OM Mantra and 7 Levels of Consciousness

Contents of this article:
Seven States of Consciousness
Direct Experience
Yoga Sutras and OM Mantra
OM Mantra and other Mantras
Practicing the OM Mantra
1. Waking / Conscious / Vaishvaanara / Gross / "A" of AUM
2. Transition / Unmani
3. Dreaming / Unconscious / Taijasa / Subtle / "U" of AUM
4. Transition / Aladani
5. Deep Sleep / Subconscious / Prajna / Causal / "M" of AUM
6. Samadhi
7. Turiya / Consciousness / Absolute / Silence after AUM

See also these articles:
7 Methods with OM Mantra
How to use a mantra
Japa and Ajapa-Japa with mantra
Mantra, brain, and word
OM Mantra section of Yoga Sutras
Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra
Six Schools of Indian Philosophy
Kundalini Awakening
Levels and Dimensions of Consciousness
Soham mantra meditation
Yoga Nidra CD:


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7 States of consciousness in OM mantra

Seven states or levels of consciousness are described in this article:

Three states of consciousness: Each of the three sounds of AUM (A, U, and M) symbolizes specific states of consciousness.

Fourth state of consciousness: After those three parts of the OM mantra, there is a Silence, the Fourth, which relates to consciousness or awareness itself.

Three transition states: Between these four states of Consciousness there are three transition states.

See also: The four main levels of Consciousness (A, U, M, and Silence) are also described in the article Levels and Dimensions of Consciousness.

These levels exist universally: It is important to be aware of the fact that these levels of consciousness are realities that exist universally, regardless of whether one uses the OM mantra or the visual OM symbol in any way. In either case, the underlying principles are extremely useful for all seekers in purifying or clearing the mind, and seeking the direct experience of deeper truths.

Meaning of the symbol: Not only does the sound vibration of the AUM/OM represent the four levels of consciousness, so too does the visual symbol.
The lower curve represents the Gross, Conscious, Waking state level, called Vaishvanara.
The right curve represents the Subtle, Unconscious, and Dreaming level, called Taijasa.
The upper curve represents the Causal, Subconscious, and Deep Sleep level, called Prajna.
The dot, point, or bindu represents the fourth state, the absolute consciousness, which encompasses, permeates, and is the other three, and is called Turiya.
The arc below the dot symbolizes the separateness of this fourth state, standing above, though ever remaining part of the other three. Piercing the bindu finally allows one to attain the highest experience, and this comes after following the process of Kundalini Awakening.


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Direct Experience

Roadmap for direct experience: The Yogi does not use the information about these levels as mere intellectual fodder. Rather, the OM mantra is a roadmap for sadhana, spiritual practices. It is not for the person who seeks only the shallow waters of spiritual life, but rather for those who strive to experience nothing less than the depth of the Absolute Reality in direct experience.

7 methods of practice: See the article:
OM Mantra and 7 Methods of Practice

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Yoga Sutras and OM Mantra

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali suggests remembering the meaning of OM Mantra as a direct path to Self-realization. (See Sutras 1.23-1.29).

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OM Mantra and other Mantras

It is important to know that OM Mantra is very often used in conjunction with other mantras, usually with the OM being the first or last sound in the whole mantra. Often these other mantras refer to a specific deity or name of God. Some practitioners consider the OM to literally refer to only one such name of God or deity. Still other practitioners believe the OM refers to some different God or deity. For those born into such religious cultures, this diversity of use of OM is well known, and does not cause confusion, while also being aware that there may be discourses or debates supporting one view or another.

However, others who are not familiar with this will benefit by becoming aware that there are a variety of ways of using OM. This leaves it a matter of personal choice how the OM Mantra will be used. Regardless of how one uses the mantra, there is a universal truth that the vibration of OM will be experienced on the inner journey. In that sense, is not a mere belief or symbolic tool belonging to any one group or groups. Similarly, the existence of waking, dreaming, sleep, and that beyond (described below as represented by AUM) are also universal realities. In the information below, OM Mantra is presented as a means of contemplation and meditation, which pierces the three levels of reality and consciousness, revealing the fourth, which permeates the other three.

