I must say that this should seem a simple enough question to answer but as I see reading through the responses , it follows typical human behavior. The meaning to one differs from that of the other and sides are taken and biases spoken. Some seek answers from their beliefs and stances in life, grounded in this dimension, and others look to metaphysical explanations.

I know what it means to myself when I think of the idea of "awake" but I don't know that I can claim those thoughts as original nor do I need to. I have spent so many years reading and listening to so many gurus and sages that I finally just found meaning in it all. For me that came in the form of balance. Balance is simple, neutral, never pushing, never pulling, always present and mindful without biases. To be in balance is to be awake.

I would also like to leave you with a quote by one of my favorite monk sages. I believe this to be as good of an explanation as any.

“You must be completely awake in the present to enjoy the tea.
Only in the awareness of the present, can your hands feel the pleasant warmth of the cup.
Only in the present, can you savor the aroma, taste the sweetness, appreciate the delicacy.
If you are ruminating about the past, or worrying about the future, you will completely miss the experience of enjoying the cup of tea.
You will look down at the cup, and the tea will be gone.
Life is like that.
If you are not fully present, you will look around and it will be gone.
You will have missed the feel, the aroma, the delicacy and beauty of life.
It will seem to be speeding past you. The past is finished.
Learn from it and let it go.
The future is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not waste your time worrying about it.
Worrying is worthless.
When you stop ruminating about what has already happened, when you stop worrying about what might never happen, then you will be in the present moment.
Then you will begin to experience joy in life.”

― Thich Nhat Hanh

I hope that you enjoyed the quote and if you are not familiar with Thich Nhat Hanh, you may find his work to be worth your time.

Peace,
The Last Sage