In the quest to define Awareness, a significant challenge arises when we consider it as more than just "awareness of" something—like being an observer. What, then, can we truly say Awareness is?

I've intentionally moved away from the conventional metaphor of a mirror, as it can hinder our understanding and block the path to genuine liberation. Metaphors can sometimes clarify concepts, but Awareness is not a tangible entity in that sense. It is merely an abstract quality reflecting our experiences—specifically, the fact that we are aware of them. This perception is flawed; it views "awareness" as a conceptualization of being aware of something else, which is inherently self-referential.

The true comprehension is that we cannot separate our experiences from our existence. It's akin to claiming that your toe operates independently of the rest of your body, which simply isn't accurate.

Throughout this discussion, I've mentioned "knowing presence," and it's crucial to refine our understanding of both terms. "Knowing" should not be interpreted as cognitive recognition but rather as synonymous with "naturing"—that is, we come to know something through our actions. I aim to broaden this interpretation to include the meditative insight that all phenomena are not distinct from the awareness of them.

This exploration can lead to circular reasoning. Additionally, "presence" should be understood in terms of "being present to" something. For instance, when a teacher asks a distracted student, “Are you with us?” they are referring to being engaged in the moment.

However, this phrasing can easily mislead one into thinking it implies simply paying attention. The intent is to invoke the presence of the current moment concerning what appears before us—where does it appear? Attempting to articulate the ineffable can lead us astray, but it manifests in the Now.

These complexities have prompted me to seek a physical phenomenon that can metaphorically illustrate what I'm attempting to convey, given the challenges of explaining the ineffable.

The concept I keep returning to is piezoelectricity. Most readers, regardless of their background, may be unfamiliar with this term, yet I bet you possess items nearby that rely on this phenomenon to function.

The term "piezo" comes from the Greek word "piezein," which means to press or squeeze. Fascinatingly, certain crystalline materials, like Tourmaline, generate an electric potential when deformed—effectively squeezing electrons within the material. Conversely, applying an electric charge can cause deformation.

Importantly, the electrical potential isn't an addition to the material; it's a consequence of physical stress displacing its integral electrons. When an electrical current is applied, it also causes deformation without altering the material itself—only its shape.

This phenomenon becomes particularly useful when exposed to vibrations, such as when speaking into a microphone. The vibrations create electrical potentials that fluctuate in sync with your voice, which the device amplifies and transmits. Piezoelectric devices have various applications, from phonograph pickups to electric toothbrushes.

Metaphorically, I propose that the material represents something like your body, while the electric current symbolizes awareness. What happens to the body influences awareness because it embodies it, and vice versa—changes in awareness can lead to physical responses.

I've been hesitant to use this metaphor, as I see numerous issues with its physicality, and I spent seven and a half years considering its implications before sharing it.

The challenge lies in the ineffability of the concept. Attempting to articulate what cannot be named or described while using a physical metaphor can lead to misconceptions. When I state that all manifesting phenomena are activities of awareness—not merely 'of something' but 'doing something'—it can mislead. Reaching down to your presumed understanding can inadvertently obscure the teaching.

People might interpret this to mean, "Awareness is the Mind, and the Mind thinks," thereby conflating awareness with thoughts and ideas. My response would be that awareness simply "is."

Yet, this doesn't clarify the concept. I might further attempt to explain that awareness "matters," suggesting it undergoes transformations. However, this leads to confusion, as some may reason that if awareness doesn't become something, it must be distinct from everything else, which is a flawed circular argument.

Ultimately, awareness doesn't transform; it encompasses everything. It "is" everything. But this statement often leads to more confusion, as I find myself going in circles—introducing terms that lack clear definitions.

Thus, I grasp the essence of my Piezo Metaphor™. Awareness can be likened to a field, akin to an electromagnetic field surrounding a wire, present throughout the universe yet often imperceptible.

You might argue that we can measure electromagnetic fields, but that's not observing the field itself; we observe effects produced by scientific principles. For instance, when you place iron filings on paper over a magnet, you see the filings move—not the magnetic field, which is an abstraction inferred from observable phenomena.

Over time, many have recognized that awareness is something fundamental to life, manifesting through various activities. However, unlike the meter or iron filings, awareness is the sole medium of this activity—its manifestations are directly experienced.

Imagine holding a crystal exhibiting a piezoelectric effect. Squeezing it generates an electrical charge, resembling the experience of an electromagnetic field. If we apply an electric charge to the crystal, it will deform as if acted upon by an unseen force.

You may not have witnessed this directly, but every time you ignite your gas stove, a piezoelectric crystal generates a spark, illustrating the principle in action.

In summary, awareness is akin to the crystal. I'm not suggesting that awareness is the crystal; rather, the crystal exemplifies what awareness does. Interaction with the crystal alters awareness, which we refer to as "feeling." Thus, awareness embodies the crystal, and any influence on the crystal modifies awareness, resulting in feelings.

Do you grasp the metaphor's essence?

I foresee significant issues with this analogy; it may not resonate with everyone since it describes a phenomenon beyond our innate ability to comprehend. This reflects a broader issue in modern technology, where we engage with natural phenomena that exceed our sensory resolution.

While piezoelectric effects are integrated into many artifacts, these are human-made, and likening our awareness to such constructs feels like comparing apples to smartphones.

Metaphors are meant to evoke intended meanings, yet they can also foster misconceptions that hinder understanding. A metaphor only succeeds if it draws from natural experiences. However, finding a specific natural phenomenon that encapsulates awareness is a futile endeavor. Awareness remains an abstract concept, existing outside of tangible reality. Yet, it points to an evident quality present in all experiences—after the fact.

Instead of seeking a metaphor for an abstraction, look within for what genuinely exists. Upon doing so, you'll realize that every natural entity serves as direct evidence of truth. Using any natural phenomenon as a metaphor for awareness is misleading; you cannot dissociate awareness from existence, as the aspect of your lived experiences sought through metaphor isn't there.

How can a metaphor for an abstraction—a quality imposed upon rational perception, grounded in pre-existing understandings—lead to truth? It distances us from lived experience, rendering it nearly meaningless.

The Buddha once held up a flower during a teaching session, with one disciple, Kashyapa, smiling in realization. This event is known as "The Flower Sermon."

In ancient times, at Vulture Peak, Buddha displayed a flower to the assembly. Everyone fell silent, except for Kashyapa, who smiled. Buddha proclaimed, “I possess the treasury of the eye of truth, the ineffable mind of nirvana, the most subtle teachings on the formlessness of reality. This wisdom cannot be conveyed in words; it is transmitted outside doctrine. I entrust it to Kashyapa the Elder.”

If Buddha had instead ignited a lighter, he would have merely impressed those with weaker minds.

“See? Awareness is akin to this lighter!”

Avoid that pitfall. Seek the real truth for yourself, allowing others to discover theirs.