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Practicing the OM Mantra

The OM mantra (AUM mantra; Pranava) is a widely recognized mantra. While the OM mantra has a variety of meanings, one of its most significant uses is for Meditation and Contemplation in Yoga and Vedanta. The OM mantra is recommended in the Yoga Sutras and the Mandukya Upanishad, as well as in many other teachings.

Four major levels: When used in this way, the OM mantra (AUM) has four major levels of meaning and experience to the Yogi.

Waking: First, is the Waking state, represented by the sound of "A" of the AUM mantra, called Vaishvaanara.
Dreaming: Second, is the Dreaming state, represented by the sound of "U" of the AUM mantra, called Taijasa.
Deep Sleep: Third, is the Deep Sleep state, represented by the sound of "M" of the AUM mantra, called Prajna.
Turiya: Fourth, is the entire domain of that consciousness that permeates all of the other levels within which awareness does its dance, called Turiya (literally the "fourth"), represented by the Silence after the "A," "U," and "M".
Three transition stages: Between these four states of consciousness, there are three transition stages called Unmani, Aladani, and Samadhi.


The Yogi wants to remember
the 4 parts of the mantra,
one after the other,
along with the meaning.


Remember the four parts one after the other: Thus, in the use of the AUM Mantra, there are four levels of awareness that the Yogi wants to cultivate. The Yogi wants to remember the four parts of the AUM mantra internally, one after the other, through the levels of consciousness. (The other three stages are also there, but these four are the main focus of the Yogi in using the OM mantra).

Remain aware of the meanings: With practice, it gradually becomes easier for one to maintain awareness of these meanings as attention moves through the parts of the AUM mantra (The "A," "U," "M," and Silence). Over time, that awareness brings increasing insight of the true nature of these levels of consciousness. Eventually one moves to the direct experience of the Absolute Reality, that consciousness which permeates All. This is the state of Self-realization.

Three functions are at the same level: One of the profound insights that one begins to get is the way in which 1) the levels of personal consciousness, 2) the stages of the mental process, and 3) the levels of the universe parallel one another. One comes to see that these three are functioning at the same levels of reality, which are none other than the levels of consciousness themselves. It is approximately like this:

Waking = Conscious = Gross = Vaishvaanara
Dreaming = Unconscious = Subtle = Taijasa
Deep Sleep = Subconscious = Causal = Prajna
Turiya = Consciousness Itself, permeating and being All
In the actual practice with AUM Mantra (OM Mantra):

When awareness is on the "A" of the OM mantra, you cultivate and train yourself to have a simultaneous awareness of:
the Waking state,
the Conscious level of mental processing, and
the Gross realm of the universe
(Waking, Conscious, and Gross are all at the same level, symbolized by "A" of the OM mantra).
When awareness is on the "U" of the OM mantra, you cultivate and train yourself to have a simultaneous awareness of:

the Dreaming state,
the Active Unconscious processing level of the mind, and
the Subtle realm of the universe
(Dreaming, Unconscious, and Subtle are all at the same level, symbolized by "U" of the OM mantra).
When awareness is on "M" of the OM mantra, you cultivate and train yourself to have a simultaneous awareness of:

the Deep Sleep state,
the Subconscious (latent, dormant, inactive, storage) aspects of mind (the Samskaras from where the impetus for Karma, or action springs forth), and
the Causal realm, out of which arises the Subtle and Gross universe
(Deep Sleep, Subconscious, and Causal are all at the same level, symbolized by "M" of the OM mantra).
When awareness is on the Silence after the "A," the "U," and the "M" of the OM mantra, you cultivate and train yourself to have an awareness of the consciousness:

that permeates all of the three personal levels (Waking, Dreaming, Deep Sleep),
that permeates all of the Subtle realm, and
that also permeates all of the Causal realm
(Consciousness permeates, is the foundation of, and in fact, "is" the whole of the levels of the "A," the "U," and the "M" levels of the OM mantra).
One of the other elegant and awesome insights is the way in which our own personality, mental and emotional processes operate:

