First let us make it clear that from the Buddha Dharma point of view, neither the conscious Identity self nor the normally unconscious only observing self need a brain in order for expression to take place. It is however able to use transient bi-directional coupling to other operations.
Consciousness is then at best a screen upon which some but not all the elements used in producing attitudes, intentions, readiness to respond and actions -together with a mind-dominated interpretation of any apparent external irritation- are presented.
The human creature, intent upon existence in error, believes that the presentation of data on this screen of consciousness which arises from thinking proves that he exists.
Only a fool would insist that what appears on a computer's monitor proves that the computer exists.
It may prove that we believe that the computer exists but no more.
Nevertheless we can embrace consciousness in a healthy way, for thinking is a precious and useful process, albeit the presentations seen upon the screen of consciousness are illusions.
Our sensations do not reflect what is beyond the apparent human mind and body.
Our discriminations (or emotions) of like, dislike and indifference certainly do not reflect what is beyond.
Our perception of all grasped forms of the five senses only gives names, so that in no way reflects what is beyond.
Our memory is just a storehouse of representational words and experiences.
Our cognition is just the workshop.
The Stream of consciousness at least reflects a small part of what is happening within.
In part then consciousness reflects part of the internal "view" of our own survival process.
SURVIVAL IS LIFE
If we embrace Life we embrace Survival without clinging or craving.
If we really embrace life, then we are life. We are all of life with all its diversification.
Often men speak of not seeing the forest by concentrating upon the trees, or conversely not seeing the trees by concentrating on the forest.
If you embrace life you experience the life that seems particular and you experience the life that is the whole. You accept that you cannot experience what cannot be known, but the experience of life is a glorious event that generates a sublime Awe.
It generates Awe for the first sprouting blade of grass. It generates Awe for the sky and clouds that support all life. It generates Awe for the understanding that we enjoy. It generates Awe for the awareness that has no object and the mindfulness that is also without a target.
It generates Awe just for the illusion of our own apparent existence.
It generates a glorious Awe for all the precious illusions of nature and its diversity of life. Who needs to chase after a false happiness?
It generates Awe for LIFE and no less a precious understanding and joy at the presence of DEATH.
To Die without having Lived appears to be the height of Folly.
All that one has to learn in order to dissolve the strings is to know deeply and profoundly that they never have existed.