Understanding the nature of consciousness is the key to understanding the whole of reality. It is not that mind has emerged from matter but rather that consciousness and matter are dual aspects of a much greater reality. Beyond the simplistic notion of duality that is so entrenched in Western philosophies, there is a deeper and more profound way to comprehend the nature of our existence. We are parts within a wider whole. We do not exist as separate beings within the Universe, we are parts of the Universe itself.The theory outlined in Consciousness and Evolution turns orthodox explanations for the evolution of mind upside down. It is not matter that has created consciousness but rather it is consciousness that has moulded matter and created intelligent beings like ourselves.In order to understand why we are here, and to live our lives as fully as we might, we must seek to address the issue at the very core of our being: the existence of mind itself.