When the sense gates close, awareness turns inward. You can say consciousness becomes a conference room of the mind. And the council of ideas and emotions argue and debate.

When the sense gates close, awareness tunes inward. You don’t listen to the external world but hears the sound of mind instead. You don’t look at the external world but sees the sight of mind instead.

With inner awareness, you can observe your own mind in action. You learn from the council of ideas and emotions conferencing in your mind. You gain wisdom.