By Prana Lite 
Imagine a set of Russian nested dolls, known as Matryoshka dolls, each one meticulously crafted to fit perfectly inside the next. The largest doll opens to reveal a slightly smaller one, which in turn houses an even smaller doll, and so on, down to the tiniest figure hidden at the very center. These beautifully painted figures provide more than just a visual delight—they offer us a profound and accessible metaphor for understanding the nature of reality of both the universe and ourselves.
Each doll represents a layer of existence, starting from the most expansive—the universe—and moving inward to the most intimate—our body, mind and the essence of our consciousness. The traditional view of reality, much like these dolls, sees the universe as the grand container, encompassing galaxies, solar systems, planets, and ultimately, our individual selves. Our body is seen as a vessel for our mind, and our mind as a vessel for our consciousness. This is the material model, where the universe is the largest and most encompassing entity, and consciousness is the smallest and most personal.
But what if we consider reversing this perspective? What if, instead of the universe containing everything, it is our consciousness that holds all of existence within it? This shift in viewpoint suggests that the vast universe, with all its complexity, is an experience arising within the limitless field of our awareness. Could it be that consciousness is not just a tiny spark buried within the multiple layers of existence but is, in fact, the largest, most inclusive “doll” of all? What if, instead of seeing consciousness as confined within the body, you saw the body as existing within consciousness?
But don’t take my word for it, just start exploring this possibility yourself.
Not Located in Space
So let’s delve deeper. In the material model, the universe is the largest entity, housing all smaller elements within it, including the smallest element we call consciousness or awareness. But consider the nature of consciousness—the awareness that is reading these words right now. This awareness isn’t something you can locate in physical space; it’s not contained by your body or your brain. Rather, all your experiences, thoughts, sensations, and perceptions occur within this consciousness.
To understand why consciousness cannot be located, let’s use a simple exercise. Close your eyes and try to find the exact place where your awareness resides. You might naturally think it is in your head, perhaps behind your eyes or within your brain. But let’s examine this closely.
Imagine you’re trying to find the “spot” where you feel aware. If you focus on the feeling of awareness itself, you’ll notice that it doesn’t seem to be in one specific place. Instead, it feels like a vast, open space where all your experiences—thoughts, feelings, and perceptions—are happening.
Now, consider a thought or a sensation. For instance, think about the sound of music playing. You might identify the source of the sound as coming from your speakers, but the actual experience of hearing the music is occurring in your awareness. Similarly, when you have a thought, you might associate it with your mind or brain, but the thought itself is something you are aware of within this vast, open space of consciousness.
Trying to locate consciousness is like trying to find the exact place where space exists. Space itself isn’t an object that can be pinpointed; it’s the context in which all objects exist. In the same way, consciousness isn’t an object you can find within your body or brain; it’s the context in which all your experiences occur.
Think about this: you can identify objects within a room—like a chair, a table, or a lamp—but you can’t grasp the room’s space. The space is necessary for the objects to exist, yet it isn’t an object itself. Similarly, consciousness is the “space” in which all your experiences—sounds, sights, thoughts, and sensations—arise. It is not an object within the physical world that can be seen or touched.
While the space of the room may seem confined by the walls, floor, and ceiling, space itself is not limited to these boundaries. The room’s walls merely give shape to an otherwise boundless space. In reality, space continues beyond the walls, seamlessly connecting with the space outside. In the same way, consciousness is not confined by the physical boundaries of the body or the mind. It is a limitless field that extends beyond any perceived limits, encompassing all experiences without being restricted by them.
Shift of Perception
By reflecting on your own experience, you can see that consciousness is not something confined to a particular location. It’s a limitless, all-encompassing field that contains every experience you have. This understanding shifts our perspective, helping us realize that consciousness is the largest “doll” in the nested hierarchy, encompassing everything else, including the universe itself.
Reflect on your own direct experience. When you hear a sound, where is that sound actually occurring? While your mind might tell you the sound is coming from outside, from a specific location, the actual experience of hearing the sound is happening within your awareness. The same applies to sights, smells, tastes, and sensations. They all arise within the boundless field of consciousness.