Latent impressions begin to stir: We come to see, in direct experience of Yoga Meditation and Contemplation, how it is that there are latent impressions in the deep unconscious (level #5 above, the place of Deep Sleep), and how it is that consciousness drifts over these latent impressions, causing them to stir from the Causal level.
These impressions arise into internal action: Then we see the way these impressions then arise into action internally in the Unconscious (level #3 above, the Active Unconscious associated with unseen mental processes and the Dreaming Sleep level), forming many invisible thought processes, normally only experienced in dreams (this is similar to what psychology calls "primary process").
These stirrings come forward into the conscious: Then we see the intriguing way in which those stirrings in the Unconscious come forward into the Conscious, Waking state of reality (level #1 above), along with the way in which the indriyas, the senses (jnanendriyas of smelling, tasting, seeing, touching, and hearing) and means of expression (karmendriyas of eliminating, procreating, moving, grasping, and speaking) come into play so as to relate to the external world.
We can observe the four functions of mind: We come to see how the four functions of mind interact within these levels, including Manas (sensory-motor mind), Chitta (storehouse of impressions), Ahamkara (I-maker or ego), and Buddhi (which knows, decides, judges, and discriminates).
Seeing all the levels permeated by consciousness: Most importantly, we come to see the way in which all of these levels are both permeated by, and are the manifestation of consciousness itself:
In Waking state, there is consciousness itself.
In Dreaming state there is consciousness itself.
In Deep Sleep, there is consciousness itself.
In active thinking, there is consciousness itself.
In unconscious process, there is consciousness itself.
In the latent storehouse, there is consciousness itself.
Who we really are, is the consciousness itself: We come to see that who we really are, is the consciousness itself, not the forms which arise. We declare with conviction, what the sages have said all along, "I am not my thoughts! I am That I Am!"

AUM is like the three parts of a river: When recalling these levels of "A," "U," "M," and Silence during practice of the OM mantra, it is useful to remember the metaphor of a river, which has three parts:

Bed: The river bed of stones (like the latent, Subconscious or Deep Sleep level and its impressions, symbolized by the "M" of the OM mantra),

Flow: The flowing part (like the Active Unconscious, or Dreaming level, symbolized by the "U" of the OM mantra), and

Surface: The surface of the river (like the Conscious, Waking level, symbolized by the "A" of the OM mantra).

Consciousness at three levels: That reality or presence of existence itself, that is in the three levels of bed of the river, flow of the river, and surface of the river, is like the consciousness that permeates the three levels of Waking, Dreaming, and Deep Sleep (as well as Conscious, Active Unconscious, and Latent Unconscious or Subconscious; or also Gross, Subtle, and Causal)

Subconscious: Our Subconscious wants, wishes, desires, attractions, and aversions (samskaras) are like those stones that form the bed of the river.
Unconscious: When consciousness moves across them, they come to life in the the flow of the Unconscious (like the flow of the river), and
Conscious: Some burst forth into the Conscious mind, resulting in actions, speech, and conscious thoughts (like the action on the surface of the river).
Going beyond the three levels: Through practice, one gradually attains the ability to go beyond, or deeper than the various levels and thinking processes, to the direct experience of the source of the consciousness, symbolized by the Silence after the "A," "U," "M," of the OM mantra.

The practice begins simply, is practiced sincerely and faithfully, and expands over time, with ever increasing insights about the underlying truths contained in, and suggested by the OM mantra. Meditation on OM (AUM) as an object of concentration, and Contemplation on its meaning work together in guiding one towards Self-realization.

Explanations of the 7 levels of consciousness: Below are some explanations of each of the seven levels of consciousness. As you go through the levels of the OM mantra described below, it is best to remember that the key levels for practice are awareness of the four levels of consciousness related to "A," "U," "M," and the fourth level of Silence.

(Note: It is very useful to remember that, when describing or reading about subtle levels of consciousness, words are inadequate, and can easily seem to be in conflict with one another, as one wrestles with varying terminology, or with explanations from one or another writer. Ultimately, it is direct experience through repeated practice, without a break, over a long time that will unravel the meaning of the explanations and bring the true insights.)

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1. Waking / Conscious / Vaishvaanara / Gross / "A" of AUM

"A" represents Waking: The Waking state of consciousness is represented by the "A" of the AUM mantra. The name of this level of consciousness is Vaishvaanara. The Waking state is experienced by the individual person. In the Waking state of consciousness there are actions, speech, and thoughts of which we are "consciously" aware. The unconscious processes in the deeper levels are also there, but just not normally noticed.

