In one sense we are born alone and die alone, but that’s not all there is to the story - its a story that continues beyond the surface layer of reality. We are always surrounded by life - life which displays a conscious spark of energy as it's symptom which may change form, but is never destroyed.
Life is a story also of how we relate to everything and everyone in our sphere of experience - which gives meaning between apparent bookends, and influences one's present and future realities. Reality and relationships are connected.
Reality, like any good story either factual or fictional, has many layers and levels of significance.
Scientists readily admit that only so much is known about the physical body, and that even less is known about personal consciousness.
Whether one believes consciousness survives the eventual demise of the body or not, everyone agrees that one’s consciousness exists and is the vehicle by which one perceives present reality.
At times we are conscious of our body primarily. At other times we are more consciously focused on a having conversation, or reading a book, watching a movie, listening to music, or planning something which includes thinking, feeling and willing of some future action.
The physical body with its five senses feeds information to the mind which may act impulsively for immediate gratification or not, depending on one’s intelligence and free will choices. The mind usually pushes for what’s easy, while the intelligence considers what may be best, even if not easy.
The sensory information received in the mind (sometimes called the 6th sense) may be considered as data for a more subtle part of consciousness to analyze - categorized (in yoga texts) as the intelligence. It is one’s intelligence which performs a secondary but immediate review of what the senses have dictated to the mind.
The function of intelligence is to analyze the mind’s data, uniquely for problem solving and considered action; to make the hard choices.
The rub is sometimes where the invisible mind and separate invisible intelligence disagree - regarding a choice to act or not on the mind’s proposals. The mind immediately indicates yes or no, and the intelligence if present, considers the best outcome. If the intelligence is strong enough or developed enough it can override the mind when necessary.
It is the choices we make which determine our personal reality, present and future. No matter what the external world offers, one’s internal choices and reactions play a huge part in shaping one’s present and future reality.
It is said the highest knowledge or intelligence, is to understand what is matter, what is spirit or consciousness, and who is the controller of both.
It’s also said that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. In proportion to the student’s sincerity to understand, a bona fide teacher can reveal what is matter, what is spirit and the nature of the controlling source of both matter and spirit.
Many believe our temporary life on earth is like a classroom or assigned course study in which to learn and apply gained wisdom which grows one’s consciousness to it’s fullest potential - the fullest potential being a reconnection to Source of all life, knowledge and ever-increasing bliss.
This reconnection is by means of conscious interaction, meant to be experienced here and now, as well as beyond the body’s expiry date.
This blissful awareness is experienced in one’s personal consciousness. It is consciousness which pervades one’s present body and outlasts it. The life-energy behind consciousness is never destroyed - it simply changes form.
As for the purpose of consciousness itself? To experience and exchange love with the Source of all consciousness and love.
It is understood by mystics of many traditions that one’s consciousness, although conditioned by material conceptions at present, is actually the symptom of one’s spiritual essence or soul which is already eternal, knowledgeable and blissful - in it’s pure state minus material coverings.
Each eternal spark of Source energy has the free will to determine its own path - either toward reconnection to eternal blissful spiritual reality, or eternal separation in materially housed conceptions, birth after birth as an alternative shifting reality.
Experiencing the ultimate reality, by being re-connected to loving one’s loving Source - the Source of all truth, beauty and lasting happiness - is truly an internal affair worth having.