Turiya

 Turiya: The Fourth State of Consciousness

Turiya, also known as the “fourth state” of consciousness, is a profound concept in Indian philosophy, particularly within the Vedanta tradition and the Mandukya Upanishad. It refers to a state of pure awareness or consciousness that transcends the three commonly experienced states: waking (jagrat), dreaming (swapna), and deep sleep (sushupti). Unlike these three, which are conditioned by external objects, sensory experiences, and the mind's activities, turiya is unconditioned, immutable, and absolute. It is often described as the ultimate reality or the state in which the true self (Atman) is realized.

This  explores the meaning of turiya, its relation to the other states of consciousness, its philosophical and spiritual significance, and the methods of attaining this state.

The Three States of Consciousness

Before delving into the nature of turiya, it is essential to understand the three ordinary states of consciousness that most humans experience:

1. Jagrat (Waking State):

In the waking state, the mind is engaged with the external world through the senses. This is the state of awareness in which we perceive the physical universe, interact with other beings, and perform daily activities. The waking state is characterized by duality: the subject (the individual) interacts with objects (the external world).

From a Vedantic perspective, while the waking state feels real, it is limited and shaped by sensory inputs and cognitive processes. It is not the true reality but rather an interpretation or perception of reality.

2. Swapna (Dreaming State):

The dreaming state is characterized by the internalization of experiences. The mind, detached from the physical senses, creates a world of its own through memories, desires, and impressions. In this state, the dreamer perceives objects, people, and events that may or may not relate to waking life.

Like the waking state, dreams are also a product of the mind and are transient. Though the external world seems absent, duality still exists because the dreamer perceives objects within the dream.

3. Sushupti (Deep Sleep):

Deep sleep is the state of unconsciousness in which neither the external world nor dreams are perceived. In this state, there is no duality of subject and object, and the mind is inactive. However, ignorance persists, as there is no awareness of the self or the surroundings.

In deep sleep, there is a temporary cessation of the ego and mental activities, but it is still not a state of realization because consciousness is obscured by ignorance.

What is Turiya?

Turiya is the state that transcends these three ordinary states of consciousness. It is the state of pure, unconditioned awareness and represents the true nature of the self (Atman). The Mandukya Upanishad, one of the shortest but most profound Upanishads, is the primary source that explores the concept of turiya in detail. In this text, it is declared that turiya is the real state of consciousness, and the other three states are simply projections or illusions shaped by the mind and sensory experiences.

Turiya’s Characteristics:

1. Transcendent: Turiya is not conditioned by the body, senses, or mind. Unlike the waking, dreaming, or deep sleep states, which are subject to time, space, and causality, turiya is beyond these limitations. It is timeless, formless, and beyond duality.

2. Consciousness without an Object: In the waking and dreaming states, consciousness is directed toward objects or experiences. In deep sleep, consciousness seems absent. Turiya is different in that it is consciousness without any object or content. It is pure awareness, where the distinction between subject and object disappears.

3. Non-dual: Turiya is non-dual (Advaita). There is no division between the observer and the observed, between self and other. It is the realization of the oneness of existence, where all distinctions vanish, and only the infinite, unchanging reality remains.

4. Immutable and Eternal: Turiya is changeless and eternal. While the other states are subject to fluctuations—waking shifts to sleep, and dreams come and go—turiya remains constant. It is ever-present, even though it may not be recognized due to the veils of ignorance.

5. The Witness of All States: Turiya is often described as the witness (sakshi) of the other three states of consciousness. It silently observes the transitions between waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, but it remains unaffected by them. It is the backdrop upon which all experiences unfold.

The Philosophical Significance of Turiya

The significance of turiya lies in its association with the ultimate reality, Brahman, in Advaita Vedanta. According to this non-dualistic philosophy, the individual self (Atman) is identical to the universal consciousness (Brahman). The realization of turiya is the realization that one's true self is not the ego or the individual personality tied to the waking or dreaming states, but the infinite, undivided consciousness that is Brahman.

In the Mandukya Upanishad, the syllable AUM (or OM) is used as a symbol for the four states of consciousness:

The sound "A" represents the waking state (jagrat).

The sound "U" represents the dreaming state (swapna).

The sound "M" represents the deep sleep state (sushupti).

The silence following AUM symbolizes turiya, the transcendent reality that underlies and pervades all experience.

Thus, turiya is not just a state of consciousness but also a pointer to the fundamental nature of existence. Realizing turiya is akin to realizing one’s unity with the divine, recognizing that all distinctions and dualities are ultimately illusory.

The Spiritual Path to Turiya

Attaining the state of turiya is the goal of many spiritual traditions, particularly in Vedanta, Yoga, and other meditative practices. However, reaching this state is not simply about achieving a new mental condition or altering one’s consciousness. Rather, it involves a deep transformation of one’s understanding of reality and self.

1. Self-Inquiry: One of the primary methods to realize turiya is through self-inquiry (atma-vichara), a technique popularized by the sage Ramana Maharshi. This involves the persistent question, "Who am I?" By systematically negating identification with the body, mind, and emotions, one can arrive at the pure awareness that is turiya.

2. Meditation and Mindfulness: Meditation practices that focus on observing the mind without attachment can help one experience the witness consciousness. Techniques such as dhyana (meditative absorption) and samadhi (intense concentration) lead the practitioner to detach from the content of consciousness (thoughts, sensations, perceptions) and rest in the awareness behind these experiences.

3. Discrimination (Viveka): Spiritual texts often emphasize the importance of discrimination between the real and the unreal. By understanding that the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states are transient and ultimately illusory, one can begin to focus on the unchanging reality of turiya.

4. Detachment (Vairagya): To realize turiya, one must cultivate detachment from worldly experiences and desires. The identification with ego, attachments to material success or failure, and involvement with sensory pleasures all prevent the realization of the self as pure consciousness.

Conclusion

Turiya, the fourth state of consciousness, represents the ultimate realization of the self as pure, unconditioned awareness. It transcends the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states, which are shaped by duality, perception, and ignorance. Attaining turiya is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative spiritual experience that reveals the non-dual nature of reality.

For those on the path of spiritual growth, the understanding and experience of turiya are seen as the doorway to liberation (moksha). It is the state in which the individual recognizes their unity with the infinite, eternal consciousness of Brahman, the true essence of all existence.