Microcosm and macrocosm of Waking: If the individual person is the microcosm, then the whole of the manifest universe is the macrocosm. The "A" of AUM represents not only the individual Waking state of consciousness, but also the entire Gross realm. The individual state of Waking consciousness and the Gross realm are all operating at the same level of consciousness (both are "in the world").

The "A" bursts forth: When using AUM as a mantra, notice how the "A" bursts forth in an instant (whether said aloud, or thought of internally). You could say "Aaaaaaa...," in a drawn out way, but the "A" itself has a very brief, instantaneous bursting forth quality to it. The sound arises quickly, in a flash, from out of the silence. When using the OM mantra, whether aloud or internally, it is useful to allow yourself to be aware of this bursting forth quality of thoughts, images, or impressions. All of these arise in a moment from the Subtler place within.

Three types of awareness with "A": In the practice of remembering the AUM mantra, when awareness is on "A" of the OM mantra, you cultivate and train yourself to have a simultaneous awareness of:

the Waking state,
the Conscious level of mental and emotional processing, and
the Gross realm of the universe.
The awareness of these three operating at the same level of reality is allowed to become clearer through practice over time.

Observing the "A" come forward: To observe the way the "A" comes forward when remembering the OM mantra is to observe the way our whole process of thoughts, actions, and speech arises. This can be extremely useful to understand.

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2. Transition / Unmani

Transition between Waking and Dreaming: There is a transition stage between Waking and Dreaming states (or between Conscious and Unconscious states). The name of this transition stage of consciousness is Unmani. Unmani does not just refer to the personal experience between Waking and Dreaming. Rather, it is the name of that transition level of consciousness itself. (Like many words, the word Unmani is used in different ways. In other contexts, it is also used to mean Samadhi or Turiya.)

We have all experienced this transition: We have all experienced this pleasant transition at times when about to awaken after a good sleep, and possibly when we are "day dreaming." In this state, you have left the Dreaming world, but have not yet fully come into the Waking, or external world. You might be lying there pleasantly, not remembering your name, who you are, where you are, and not really caring about these things. But you are also not asleep having any dreams.

Increasing awareness of the transitions: When using the OM mantra for Yoga Meditation and Contemplation, the focus is mostly on the three states of Waking, Dreaming, and Sleep (or Gross, Subtle, and Causal). However, as it is practiced, there also will be a natural, increasing awareness of the transition phases as well. It will become clearer how it is that conscious thoughts, speech, and actions are transitioning from their underlying, mostly unconscious thought and emotional processes.

Don't confuse this transition with Meditation: This very pleasant state is often confused with Meditation. Meditation is done in the Waking state, in which one is full awake and alert. Then, gradually the veil is opened to allow the deeper states or levels to come forward into the Conscious, Waking state of awareness.

Parallels with science: In relation to the Gross world, it is interesting to note the parallels between the transition between Unconscious and Conscious thought patterns, and the way the scientists describe the coming forth of the manifest universe as a "big bang." Possibly this too is a form of the coming forth of the Subtle, transitioning into the Gross.

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3. Dreaming / Unconscious / Taijasa / Subtle / "U" of AUM

"U" represents Dreaming: The Dreaming state of consciousness is represented by the "U" of the AUM mantra. The name of this level of consciousness is Taijasa. Taijasa does not just mean dreaming. Rather, it is the name of that level of consciousness in which dreaming occurs.

Mind working out its desires: The Dreaming state is a level where the mind can work out its unfulfilled wants, wishes, desires, attractions, and aversions not allowed to play out in the external world. Both Yogis and psychologists speak of this as a useful process.

Uncoloring thought patterns: However, the Yogi will go further in dealing with the underlying deep impressions (Samskaras) that lead to actions (Karmas). The Yogi wants to turn those colored (klishta) thought patterns uncolored (aklishta) thought patterns so that they no longer need to arise and cause disturbance, whether causing that disturbance in the Waking or Dreaming states of consciousness (See also the article on Klishta and Aklishta Thoughts). It is for this reason that the Yogi gradually and naturally needs less sleep; there are fewer colored (klishta) unconscious thought patterns needing to play out. (See Yoga Sutras 1.5, 2.1-2.9, and 2.10-2.11 on coloring and uncoloring)

Microcosm and macrocosm of Dreaming: The counterpart of the personal Dream world is the entire Subtle, psychic, occult, or astral plane of reality. One is the microcosm, while the other is the macrocosm.

