[gerbilly]

I don't see the big deal either.

Our brain is able to observe some of its own functioning and that is called consciousness. We can only observe a tiny fraction of that functioning, mind you.

Practising Buddhists, who train at observing the mind, have categorized the same 5 senses as the western tradition does, but they also add a sixth sense that perceives 'mental formations.' The sixth sense isn't more magical than sight or smell, or hearing.

With training one can extend the range of the internal brain mechanisms we can observe. It's called 'expanding your consciousness' a really straightforward concept. Not some wishy washy trippy experience.