What if everything you believe is ‘real’ right now… is actually not real at all? What if, as ancient wisdom suggests, you are not truly awake? This profound question leads us to Turiya, the unbelievable Fourth State of Consciousness, a concept that challenges our very perception of existence.
In this article, based on our latest episode of The Fourth State podcast, K. Hari Kumar explores the three familiar states of human consciousness – Waking, Dreaming, and Dreamless Deep Sleep – before unveiling the profound mystery of Turiya (also known as Chaturya). We dive deep into Hindu philosophy, particularly Vedanta, to understand this ultimate state where everything exists and nothing exists simultaneously.
The Three States of Consciousness: Beyond the Obvious
To truly grasp the essence of Turiya, we must first understand the three states of consciousness that we all navigate every single day. Imagine them as distinct chapters in the story of your mind’s journey.
Jagrat Avastha: The Waking State
For most of us, this is our default reality. Jagrat Avastha is your Waking State. When the sun rises, you step into this bustling world, engaging with everything through your senses – seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling. Your thoughts are active, you perceive objects, and you react to your surroundings. This is your ‘everyday’ reality, where you work, interact with others, and experience the physical world. For most people, this is when they think they are fully awake. Yet, Hindu philosophy suggests that even in this state, our true Self often remains veiled by our engagement with the external world.
Swapna Avastha: The Dream State
When night falls and your body rests, you transition into Swapna Avastha, the Dream State. Here, your physical senses might be at rest, but your mind is incredibly active. It becomes a vibrant artist, painting vivid, often bizarre, worlds within your slumber. It’s a reality unique to you, a realm of inner experiences and subconscious journeys. Unbelievable, isn’t it, how real and impactful dreams can feel, blurring the lines of perception between inner and outer worlds? In this state, the mind is free from the usual rules of waking reality, creating wild and untamed narratives.
Sushupti Avastha: The Deep Sleep State
Finally, in the deepest hours of slumber, we reach Sushupti Avastha – the state of Deep Sleep. In this profound realm, there are no dreams, no thoughts, no desires. It’s a state of pure, blissful unconsciousness, where you seemingly dissolve into nothingness, yet you wake up feeling utterly refreshed and restored. There’s a complete absence of conventional awareness of either the external world or internal thoughts. Your body, senses, and mind are completely still. But even in this void, ancient texts suggest a mystery remains – a potential for something more, waiting to be uncovered.
Turiya: Unveiling The Fourth State
But what lies beyond these three states that we all experience daily? Our ancient Indian philosophy, particularly Vedanta, speaks of an unbelievable, profound, Fourth State! It’s called Turiya, or as our podcast is named, The Fourth State!
This profound knowledge traces its roots to the ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Mandukya Upanishad. Here, the Four States of Consciousness are systematically unveiled: waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and Turiya – which is considered the state of enlightenment and ultimate reality. [Source: Mandukya Upanishad, Gaudapada Karika]
Turiya is pure consciousness itself, a state that transcends waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It’s a state where the experiencer and all experience are believed to become one! It’s described as a state where everything exists and nothing exists simultaneously – a realm of absolute unity, pure bliss, and ultimate awareness, beyond all dualities! [Source: Mandukya Upanishad] In Turiya, you’re neither aware of external objects nor internal thoughts, yet you are utterly, profoundly conscious. It’s believed to be the true nature of reality, an unbelievable dimension hidden within yourself, the ultimate witness state.
This is the profound truth of Turiya – The Fourth State of consciousness. It makes us wonder, doesn’t it?
Exploring Deeper: Your Consciousness & Reality
Have you ever felt something more, a deeper awareness beyond your everyday waking life and dreams? A hint of that ultimate unity that Turiya promises? What incredible secrets do you believe lie hidden within our minds, or perhaps, beyond this reality we perceive?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! We’d love to hear your insights.
Listen to The Fourth State Podcast!
If this exploration of The Fourth State has surprised you and intrigued your mind, delve deeper! Listen to the full episode, “Turiya: The Fourth State of Consciousness. Is Your Reality a Dream?”, on The Fourth State podcast.
Don’t forget to like this article and subscribe to The Fourth State podcast for more unbelievable truths about existence, folklore, and the mysteries of consciousness. Stay curious, keep asking questions, and always remember: May the consciousness be with you.
Connect with K. Hari Kumar:
- Instagram: @theharikumar
- Podcast: Listen on Audible
(Disclaimer: The concepts discussed here are deeply rooted in ancient Hindu philosophy, spiritual texts, and traditional beliefs. They are not presented as personal opinions, nor as scientific facts, but rather as fascinating insights into how ancient thinkers understood consciousness and reality. Our aim is to explore these rich philosophical narratives and the ‘unbelievable’ concepts within them.)
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