The Later States Of Consciousness

According to Vedanta, there are seven states of consciousness. 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.

Most of us experience only the first three: sleeping, dreaming, and wakefulness. The fourth state of consciousness occurs when we actually glimpse the soul, when we become aware of the observer inside us. This state of consciousness occurs during meditation.

The fifth state of consciousness is called cosmic consciousness. In this state, your spirit can observe your material body. Your awareness goes beyond simply being awake in your body, and beyond simply glimpsing the soul, to being awake and alert to your place as part of the infinite spirit.

The observer can observe the body while it’s dreaming, and simultaneously observe the dream. The same experience occurs in waking consciousness. You have two qualities to your awareness, local and nonlocal, at the same time. Your intuition increases. Your creativity increases. Your insight increases.

The sixth state of consciousness is called divine consciousness. In this state, the witness becomes more and more awake. You not only feel the presence of spirit in yourself, but you start to feel that same spirit in all other beings.

The seventh stage of consciousness, the ultimate goal, is called unity consciousness, or enlightenment. The spirit in the perceiver and the spirit in that which is perceived merge and become one. When this happens, you see the whole world as an extension of your own being.

In this stage, miracles are commonplace, but they are not even necessary because the infinite realm of possibility is available at every moment. You transcend life. You transcend death. You are the spirit that always was and always will be.

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.

Aud N.

5:58AM PDT on Apr 11, 2013

April 11
send a green star

Andras C.

6:56AM PST on Feb 18, 2013

Is that you Jurriaan?

I am an avid reader of Deepak Chopra's work and as usual this extracted adaptation is a powerful message. All those seeking clarity during their awakening will recognise that.
Thank you for bringing it to our attention!

February 18
send a green star

Fi T.

4:28AM PST on Feb 18, 2013

We need think and be aware of who and where we are

Alexandra P.

7:35AM PST on Feb 11, 2013

Beautiful idea. If we all were more awake and aware of our Divine origins, we could truly
achieve peace on Earth. There's still time...

February 11
send a green star

JL A.

9:46AM PDT on Sep 18, 2012

worth thinking about

September 18
send a green star

Dot A.

2:52PM PDT on Sep 13, 2012

Our unity of truths conjoin - and our individuality is enraptured, our sinless souls - sin less, sin less, and sin less, as we unfold. In the high heavens - all is told.

I think that my lifetime of common struggles connects me with everything in a very particular way. I learn every day that the process of Trust is the process of learning wisdom. In the 'greater consciousness' all is understood - without question.

And then - may I be reminded of the Scriptures: a Higher Heaven yet - invites the spiritual journey Eternally.

September 13
send a green star

Emily W.

11:47AM PST on Dec 16, 2011

ive experienced the 5th a couple of times :) its all a journey though, maybe someday ill be able to experience more!

December 16
send a green star

Past Member .

9:26PM PST on Nov 13, 2011

I'm beginning to realize there is no right and there is no wrong.

Sometimes what seems to be evil is the greatest good.

Sometimes what seems to be good is the greatest evil.

It just is......not good, not evil. just is

I know what my ideal is. I am working toward it. Somehow, I am beginning to sense that I must embrace evil and find it good or I shall never pass beyond the containment.

Disciplining a child can be difficult, so difficult the child can be spoiled. So he becomes a juvenile delinquent. Was that love?
I do not speak of beatings. I speak of the word "No. You will not behave in this manner to obtain what you desire."

I think it's a matter of disregarding the label and looking to the purpose higher than soul can reach.

In many a spiritual group, there is the dweller on the threshold.
That is fine but, for me, I don't want to cross too far from here.

I will not leave these lower worlds until all life, human and animal can come with me.

I probably don't make sense. That is ok. It's where I am at.
Sometimes nonsense is the greater sense. So be it.

I think I've traversed this ground a few times before. Perhaps, it's like a Holy Book. You have the chapter memorized and practiced.

You read the chapter again and it is muddied.

This is perhaps the sacred spiral.

So be it.
Amen