Proof

     What is the proof that what we call “mind” is the functioning of pure consciousness? There are some that suppose mind to be something different from consciousness, but this is a mistaken notion.   It can be proven that thoughts (mind) are a function of consciousness by anyone willing to do a little introspection.  It can be noticed that when attention is lax, not focused on some particular object of interest, or not engaged in purposeful thinking, that thoughts arise apparently out of nowhere.  They just appear automatically.   But when attention is actively directed to waiting vigilantly for thoughts to arise so they can be inspected, then no thoughts will arise.   This is because consciousness cannot be split absolutely into a perceiving and a perceived, or what is called a subject perceiving an object. Thoughts are objects, nonetheless, mental objects, that can be “remembered” a split second after they have arisen, or maybe an hour or a day or many years have passed; then a thought may be suddenly remembered. Thoughts appear in consciousness itself in these two ways, either automated thoughts when attention is passive and lax, or willfully directed thoughts, when thinking purposefully.   Consciousness appears to split itself into two aspects, a pure perceiver and that which is perceived (in the mind). Consciousness is able to morph itself into images in mind, to reflect itself and its information back to itself, to see into itself and its functions, the mind.   Shall we also consider that, after a diligent introspection into this matter of mind and consciousness being one, perhaps also physical objects are made of the same stuff as that which becomes images and thoughts in mind?  All there really is is consciousness.