive the world and ourselves. This perspective could be seen as akin to the long-sought “theory of everything” in physics, a unified explanation that ties together all aspects of reality. Just as scientists seek to connect physical phenomena into one comprehensive theory, understanding consciousness as the fundamental essence of all existence may reveal deeper connections between mind, matter, and the cosmos. Such a shift in understanding could not only provide insights into the nature of consciousness but also offer a framework for addressing the world’s most pressing issues, from environmental degradation to social conflict and human suffering. By recognizing consciousness as the root of all reality, we transcend the separations that divide individuals, cultures, and the natural world, fostering unity and cooperation toward global solutions.