Lifting the veil: As one progresses in Yoga Meditation, opening to the Unconscious begins. One stays in the Waking state, but gradually lifts the veil, opens the curtain, so that the Unconscious begins to come forward. What comes is that which was normally only accessible in the Dreaming state.

Intentionally letting the thoughts come: It is in this field of observation that the Yogi does the Meditation of remaining one-pointed by letting go of the thought patterns arising. "Let them come, and let them go," is the message the Yogi says to the mind, as Non-Attachment (Vairagya) becomes a reality, not just an act done in the external world. (See Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16 on non-attachment)

The highest therapy: Gradually, the intensity of the coloring attenuates, eventually allowing the thought pattern to remain in latent, seed form (until it is dispensed with entirely). It is because of this process of attenuating that the Yogi says that Yoga Meditation is the highest of all therapies. (See Yoga Sutra 2.4 on attenuation)

Taijasa is not the "spiritual" realm: This level of Taijasa has often been confused as being the "spiritual" realm, failing to note that it is only the second of four levels of consciousness in AUM (or third of the seven). If one is not familiar with this, it can seem that there are only two realms (a Gross and Spiritual) with a Transition between them. One can easily get caught in a trap of pursuing the actions, beings, and objects of the Subtle realm, not recognizing that they are merely a level to move through, not a place to go and stay. Journeys in these realms are no more useful in the journey of Self-realization than journeys to a thousand cities in our external world (Though some such journeying is sometimes needed so as to learn the lesson that the journeying is not needed). The article Realization Beyond the Gross and Subtle describes how it can seem that there are only two levels of Gross and Subtler.

Seeking the Subtle is a distraction: Patanjali, codifier of Yoga science describes many siddhis (powers) that come to the Yogi through practices. Some say that the Yogi is seeking these powers intentionally. However, Patanjali actually mentions these on the foundation of Non-Attachment (Vairagya) and Discrimination (Viveka), such that the seeker will abandon these powers when they come (See Yoga Sutra 3.38). In other words, seeking of the breadth of the Subtle realm is a distraction on the journey to enlightenment; with Discriminative Wisdom and Non-Attachment, one is better off to let go of these allurements.

Witnessing and going beyond: At the same time that the Yogi observes and lets go of the Subtle realm, there is also a beauty in witnessing as one moves forward in the journey. We can surely enjoy the scenery along the way, though it may be best, the Yogis remind us, to move on to the Realization of the Absolute, which is not subject to death, decay, or decomposition.

Awareness of the transition: In the practice of remembering the OM mantra, one allows the awareness and feeling associated with the "A" to transition into the awareness and feeling associated with the "U."

Three types of awareness with "U":In the practice of remembering the AUM mantra, when awareness is on "U" of the OM mantra, you cultivate and train yourself to have a simultaneous awareness of:

the Dreaming state,
the Unconscious processing level of the mind, and
the Subtle realm of the universe (Dreaming, Unconscious, and Subtle are all at the same level).
The awareness of these three operating at the same level of reality is allowed to become clearer through practice over time.

Forming the sound of "U": The actual sound is not like the letter "A" and the letter "U," but is more like "AOOUUUUU...." There is "Ah," followed by "UUUUU..." (as in shOE). Then there is "MMMMM...." leading to Silence.

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4. Transition / Aladani

Transition between Dreaming and Deep Sleep: There is a transition stage between Dreaming and Deep Sleep states. The name of this transition stage of consciousness is Aladani. Aladani does not just refer to the personal experience between Dreaming and Deep Sleep. Rather, it is the name of that transition level of consciousness itself.

This transition is not normally experienced consciously: This is a state that one normally does not experience consciously. This state is very subtle. It is a transition (as is Unmani, between Waking and Dreaming, as described above), but is the transition whereby the latent, formless facts or impressions start to stir, and end up taking form in the Unconscious mind, that part normally only accessed when one is having dreams while in the Dream state of sleep.

One may sometimes consciously experience the transition between Dreaming and Waking, either while in bed at sleeping time or at Meditation time. This might be experienced as very beautiful or very horrifying, depending on the nature of the thought patterns. However, the transition at Aladani is very different from the Waking to Dreaming transition.

