Expert: Stuart Resnick - 11/14/2007

Question
I have recently started to believe in the Buddha's lessons once again, but I have a few questions I cannot find an answer to: where, in Buddhism, does the consciousness begin? If we use the term 'soul', how did it become possibly for consciousness to be reborn and when did it come into being? Were all our minds always there, just as with the universe?

My second is: is the human 'auric field' recognised in Buddhism?

Thanks for reading these.

Answer
Consciousness begins right now, because this moment, like it or not, is precisely all we've got. So wake up to this moment, that's all. What do you see? What do you hear? What are you doing? Soul, consciousness, auric fields... those are just thinking, just ideas. Put down all thinking, all ideas, and wake up to your just-now experience.

The heart of your living experience of this moment can't be *understood*. Just perceive it, and then act with clarity and compassion. That's all.