Are consciousness, awareness & 'knowing' the same?

General discussion of issues related to Theravada Meditation, e.g. meditation postures, developing a regular sitting practice, skillfully relating to difficulties and hindrances, etc.
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delacey
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 2:52 am

Are consciousness, awareness & 'knowing' the same?

Post by delacey »

Hi All,

I am hoping for a helpful person to offer succinct and clear definitions on the differences between consciousness, awareness & 'knowing'?

Cheers,


Delacey
Samma
Posts: 171
Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2013 11:47 pm

Re: Are consciousness, awareness & 'knowing' the same?

Post by Samma »

Clearly they are related, but I would not want to say the same. Perhaps looking into some pali terms will help. If you want succinct just consult a dictionary.

Vijñāna - Consciousness
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vij%C3%B1%C4%81na
Sati - often translated as awareness
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sati_(Buddhism)
Abhijñā - knowing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhij%C3%B1%C4%81
SarathW
Posts: 21226
Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2012 2:49 am

Re: Are consciousness, awareness & 'knowing' the same?

Post by SarathW »

Awarness and knowing can be a mental state. (Consciousness)
According to Abhidhamma there are many types (52 kinds) of consciousness.
It also important you understand the seventeen thought moments and the various level of consciousness.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... el322.html
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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