○Consciousness [4]

     Acquiring things, embarking on journeys, possessing high abilities, and gaining recognition all generate temporary joys and sorrows, as an unconscious life repeats this cycle. If one realizes this, it becomes easier to engage in activities without attachment.

    Ultimately, all human beings reach a state of consciousness. Until then, they experience gains and losses, happiness and sadness in a cycle. These experiences are not inherently good or bad. Distinguishing between good and bad is also a product of thoughts. No-mind is not bound by such distinctions.

    In that sense, events in life are neither inherently good nor bad, neither gains nor losses, but neutral. By learning from these events, one can progress to the next stage, and if one fails to learn, similar events will repeat themselves.

    As the depth of realization increases, the time spent in no-mind increases, and the state of consciousness expands. The degree of realization influences the events that occur in one's life and the decisions made at that moment. As the depth of realization deepens, one distances themselves from desires and anger. Every event that occurs in life is also an experience for deepening realization.

    As no-mind becomes habitual, one becomes more aware of spontaneous thoughts and naturally gravitates towards no-mind.

    In a marathon, some aim to reach the finish line quickly, while others focus on completing the race regardless of time. In the end, everyone reaches the same goal. Similarly, humans, regardless of how slowly they progress, ultimately arrive at the same fundamental consciousness.

    The ego fears losing itself or getting hurt, which is why it fears death. In a state of consciousness, there is no fear of death, nor even the concept of death itself. Premature death is not considered bad, and the notion that living longer is better does not exist. The ego clings to life and death. In the state of no-mind, there is no concept of birth or death. In other words, there is no birth or death in consciousness. Consciousness has been there all along, continuously existing. That is the fundamental essence of human beings.