States Of Consciousness

According to Vedanta, there are seven states of consciousness. In India, one of the greatest seers of the twentieth century, Sri Aurobindo, said that because we are in a very early stage of human evolution, most of us experience only the first three: sleeping, dreaming, and wakefulness.

Each of the seven states of consciousness represents an increase in our experience of synchronicity, and each progressive state moves us closer to the ideal of enlightenment.

The first level of consciousness is deep sleep. In deep sleep there is some awareness–we still respond to stimuli such as sound, bright light, or touch–but mostly our senses are dulled and there is very little cognition or perception.

The second state of consciousness is dreaming. During dreams, we are a little more awake and a little more alert than during deep sleep. When we dream, we are having experiences. We see images; we hear sounds. We even think in our dreams.

The third state of consciousness is being awake. This is the state most of us are in most of the time. Measurable brain activity during the waking state of consciousness is quite different when compared with brain activity during both sleep and dreaming.

The fourth state of consciousness occurs when we actually glimpse the soul, when we transcend, when we become, even for a fraction of a moment, absolutely still and quiet and become aware of the observer inside us. This state of consciousness occurs during meditation, when we experience the gap, that quiet moment between our thoughts.

The fifth state is called cosmic consciousness, the sixth state divine consciousness, and the seventh state unity consciousness.

Adapted from The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire, by Deepak Chopra (Three Rivers Press).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

12:29AM PST on Mar 7, 2012

Thanks for the information.

send a green star

Gaby D.

1:53AM PST on Dec 20, 2011

Goodmoring Deepak, and all other care 2 be friends gathered here, especially Wes G. and Jane B., (you two really liven up the Care2 forum with your differrent take on things). Jane, you are right....we are born with an 'ego' for self-preservation and trust me Deepak is the last one that would tell you to 'kill the ego'. Although he does point out that in becoming aware of the 'ego' and its agenda, we find a way to our 'soul' if you will. And that to me, is the crux, we are not only physical bodies on a short ride on this wondeful planet, we are spiritual creatures on a physical journey on this wonderful planet. Now, of course, whether you believe that is a choice everyone makes, and I wholeheartedly agree with you, that humans and animals all are conscious, feeling beings. We all can chose to 'do good' or otherwise, it is a choice we make. From the heart, from spirit, or even from ego. You are right we are a lot stronger than we give ourselves credit for. And many religions do use 'God' as sort of a coat rack.....or crutch if you will. And, what's more I also agree, and so does Deepak by the way, that good loving sex is one of those ways that you can glimpse the soul, the eternal, divine spark. Let me tell you girl....I'm positively jealous of that Divine Sex you keep telling us about....must be one hell of guy:-)) So, Deepak does not tell us to stifle the ego, au contraire, we have to become aware of the ego, and you are right it is what helps us maintain our physical journ

Marianna B M.

4:16AM PST on Dec 19, 2011

noted

june k.

11:27AM PST on Dec 18, 2011

interesting topic...thanks !

Vicky P.

1:31PM PST on Dec 17, 2011

thanks

Dianne D.

10:54AM PST on Dec 17, 2011

Don't think I have been in the last 3 stages of consciencous. A lot of what's on this blog, I don't understand, but I learn something every time I read something Dr.Chopka has written.

jerry c.

4:05AM PST on Dec 17, 2011

I find as I grow older I am still looking maybe that is what keeps me young

James B.

1:19AM PST on Dec 17, 2011

Thanks

Claudette C.

12:54AM PST on Dec 17, 2011

I can't imagine the soul being quiet in this day and age, and on this planet. Thank you, God, for you.

Jane B.

10:22PM PST on Dec 16, 2011

Camila K., I had that too when I had an intense orgasm with my boyfriend. It was super intense love beyond love, dancing with the stars, time stopped, there are no words. But it was my hormones that kicked in and gave me those intense feelings. I almost passed out. It was entirely physical but it seemed heavenly and absolutely divine. Perhaps I found "god". If so then he is god. I felt like worshiping him. haha He's the guy in my profile pic. He's so cute I'm guessing anybody could get that with him. hot, hot, hot Sex is at the bottom of all feelings.