By understanding that consciousness cannot be located in physical space, we begin to see that it is not limited by the physical boundaries of our body or the confines of our brain. Instead, it is the infinite, all-encompassing space in which every aspect of our existence unfolds. This realization shifts our perspective from seeing consciousness as a small, confined spark within the vast universe to recognizing it as the limitless container of all experiences, including the universe itself.
In this light, consciousness emerges as the largest “doll” in the nested hierarchy, containing every possible experience—thoughts, bodily sensations, perceptions of the world, and the vast expanse of the cosmos. This shift from a matter-based model to a consciousness-based model invites us to explore the profound interconnectedness and unity of all that exists, recognizing that the true nature of reality is far more expansive and inclusive than we ever imagined.
The Connection to “I”
Most people identify themselves with their body, their thoughts, their character, and their personality. They say, “I am my body,” “I am my thoughts,” or “I am my personality.” These aspects seem to define who we are and shape our sense of self. However, these identifications are limited and change over time. Our bodies age, our thoughts evolve, and our personalities shift in response to experiences.
Yet, there is something about us that remains constant despite these changes. This constant is our sense of being, our awareness.
As we explore the idea that everything is experienced inside and by consciousness, it leads us to consider the sense of “I” that experiences everything. This “I” seems to go beyond just our body, thoughts, and sensations, pointing instead to the awareness that knows them all. This “I” can be thought of as the conscious presence that perceives and experiences everything within it.
Take a moment to reflect on your sense of “I am.” This feeling of being, of existence, remains constant even as thoughts, emotions, and external circumstances change. This “I” appears to be a stable, unchanging awareness in which all experiences arise, the consciousness that is aware of every sight, sound, thought, and sensation.
By considering that everything is experienced within consciousness, we start to see a connection between this consciousness and our sense of “I.” This “I” that is always present and aware seems not to be confined by the body or mind but instead feels like the limitless awareness containing all experiences.
This connection between consciousness and the “I” is not just a theoretical concept but something that can be directly observed in your own experience. Notice how the “I” you identify with is the same awareness in which all experiences arise. This awareness, this consciousness, may be your true nature. Recognizing this can profoundly transform how you see yourself and your place in the world
Old mind patterns
Despite this recognition, you might find that your mind has a hard time grasping this concept and tends to deny it. This resistance is natural because the mind is accustomed to identifying with the tangible aspects of existence—our bodies, thoughts, and emotions. These are concrete, easily perceivable, and have been reinforced throughout our lives as the basis of our identity.
The idea that our true nature is an intangible, limitless awareness contradicts the mind’s habitual patterns. The mind likes to categorize and label, to fit everything into neat, understandable boxes. But consciousness, the field in which all experiences arise, cannot be confined to a box. It’s not an object the mind can easily grasp or locate.
Consider your own experience: you know you have a body, thoughts, and feelings. But you also know that you are aware of these things. This awareness is consistent, even as the objects of your awareness change. The mind may resist this understanding because it is not something it can control or define. Yet, if you observe closely, your direct experience continuously points to this unchanging awareness.
To help bridge this gap, try to gently question the assumptions the mind holds about your identity. Ask yourself: “Am I aware of my body, thoughts, and emotions? Or am I the awareness in which these arise?” By repeatedly bringing your attention to this question, you can begin to loosen the mind’s grip on its old patterns of identification of who you think you truly are.
Beyond Intellectual Understanding
Remember, this truth based on the reversed Matryoshka doll metaphor is not just an interesting theory or high-flying philosophy. It is deeply rooted in your direct, everyday experience. Every time you notice a thought, feel a sensation, or perceive the world around you, you are directly encountering the boundless nature of your own consciousness. This understanding isn’t something abstract—it’s something you can observe and confirm within your own lived experience, moment by moment.
Recognizing this can profoundly transform how you see yourself and your place in the world. Over time, you may begin to experience your day-to-day reality in a completely new way. Imagine gradually feeling a deep sense of connection and unity with everything around you, realizing that the boundaries between yourself and the universe are not as solid as they once seemed. This shift in perspective may take time, and it will unfold gradually, bringing with it a growing sense of peace, belonging, and harmony in your daily life. As this understanding deepens, it can fundamentally change your relationship with others, with the world, and with yourself, leading to a more integrated and fulfilling existence.
Don’t take my word for it; find out yourself! 🙂
