Waking, dreaming, deep sleep, Turiya, ~ Ravikesh Jha

Consciousness is a fascinating subject that has fascinated philosophers, scientists, and spiritual seekers alike. In many Eastern philosophies, consciousness is described through four different levels: waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and turiya. Each level offers unique insights into the human experience and our understanding of reality. If we make meditation our friend, we can understand all four levels, just by following the path of meditation and awareness.

The Waking State.

The first level, Jagrut, refers to the waking state of consciousness. This is the everyday awareness we experience when we are awake and interacting with the world around us. During this state, our senses are fully engaged, and we perceive physical reality in its entirety. Jagrut is characterized by a sense of individuality and a connection to the external environment. In this state, we can see, hear, touch, and live in the conscious mind. In this state, we process information through our sensory organs, allowing us to navigate and react to the environment around us. This is the state where most of our learning and decision-making takes place. However, this is also where distractions and stress can easily take over, affecting our overall health.

The Dream State.

Dreams affect the dream state, where the mind experiences a different kind of reality while the body is at rest. This mind is connected to the subconscious mind. The boundaries of time and space become fluid at this level of consciousness. Dreams are vivid and often surreal experiences. Dreams can be a rich source of insight, creativity, and emotional processing. This state sheds light on how consciousness can transcend the boundaries of physical reality. Many cultures believe that dreams provide a window into the subconscious mind, revealing hidden desires or unresolved issues. Understanding dreams aids in personal growth and self-awareness. The dream state is like seeing our face in a glass or seeing the sky in a river.

Sushupti: The state of deep sleep.

Sushupti represents the state of deep sleep, characterized by the absence of dreams and a profound sense of relaxation. In this state, consciousness merges with a sense of peace and tranquility. The mind is free of thoughts, fears or desires, offering a glimpse of the silence behind our waking and dreaming experiences. The unconscious connects with the mind. We are not aware of the body, just deep sleep. During Sushupti, the body undergoes essential repair processes, which contribute to physical health and mental rejuvenation. It is often considered a state of pure potential, where the soul connects with its true essence.

Turiya: The transcendental state.

Turiya is described as the fourth level of consciousness, beyond the other three states. It is often referred to as the state of pure consciousness or enlightenment. He continues to observe the three minds. He becomes one. The body is asleep but he is awake, just a witness. In Turiya, the individual transcends personal identity and ego and experiences a sense of unity with the universe. This state is not limited to sleep or waking, but is considered an underlying reality that encompasses all. Attaining Turiya is seen as the ultimate goal in many spiritual traditions, representing the realization of one’s true nature and relationship with God.

Exploring these four levels provides valuable insight into the nature of consciousness and our place in the universe. By understanding waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and Turiya, individuals can deepen their self-awareness and enhance their spiritual journey. The journey through each of the levels is both personal and universal, reflecting the complexity and beauty of human consciousness. Embracing this journey can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious life.

Meditation is the only thing that acquaints you with all the four levels, but we start considering the paths told by others as our scriptures and become parrots, instead of living on our own experiences. We have to focus on our own experiences, only then will we move towards perfection and emptiness. But we are not even awake yet, Jagrut means an awakened person who can see the present and can do everything, but we live in dreams, not in consciousness. We either live in the past or in the future, we are rarely awake, being awake means being fully in the body, but we mostly live in unconsciousness, whatever work we do, we do in unconsciousness. Whatever we experience, we mostly do it in unconsciousness, that is why it is not right to call us awake, we live more in dreams. We live 10% in the conscious mind, 50% in the subconscious and 40% in the unconscious, but those who have reached Turiya or superconsciousness live 100% in consciousness, they are called meditators or awakened persons. There are four types of minds inside you too. Energy passes through four states but due to unconsciousness we are not able to know. This does not mean that there are no four states or four minds. They are there but we are not able to know and are not able to reach them. We have to stay connected with consciousness only then we will be able to rise above the body and mind and walk on the path of satisfaction, unity, non-violence, love and compassion. Right now we are living a reverse life, that is why we are suffering from anger, violence, hatred and lust.

Thank you,
Ravikesh Jha,
🙏❤️