Consciousness is the only reality

 Sage Vasishtha

THE LORD continued:

By identification with its own object, consciousness seems to reduce itself to the state of thinking or worrying: even as impure gold looks like copper until it is purified, when it shines like gold. By self-forgetfulness on the part of the infinite consciousness the notion of the universe arises, but this unreality ceases when there is self-knowledge.

When consciousness becomes aware of itself within itself, the ego-sense arises. With just a little movement though, this ego-sense (which in truth is nothing other than consciousness) falls down as a rock rolls down the mountainside. However, even then it is consciousness alone that is the reality in all forms and all experiences. The movement of the vital airs brings about vision within and an object which is apparently outside. But the experiencing of sight (the seeing itself) is the pure (supreme) consciousness! The apparently inert vital air which is the tactile sensation comes into contact with its object and there is the sense of touch. But the awareness of the tactile sensation is again pure consciousness. In the same way it is the vital air (prana) that enables the nose to smell the scents which are modifications of the same energy, while the awareness of the smell is pure consciousness. If the mind is not associated with the sense of hearing, no hearing is possible. Again, it is pure consciousness that is the experience of hearing.

Action springs from thought, thought is the function of the mind, mind is conditioned consciousness, but consciousness is unconditioned! The universe is but a reflection in consciousness (like the scenery is reflected in a crystal ball) but consciousness is not conditioned by such reflections. Jiva is the vehicle of the consciousness, ego-sense is the vehicle of jiva, intelligence of ego-sense, mind of intelligence, prana of the mind, the senses of prana, the body of the senses and motion is the vehicle of the body. Such motion is karma. Because prana is the vehicle for the mind, where the prana takes it the mind goes. But when the mind is merged in the spiritual heart, prana does not move. And if the prana does not move, the mind attains a quiescent state. Where the prana goes the mind follows it, even as the rider goes where the vehicle goes. 

The reflection of consciousness within itself is known as puryashtaka. Mind alone is puryashtaka, though others have described it more elaborately (as composed of the five elements, the inner instruments-mind, buddhi, ego-sense and chitta-prana, the organs of action, the senses, ignorance, desire, and karma or action). It is also known as the linga sharira, the subtle body. Since all this arise in consciousness, exist in consciousness and dissolve in consciousness, that consciousness alone is the reality.