We will explore each of the seven levels of consciousness mapped out in OM in detail this week. As you go through the levels of the OM 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.
1. Waking State
"A" represents Waking: The Waking state of consciousness is represented by the "A" of the AUM. 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, when awareness is on "A" of the OM, 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 is to observe the way our whole process of thoughts, actions, and speech arises. This can be extremely useful to understand.
2. Unmani / Transition State
Transition between Waking and Dreaming: There is a transition stage between Waking (A of OM) and Dreaming (U of OM) 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.
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 for Yoga Meditation and Contemplation, the focus is mostly on the three states of Waking, Dreaming, and Sleep, which are also called the 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.
3. Dreaming State
"U" represents Dreaming: The Dreaming state of consciousness is represented by the "U" of the AUM. 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 thought patterns uncolored 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. It is for this reason that the Yogi gradually and naturally needs less sleep; there are fewer colored unconscious thought patterns needing to play out.
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.
Reference
Yogic Conscious Deep Sleep by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati at http://www.swamij.com/yoga-nidra.htm
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