In Yogic philosophy, consciousness is seen not as a fleeting phenomenon confined to the mind but as the eternal essence that permeates all existence. This perspective invites us to explore consciousness beyond its association with thoughts and perceptions, emphasizing its role as the unchanging reality underlying the ever-changing world. For Yoga, understanding consciousness is both a philosophical inquiry and a practical journey, offering a pathway to liberation (moksha) by unveiling the true nature of the self.
Dr. Surya: Guruji, I have always been intrigued by the concept of consciousness in Yoga. While modern science has its theories, I feel that the Yogic perspective has a depth that we have barely scratched the surface of. Could you start by explaining what consciousness truly means in Yoga?
Guruji Dr. Gowthaman: Ah, Surya, what a wonderful question to start with. In Yoga, consciousness is not something confined to the mind or the brain. It is the substratum of all existence. It is the foundation upon which the universe rests. Yoga sees consciousness as eternal, unchanging, and universal—what we call Purusha in the Samkhya philosophy. Purusha is pure awareness, untouched by the fluctuations of the material world. It is the silent witness, the observer of all that happens within the realm of Prakriti, the dynamic force that creates the material universe.
Modern science often tries to locate consciousness within the brain, as though it is generated by neurons. But Yoga teaches us that the brain and body are instruments through which consciousness operates, not the source itself.
Dr. Surya: That’s fascinating, Guruji! But this idea of Purusha and Prakriti seems abstract. Can you elaborate on how they interplay and shape our experiences?
Guruji Dr. Gowthaman:
Certainly. Think of Purusha and Prakriti as two essential aspects of existence. Purusha is like the eternal sky—unchanging, infinite, and pure. Prakriti, on the other hand, is like the weather—dynamic, ever-changing, creating forms, movements, and diversity.
In our individual experience, Purusha is the consciousness within us, the true self or Atman. Prakriti manifests as the body, mind, and senses—the tools through which we experience the world. However, due to ignorance (Avidya), Purusha identifies with Prakriti, leading to the illusion of separateness, desires, and suffering. This identification traps us in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). Yoga is the path of disentangling Purusha from Prakriti, helping us realize our true nature.
Dr. Surya: That makes sense now! So, Yoga helps us realize that we are not our body or mind but something beyond. Can you explain how this realization unfolds?
Guruji Dr. Gowthaman:
The process of realization is gradual and involves the purification of the mind and the stilling of its fluctuations. Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, famously says, “Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind” (Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha).
Let me explain. Consciousness, like sunlight, always shines. But the mind, like a turbulent lake, reflects this light unevenly. When the lake is calm, the light is reflected clearly, allowing us to see our true self. Practices like meditation, pranayama, and asana work to calm this turbulence.
Additionally, Yoga recognizes that our experiences are shaped by deep-seated impressions or Samskaras stored in the Chitta (mind-stuff). These impressions arise from past actions and thoughts, clouding our perception. Through sustained practice and detachment (Abhyasa and Vairagya), we dissolve these Samskaras, allowing the light of pure consciousness to shine through.
Dr. Surya: Speaking of Chitta, can you elaborate on its role in consciousness? How does it connect with Samskaras and the layers of the mind?
Guruji Dr. Gowthaman:
Ah, Chitta is a central concept in Yoga. It is the repository of all mental activities, memories, and impressions. Think of it as a garden. Every thought, action, or experience is like a seed planted in this garden. Some seeds sprout quickly, while others lie dormant, shaping your subconscious tendencies.
Within the Chitta, Samskaras (mental impressions) and Vasanas (latent desires) dictate how you perceive the world and react to it. They form the lens through which consciousness flows. For instance, if your Chitta is cluttered with fear and negativity, your perception becomes clouded, and you experience the world through these filters.
The practice of Yoga is like weeding this garden. Through meditation and mindfulness, we uproot these tendencies and cultivate clarity, allowing the true nature of consciousness to shine forth.
