Avasthātraya: Deeper insights
Prof. Kakali Ghosh
The Upaniṣads, or Vedānta, are a pinnacle of Indian philosophical thought, profoundly influencing intellectual and spiritual pursuits throughout history. Their essence lies in the quest for understanding ultimate truth, impacting both Indian knowledge systems and global perspectives on consciousness. They describe pure consciousness, referred to as Ātman or Brahman, as eternal and all-pervading. Individual beings, unaware of their true nature due to various limitations, can realize their essence as pure consciousness by transcending three states: Jāgaritasthāna (waking), Svapnasthāna (dreaming), and Suṣuptasthāna (deep sleep). These states, beyond ordinary sleep and wakefulness, are steps toward realizing supreme reality, paralleling the stages of Samādhi in the Pātañjala Yogasūtra.The ultimate aim for individuals is not merely achieving worldly success or heavenly pleasures but seeking the eternal Truth. This quest is articulated in the Upaniṣads, which define it as the realization of the self (Ātman) through a process involving Śravaṇa (listening), Manana (reflection), and Nididhyāsana (meditation). The Māṇḍūkyopaniṣad describes the Ātman as manifesting in four states, with the fourth being the ultimate goal, which individuals reach by progressing through the first three.In the waking state (Jāgaritasthāna), consciousness engages with the external world, forming the basis for initial self-realization through listening and learning. This state aligns with the Savitarka and Nirvitarka stages of Saṁprajñāta Samādhi, where meditation on gross objects occurs, aiding in mindful listening and comprehension.The dreaming state (Svapnasthāna) involves inward cognition, where the mind processes impressions from the waking state, serving as a stage for deeper reflection. It corresponds to the Savicāra and Nirvicāra stages of Saṁprajñāta Samādhi, where meditation shifts to subtler objects. In this state, the mind’s luminous nature reflects on these impressions, paralleling the process of Manana, or mindful logical thinking.Finally, in the deep sleep state (Suṣuptasthāna), the mind dissolves, unifying with pure consciousness, free from desires and dreams. This state represents a profound experience of bliss and corresponds to the Sānanda and Sāsmita stages of Saṁprajñāta Samādhi, where bliss and pure ego are the focus. This deep meditative state parallels Nididhyāsana, the uninterrupted meditation stream leading to ultimate self-realization.Thus, the Upaniṣads guide individuals through a transformative journey of consciousness, emphasizing a structured approach to achieving the highest spiritual truth through mindful practices and inner exploration, closely mirrored in the stages of yoga.
