A common sense exploration of modern metaphysics, including science, freedom, interpretation, yoga, and a single-sentence characterization of "Reality".
Single-sentence Characterization of "Reality" (and even "Spirituality"):
Sensations, Distinctions, Interpretations, then Preferences in Time by (human) Continuity of Consciousness (which is provided/demanded by the DNA molecule) as part of a field of energy (perhaps similar to the dozen or so basic kinds of energy fields and energy packets currently described by Science), like two hands drawing each other (the universe creates [via evolution] the DNA and the DNA "creates" [via interpretation] the universe as we see it).
[Note: There might not be an objective reality independent of the observer. Perhaps all this is just a zero-sum energy field which doesn’t even exist as a whole but appears to exist, including even space and time, only if one takes a perspective of some part of it (such as comes with the DNA). The DNA/Science perspective seems to have great consistency and utility, but maybe only if seen from that particular perspective!]
A complementary viewpoint, as brought forth on another page, provides additional insight into the role of interpretation in determining "Reality":
The energy of the sun
Dancing upon the surface of the planet "earth"
In the form of Life
Is composed of separate components (humans)
Only in the sense that they conceive themselves as such.
Single-sentence sufficient conditions for "Consciousness":
Once a grouping of whatever (in our case brain cells) reaches sufficient complexity and intra-communicativeness, receives inputs (sensations in our case) that differentiate itself from the rest of the universe, is sufficiently motivated (in our case DNA-mandated pain, desire, etc.) and has the capability to act in the universe (in our case muscles and bones), then that grouping will form a model, Context or framework of the universe for purposes of predicting the (favorable, per interpretations and preferences) results of action, and thereby will (with sufficient experience) consider itself to be "Conscious" (as the Context as a whole is modeled as a part of the Context).
[Note: This Context (or Consciousness) is constantly watching changes (such as sensations and thoughts), distinctions between the various changes, and interpretations of (or feelings about) the changes and distinctions, and thereby adding to itself. Yoga and meditation is when you attempt to observe the Context undisturbed by reducing (and eventually eliminating for some period of time) additional changes and interpretations. At that time you see the stabilized Context and that it is the Context doing the seeing, and that the Context (or Consciousness) is in fact the core "you". At other times you see (and for all intents and purposes are!) the normal inputs and interpretations of the moment as you identify with each in turn.]
[Note 2: Feelings about things (such as love, hate, chagrin, optimism, etc.) are actually generalized interpretations, where the brain successively wires in its preferred reactions to events in a modal or resonant manner, involving ever more sophisticated combinations of brain cell connections and weightings. These hardwired biases can be changed to some extent by using meditation to quiet them for a time for unbiased observation and subsequent evaluation and modification. (The brain actually changes its wiring connections and weightings {from what we inherit with our DNA} with experience and repeated use of a particular type, so that preferred interpretations and feelings can be "cultivated" as desired.)]