Thoughts in their formless form: Here, in the Aladani transition, the thought patterns that are in their unmanifest, formless, latent form start to stir. This is literally the beginnings of the enlivening of latent Samskaras, the source of our Karma (the word Karma literally means "actions"). It is a process that one is not normally conscious of. Once again, it is very important to note that this is not the same as the process whereby Unconscious active mental process springs forward through Unmani into the Waking or Conscious state; this is happening at a deeper level.

Beyond the Gross and Subtle: As attractive as the Gross and Subtle realm can be, these levels beyond Taijasa (the Dream State or Subtle realm) can be even more alluring and distracting. As one touches on this transition phase from which the Subtle realm and Subtle thoughts are born, one starts to see the way in which both the subtle and material realm are manifested and can be manipulated.

Aladani and Aladin's lamp: Notice the similarity between the names of the level of consciousness called Aladani and the story of Aladin's lamp, wherein there was a genie. The genie was in latent form, but by rubbing the lamp, a transition process begins whereby the genie comes forth to fulfill any wishes. Between the stage of the genie being inside the lamp, and being fully formed, the transition of the genie is that of smoke that changes and solidifies into form.

Moving past this transition level: For one truly on the path of Self-realization, this is a level to be acknowledged and moved past, allowing the stirrings to fall back to rest so that the Absolute can be experienced.

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5. Deep Sleep / Subconscious / Prajna / Causal / "M" of AUM

"M" represents Deep Sleep: The Deep Sleep state of consciousness is represented by the "M" of the AUM mantra. The name of this level of consciousness is Prajna. Prajna does not just mean Deep Sleep. Rather, it is the name of that level of consciousness in which one experiences Deep Sleep.

Impressions are stored in their latent form: The Deep Sleep state is the level where deep impressions are stored in their latent form. It contains the roots of our habit patterns, the Samskaras that are the driving force behind Karma (actions). Those wants, wishes, desires, attractions, and aversions that play themselves out in dreams, or turn into actions and speech in the external world have their root in this level of consciousness. Those impressions are like seeds, lying there waiting for water and fertilizer to awaken them, so they may grow in the fields of Dreaming or Waking.

Prajna is supreme knowledge: "Pra" means "Supreme" and "Jna" comes from "Jnana," which means "Knowledge." Thus, Prajna is the level of consciousness that is of Supreme Knowledge. How odd it is, that the domain of Deep Sleep, where there seems to be nothing going on, is called the place of Supreme Knowledge.

Prior to the creation of thoughts and emotions: However, Prajna is the place, the level that is deeper than, or prior to the creation of thoughts and emotions, whether in the Dream (Unconscious) level or the Waking (Conscious) level.

Prior to the manifestation of Gross and Subtle: It is also the domain that is deeper than, or prior to creation or manifestation of the objects and activities within both the Subtle and Gross realms. (The phrase "prior to" is not meaning in the sense of time. Rather, it is that out of which the next thing emerges. A metaphor sometimes used is the way that a pot comes out of clay. Here, the clay is always there. Out of the clay emerges the pot, and although the clay never goes away, the pot will go away, and merge back into the clay from which it came.)

Infinite library of wisdom: One who begins to gain access to this Prajna level also begins to gain access to what has been called the Infinite Library of Wisdom. This means direct experience of knowing, not merely from some form of contact with the Subtle realm, but with the level out of which that Subtle realm arises.

Storage and altering of samskaras: In this level of Prajna (the level of Deep Sleep) is the storage of the formless, latent thought patterns (formless forms) called Samskaras that drive Karma, or action. If one can gain access to the Samskaras while they are in this latent form, they can be more readily altered such a way that they lose their potency.

Making samskaras mere memories: Then, having lost their power (or reduced it substantially), the deep habit patterns, or Samskaras, can no longer bind one to what would otherwise automatically drive actions, speech, and thoughts. Now, those deep impressions have become mere memories with little or no power. It is like a rope that before could bind, but that has now been burned. Though maybe still having the shape of a rope, it has lost its ability to bind. (This process is definitely not one of psychological suppression or repression.)

