Whence arises consciousness?

As far as the great mystics of all ages including the Buddha, have been able to ascertain, consciousness does not depend upon a material substrate. That is to say, consciousness does not arise out of matter. Rather the opposite, they take great pains to try and explain to us using language inadequate to the task.

In spite of all the various confused misinterpretations, we actually do have an emerging understanding of how this is so, developing in the field of quantum theory.

Just as those of us without the natural inclination to deep mystical realisation cannot hope to grasp what on earth the mystics are talking about, so too with those of us not naturally inclined toward quantum realisation. However, for those with "the eyes to see", nothing could be clearer.

How we work toward making this level of realisation available to more minds remains to be seen. As with true mystic insight, it requires dedicated practice to really 'see' the Truth, which once truly known can be seen through any lens.