Previous chapters have shown that the mind, behavior, and the self are within conventional reality (reality that is subjectively constructed and experienced through psychological functions). This chapter analyzes the nature of consciousness to see where consciousness falls. Giving an operational definition for consciousness remains a challenge in science, so instead of discussing consciousness itself the neural correlates, states (including altered states of consciousness), and contents of consciousness are discussed. Various examples of altered states of consciousness are discussed in more detail (epilepsy, out-of-body and near-death experiences, psychedelics/psychopharmacology, and meditation). A neurobiological and neuropsychological basis for how meditation can lead to realizing the nature of ultimate reality (i.e., awakening) is given. This model involves brain networks, the consciousness system, psychological functions associated with both hemispheres, attention, and other aspects of psychological functioning. This model will be returned to in Chap. 13 . Overall, the conclusion drawn is that all states and contents of consciousness are within conventional reality. As for consciousness itself, a finalized conclusion is difficult to draw mainly because of the vagueness surrounding what exactly consciousness is (as consciousness appears to be irreducible). Depending on the definition (or the lack of one), consciousness could be another form of objective reality or could point toward ultimate reality. Further discussion continues in the next section, as spiritual approaches have more to say about how consciousness relates to ultimate reality (due to being first-person focused) than science currently does.