Gaining direct access to the samskaras: There are a variety of techniques that professional and lay people use at the Waking level to indirectly affect changes in these deep impressions. Some of these can be very useful to spiritual aspirants in their journey. However, the Yogis want direct access to these deep impressions so that they can choose their own deep habit patterns. In this way, the Yogi gradually becomes a master over the Samskaras leading to his or her own thoughts, speech, and actions.

Burning away the colorings: For the Yogi, this is a process of dealing with the roots of habits directly, through Yoga Meditation, Contemplation, and Yoga Nidra (described below). While the Yogi definitely cultivates the creation of new habit patterns, it is not merely pasting on another layer of habits on the top of the old, whereby one is left with inner conflict between the old and the new habits or Samskaras (that can play out unconsciously into actions and speech, as well as inner turmoil). The Yogi wants to attenuate and then burn away the colorings of fears, aversions, attractions, egoism, and spiritual ignorance.

Microcosm and macrocosm of Deep Sleep: These personal latent impressions or Samskaras are the microcosm, while the macrocosm is the Causal plane from which creation of the entire Subtle and and Gross universe emerges. This is why it is called the "Causal" realm or level of reality. Those with great access to this level are sometimes revered, although even this attainment is short of the Self-realization that comes with the realization of Turiya, the Absolute Reality. The Yogis suggest that the aspirant turn away even from the allurement of the offer of such creative powers, and instead walk in the pursuit of the Highest Realization.

Three types of awareness with "M": In the practice of remembering the AUM mantra, when awareness is on "M," you cultivate and train yourself to have awareness of:

the Deep Sleep state,
the Subconscious (latent, dormant, inactive, storage) aspects of mind (from where the impetus for Karma, or actions springs forth), and
the Causal realm, out of which arises the Subtle and Gross universe (they are all at the same level).
The awareness of these three operating at the same level of reality is allowed to become clearer through practice over time.

Prajna and Yoga Nidra: This level of Deep Sleep, or Prajna, is the level at which Yoga Nidra, or Yogic Sleep is directed (Some incorrectly believe that Yoga Nidra is directed towards the transition level of Unmani, #2 above. That is only an early experience on the way to true Yoga Nidra).

In Yoga Meditation and Contemplation, one remains in the Conscious, Waking state, and gradually allows that Waking state to expand through the other states that are normally unconscious. However, in Yoga Nidra one leaves the Waking state, descends to the Deep Sleep state, and yet, paradoxically, brings along Waking consciousness.

Reducing samskaras through Yoga Nidra: Yoga Nidra is a state which allows one to experience thought patterns directly in their latent, hidden, or formless forms, and thus be able to reduce their power to play out due to habit. The phenomena itself of reducing the power of the Samskaras comes about naturally through the deep process of introspection during Yoga Nidra.

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6. Samadhi

Beyond Waking, Dreaming, and Deep Sleep: Beyond, or below Waking, Dreaming, and Deep Sleep is the state of deep absorption, that is the stage to which one's Meditation practice next leads. It is called Samadhi.

Many types of Samadhi: There are many forms of Samadhi. An even cursory review of the texts will reveal dozens of different types. Mostly, these differences have to do with the nature of the object on which one was meditating before dropping into the state of Samadhi with that object.

Meditation on Gross or Subtle: The Object on which one is meditating (and then enters Samadhi) may be Gross or Subtle. A simple example will help. If one is internally meditating on the image of a red rose, that object is a Gross object. Meditation may shift away from the red flower to the red color alone, the "redness." However, even that is still a Gross object of sorts. However, if attention shifts to light itself, or to the ability to see light, those are subtler. If attention shifts deeper to the observer who is doing the observing, or to the blissful feeling that comes from the absorption, then these are still subtler. However, in any case there is still an "object," although that object may be extremely subtle.

Similarly, Meditation on a spiritual or religious object will also move through levels of experience, from Gross to Subtle, to Subtler, and to Subtle-most. Eventually the inward shifting of attention reveals the essence of the object of Meditation and Samadhi.

Observer, observing, and observed collapse into one: In Meditation on an object, whether Gross or Subtle, there are three parts: 1) An Observer, 2) A Process of Observing, and 3) The Object being observed. With Samadhi, it is as if these three parts collapse into only one. There is no longer an observer observing the observed; rather, there seems to be only the object. It is as if the observer and the process of observing have become absorbed into the object, such that object is the only thing left.

