17 Feb Koan 17

Does a rock have consciousness?

Consciousness generally refers to the state of being aware of one’s surroundings, thoughts, feelings, and sensations. It is the subjective experience of being alive and having a sense of self as apart and separate from that which is not one’s self. Yet, what specifically is consciousness has been long debated by philosophers, theologians, linguists, and scientists. No consensus has emerged.

While the meaning of the word “rock” is universally agreed upon, it too is debatable. Is a rock truly an independent thing or a temporary illusion our eyes see in the flow of the everything?

If a rock is an independent thing, it may have consciousness that is beyond our general understanding of consciousness. As an illusion, a rock does not have consciousness.

Ultimately, every thing (including rocks and consciousness) is but an illusion, as all things are one thing: an expression of the everything in the now.