Have you ever experienced your mind constantly dragging you from one thought to another? Is it possible to find a calm harbor amidst these fluctuations? On the path of inner exploration and spiritual growth, we often encounter the depths of our mind. This mental space presents us with a complex landscape shaped by the different states of consciousness experienced by each of us.
By exploring this landscape through the Mandukya Upanishad and the Kundalini energy system, we can find an opportunity to deeply understand our inner workings. In this article, we examine how levels of consciousness are shaped, their relationship with the chakras, and how we can purify ourselves through yoga.
Mandukya Upanishad: The Map of Consciousness
The Mandukya Upanishad offers a deep philosophical source on the nature of consciousness. According to this text, there are four states of consciousness that every human experiences:
Jagrat (Waking State)
“In the waking state, the person experiences the external world through the senses, and is governed by the mind and ego.” (1.2)
In this state, we interact with the external world. Our senses are active, and we experience the world through our individual ego. The surrounding world seems concrete and independent of us.
Swapna (Dream State)
“In the dream state, the self, independent of external stimuli, is deceived by the mind and dreams.” (1.3)
The mind creates its own reality independent of the external world. Our subconscious processes data from the waking state into dreams, often presenting them symbolically or metaphorically.
Sushupti (Deep Sleep State)
“In deep sleep, there are no desires, no awareness of the body, but there is a sense of happiness and unity.” (1.4)
This is the state of deep rest. No dreams are experienced, and the external world is not perceived. It is a state of pure potential. The ego temporarily dissolves, but the presence of consciousness remains.
Turiya (Transcendental State)
“Turiya is beyond all dualities and is the pure awareness that encompasses all states of existence.” (1.7)
The highest state of consciousness, Turiya, is pure awareness (Atman). Here, the individual soul (Jivatman) merges with the universal soul (Paramatman). This state transcends all distinctions and is experienced as the ultimate reality.
Achieving Mental Peace: The Five States of the Mind
The five states of the mind—Mudha, Kshipta, Vikshipta, Ekagra, and Nirodha—are concepts in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras that describe the nature of the mind (chitta). Just like a river with calm stretches and chaotic rapids, our mind has different states of flow and stillness. These states describe the stages of the mind, from its most scattered and restless to its most focused and transcendental.
Mudha (Dull Mind)
Mudha is a state where the mind is stagnant, dark, and unconscious. In this state, the person is unwilling to move and indifferent to the events around them. Tamas (inertia, energy from stagnation) usually dominates in this state. It can manifest as feelings of depression, pessimism, or mental fatigue.
Kundalini: Mudha is typically associated with the Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra), which is linked to survival, security, and basic needs. When blocked, a person may feel insecure, unmotivated, or physically weak.
How to Recognize:
- A constant desire to stay in bed.
- Difficulty performing daily tasks.
- Lack of inspiration and unwillingness to make decisions.
How to Overcome:
- Physical Movement (Asana): Simple yoga poses, especially Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), increase energy flow.
- Pranayama: Breathing exercises (Kapalabhati or Bhastrika) cleanse the mind and increase energy.
- External Motivation: Spending time in inspiring environments with natural light and positive people reduces tamas.
- Daily Routine: Setting small and manageable tasks can help break inertia.
Kshipta (Restless Mind)
Kshipta is a state where the mind’s waves (vritti) are rajas dominated, constantly moving and chaotic, making it impossible to focus. Known as the “monkey mind,” this state is characterized by the mind jumping from one thought to another and being unable to hold attention for long.
Kundalini: This state is generally associated with the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus). An imbalance in this chakra can lead to an overly ambitious but unfocused or anxious mood.
How to Recognize:
- Constant flow of thoughts.
- Inability to finish tasks.
- Quick temper and easily distracted.
How to Overcome:
- Meditation: Observing thoughts through simple breath-awareness meditation.
- Mantra Repetition (Japa): Repeating “Om” or another calming mantra helps regulate the mind.
- Balance of Movement and Rest: After fast-paced yoga (vinyasa), deep relaxation techniques like Savasana can be practiced. In these first two states, external support may be needed.
In these first two states, external support is needed.
Vikshipta (Distracted Mind)
Vikshipta is a state where the mind alternates between concentration and distraction. The mind can focus at times, but this focus is usually short-lived. Sattva (clarity) energy begins to emerge in this state. It is the most common state of the mind and the starting point of the yoga journey.
Kundalini: This state is generally associated with the Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra). This chakra, which is connected to love, compassion, and harmony, helps bring peace and balance to the mind as it begins to align.
How to Recognize:
- Short bursts of focus in meditation, followed by distractions.
- Searching for inner peace but feeling indecisive.
How to Overcome:
- Regular Meditation: Meditating at a fixed time every day helps form a habit.
- Disciplined Practice: Practicing yoga asanas and breathing exercises trains the mind to focus.
- Positive Environment: Contact with nature and peaceful spaces helps improve this state.
Ekagra (One-Pointed Mind)
Ekagra is a state where the mind is completely focused on one goal, thought, or object. In this state, mental fluctuations stop, and the person experiences a “flow” state.
Kundalini: This state is generally associated with the Ajna Chakra (Third Eye). High awareness and intuition develop in balance in this chakra.
How to Recognize:
- Losing track of time during deep meditation.
- Ability to focus on one thought or task for extended periods.
How to Strengthen:
- Dharana: Concentration exercises (e.g., focusing on a candle flame).
- Awareness: Practicing mindfulness even in daily tasks.
- Silence: Practicing in a noise-free environment supports this state.
Nirodha (Controlled Mind)
Nirodha is a state where mental fluctuations completely cease, and the person experiences pure consciousness and awareness. This is the state of samadhi (liberation).
Kundalini: This state is typically associated with the Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra). Union with divine consciousness and universal peace are experienced in this state.
How to Recognize:
- A sense of ego loss.
- A state of infinite peace and happiness.
How to Strenghten:
- Advanced Meditation Techniques: Deep mindfulness practices like Vipassana.
- Surrender (Ishvarapranidhana): A state of surrender to the universe.
- Mind Cleansing: Purifying the mind through long-term, regular yoga and meditation practices.
The journey from Mudha to Nirodha involves reducing tamas (inertia) and rajas (restlessness), while increasing sattva (clarity and balance). Start exploring your own state of consciousness and mind today. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and turn inward. You are not alone on this journey.