Dr. Surya: This reminds me of the five Koshas. Could you explain their connection to consciousness and how they influence our understanding of the self?
Guruji Dr. Gowthaman:
Excellent point, Surya. The Koshas are layers or sheaths that obscure our true self, much like clouds cover the sun. Consciousness is at the core, but it is veiled by these layers:
- Annamaya Kosha (Physical Body): The outermost sheath, connected to the material world. This is what most people identify as “self.”
- Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body): The layer of life force, responsible for physiological functions and vitality.
- Manomaya Kosha (Mental-Emotional Body): This is where thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions arise.
- Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom Body): The layer of intuition and higher knowledge, closer to the essence of consciousness.
- Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Body): The innermost sheath, experienced during deep meditation or states of bliss, where consciousness shines brightest.
The journey of Yoga involves moving inward through these layers, transcending their limitations, and realizing the self (Atman) as pure consciousness.
Dr. Surya: Guruji, the Mandukya Upanishad describes states of consciousness like waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Could you shed light on how these states relate to our spiritual journey?
Guruji Dr. Gowthaman:
Of course! The Mandukya Upanishad beautifully illustrates the four states of consciousness:
- Jagrat (Waking State): The external, sensory experience of the world.
- Swapna (Dreaming State): The internal projection of the mind, where impressions from the waking state are processed.
- Sushupti (Deep Sleep): A state of rest where the mind is inactive, yet consciousness persists.
- Turiya (The Fourth State): Beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, this is the state of pure awareness—our true nature.
Turiya is not a separate state but the underlying reality of all three. Realizing this state is the culmination of Yoga, where one experiences the unity of self and universal consciousness.
Dr. Surya: Meditation seems central to this realization. How does meditation elevate our consciousness to higher states?
Guruji Dr. Gowthaman:
Meditation is the bridge between the conditioned mind and higher consciousness. It involves three key stages:
- Dharana (Concentration): Focusing the mind on a single point, such as the breath or a mantra.
- Dhyana (Meditation): Sustained focus leads to a state of flow where the mind becomes still and reflective.
- Samadhi (Absorption): The practitioner merges with the object of meditation, transcending ego and duality.
Through consistent practice, meditation rewires the mind, dissolves egoic boundaries, and reveals the ever-present state of Turiya.
Dr. Surya: Modern science is now exploring consciousness through neuroscience and quantum physics. How does this align with Yogic philosophy?
Guruji Dr. Gowthaman:
It is heartening to see science converging with ancient wisdom. Neuroscience shows how meditation alters brain waves, enhancing states of calm and creativity. Quantum physics, too, suggests that consciousness might be fundamental to the universe, resonating with Yoga’s concept of Brahman as the underlying reality.
However, science still approaches consciousness externally, while Yoga emphasizes direct experience. By integrating both, we can gain a holistic understanding.
Dr. Surya: Finally, Guruji, how can ordinary people apply these profound teachings in their daily lives?
Guruji Dr. Gowthaman:
The first step is awareness. Practice mindfulness in every action—whether eating, working, or conversing. Incorporate simple meditation techniques and pranayama into your routine. Remember, Yoga is not about retreating from life but engaging with it consciously. By doing so, you gradually align with your true nature and experience the peace that comes from living in harmony with consciousness.
Realizing Unity and Liberation Through the Light of Consciousness
The journey of Yoga is ultimately a journey toward the realization of unity. By understanding and experiencing consciousness as the essence of being, practitioners can transcend the limitations of individuality and duality, awakening to their true nature as infinite, boundless awareness. This realization is not merely theoretical but a transformative experience that brings peace, joy, and liberation.
This dialogue encapsulates the profound teachings of Yogic consciousness, offering a roadmap for spiritual seekers to explore their inner worlds. Guruji Dr. Gowthaman’s wisdom serves as a beacon, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of self and the universe.