Four states of Consciousness
Four states of Consciousness (Mandukya Upanishad) 1. Waking State (Jāgrat) The waking state is characterized by outward awareness, where the self experiences the gross material world through the senses. 2. Dream State (Svapna) The dream state is defined by inward awareness. Consciousness turns away from the external world and creates its own reality using subconscious impressions and memories. 3. Deep Sleep State (Suṣupti) This is the state of dreamless sleep, where there are no desires, thoughts, or perceptions. It is a unified, peaceful state described as a "mass of cognition" and a "sphere of spiritual perception". 4. Transcendental State (Turīya) Turīya means "the fourth." It is not a state among others but the fundamental ground of pure consciousness that underlies and transcends the previous three states. It is the realization of the true self (Atman) as one with ultimate reality (Brahman) (Source Britannica) Compiled by Ms Naresh kuwar