Samadhi with, or without form: There are two general categories of Samadhi. One is Samadhi "with form" or "with object" (of which there are many types of gross or subtle objects, and thus many types of Samadhi). During Meditation, attention was directed towards this form or object, and in Samadhi, the attention becomes absorbed into that form or object.

The other category is Samadhi "without form" or "without object," in which there is attention that is not directed towards any form or object (since it is without any object or form, there is not the diversity of types of Samadhi, as is the case with Samadhi on form or object).

In both categories of Samadhi, the attention stance is similar. The difference is that in the case of objectless or formless Samadhi, there is no object. The stance of attention is still there, but the object is not. It is somewhat as if during Samadhi with form, one had simply forgotten the object, and thus came into objectless Samadhi.

Cultivating Practice and Non-attachment: For one who does not get trapped by the activity of the Gross world, the Subtle realm, or even the stirrings of the formless Causal level, then the state of absorption called Samadhi is within reach. Attaining Samadhi rests on two foundation principles, Practice and Non-Attachment, Abhyasa and Vairagya.

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7. Turiya / Consciousness / Absolute / Silence after AUM

Silence represents the permeating consciousness: After the "A," the "U," and the "M" of the OM mantra there is Silence that is representative of the consciousness that permeates, and is all of the other levels. The name of this level of consciousness is Turiya. (All other mantras merge into the vibration of OM, and in turn, to this Silence.)

Turiya means "the fourth": Turiya literally means "the fourth," and represents that consciousness which permeates, observes, and is the other three levels. To call Turiya a "level" is not really accurate, since it is always, in fact, witness of, and at one with, the other states.

Standing on the roof of the building: From the vantage point of Turiya, one sees the entire panorama of the play of the levels of consciousness. It has been likened to standing on the roof of a three floor building, where the first three floors are the Waking, Dreaming, and Deep Sleep states (Gross, Subtle, Causal levels) . From those levels, you can only look out a window, whereas from the roof you can see it all.

Practicing the AUM mantra: The AUM mantra represents the four states of Waking, Dreaming, Deep Sleep, and the fourth state of Turiya. These four are the focus of attention in remembering the OM mantra. The Transition states and the Samadhi state are less focused on with intention during the practice. This does not mean they are not there, or will not be experienced, but simply that one not making specific use of them in Meditation and Contemplation. In practicing the OM mantra, the emphasis is on the "A," the "U," the "M," and the Silence, along with their associated realities.

Practice with the Silence after AUM: In the practice of remembering the AUM mantra, when awareness is on the Silence after the "A," the "U," and the "M," you cultivate and train yourself to have an awareness of that consciousness, and that it:

Permeates all of the personal levels of Waking, Dreaming, Deep Sleep
Permeates all of the Subtle realm
Permeates all of the Causal realm
Consciousness permeates, is the foundation of, and in fact, is the whole of the levels of the "A," the "U," and the "M" levels. This awareness is allowed to become clearer through practice, over time.

Merging into stillness and silence: Many sages, teachers, and traditions have pointed out that eventually all light, sound and mantras lead to Stillness and Silence. By understanding the meaning of AUM, and the levels of consciousness that it represents, it becomes much easier to see how it is that light, sound and mantras truly do merge back into the Stillness and Silence from which they arose.

The meaning of AUM is revealed: The masters, sages, teachers, and traditions have also pointed out that to really understand this, one must do the practices and go to the Stillness and Silence oneself, wherein the meaning of AUM is revealed.


I am a Wave in the Ocean of Bliss.
I and the Ocean are One.
I am Ocean.
I am That.


Distinction between Samadhi and Turiya: There is a fine distinction between Samadhi and Turiya. Samadhi is a dualistic style of attention, while Turiya in non-dualistic, leading one to the experience "I am That," or Self-realization. There are many objects on which one can practice Yoga Meditation and enter Samadhi, and there are Gross, Subtle, and Subtler levels of objects in which one might attain Samadhi, as well as objectless Samadhi.

However, Turiya brings one to Self-realization that, "I am a Wave in the Ocean of Bliss; I and the Ocean are One; I am Ocean; I am That."