The mirror analogy

The mirror analogy appears across traditions to point to the nature of awareness. Like a mirror, consciousness perfectly reflects all appearances—beautiful and ugly, good and bad—while remaining untouched by any of them.

A mirror does not choose what to reflect, does not cling to pleasant images or reject unpleasant ones. It does not become red when reflecting a rose or dirty when reflecting mud. Its nature remains clear and luminous regardless of content.

Similarly, pure awareness accommodates all experience without preference or resistance. Thoughts, emotions, and sensations arise and pass, but awareness itself is never modified. This understanding brings tremendous freedom—we can welcome all experience knowing it cannot diminish or enhance what we truly are.

Sit quietly and observe whatever arises—thoughts, feelings, sensations. Notice how awareness itself remains constant while contents change. Like a mirror, it receives all reflections without being affected. Rest in this recognition: you are the clear, unchanging awareness, not the passing reflections.

The main obstacle is identifying with particular reflections and forgetting the mirror itself. Another is using the analogy to create detachment or indifference, rather than recognizing natural freedom. The mirror analogy points to liberation, not suppression.