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Intro to Vedanta part 11: Three States of Experience
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Individuals interested in Eastern philosophy, spirituality, and self-inquiry will find this video insightful.
TL;DR
This video explores the three states of experience: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, as a method for self-inquiry. It argues that consciousness is the unchanging witness of these states, and that this consciousness is continuous, even during deep sleep.
Key Takeaways
- The three states of experience—waking, dreaming, and deep sleep—are familiar cycles everyone experiences nightly and daily.
- Any and all experiences a person has throughout their life will fall into one of these three categories.
- The concept of a 'fourth state' transcending these three is often discussed but is not an experience itself.
- You are the unchanging consciousness, the 'sakshi' or witness, that observes the mind's activity across all three states.
- Consciousness is continuous and unchanging, remaining present even during deep sleep, which is supported by the vast number of mental events witnessed daily.
- The idea that consciousness 'flips off' during deep sleep is unreasonable, suggesting its continuity is maintained.
- The term 'alupa dri' describes this continuous, unblinking consciousness that never ceases to be aware.
In This Video
- 00:00Introduction to Atma Vichara
Continuing the inquiry into one's true nature, Atma Vichara, a prominent practice in Vedanta.
- 01:05Different Approaches to Self-Inquiry
Exploring various methods to distinguish the self, like separating subject from object and identifying the five koshas.
- 02:16The Three States of Experience
Introducing the 'Avastha Traya': Jagrat (waking), Swapna (dream), and Sushupti (deep sleep).
- 04:06All Experiences Fit Three Categories
Every experience, including mystical ones, falls into waking, dream, or deep sleep states.
- 06:40You Are the Witness (Sakshi)
You are the unchanging consciousness, the Sakshi, witnessing the mind's states: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.
- 09:28Consciousness is Unchanging
Thousands of mental events are witnessed daily; consciousness doesn't suddenly switch off in deep sleep.
- 11:38Alupa Drishti: Unceasing Witness
Introducing 'Alupa Drishti,' the concept of an unceasing, never-lost conscious observer.
Questions & Answers
What are the three states of experience in Vedanta?
The three states of experience in Vedanta are Jagrat (waking state), Swapna (dream state), and Sushupti (deep, dreamless sleep).
What is Atma Vichara?
Atma Vichara means inquiry into one's own self or true nature, a prominent practice in Vedanta.
What does 'Avastha Tria' refer to?
Avastha Tria refers to the three states of experience: waking, dream, and deep sleep.
What is the role of the Sakshi?
The Sakshi is the unchanging consciousness, the awareful witness of the mind's changing states (waking, dream, deep sleep).
Can any experience be categorized into these three states?
Yes, any experience one has, from childhood to the end of life, falls into the waking, dream, or deep sleep state.
What is Alupa Drishti?
Alupa Drishti refers to the conscious observer that never loses continuity or 'blinks off', representing the unchanging nature of consciousness.
Key Terms
- Atma Vichara — Inquiry into one's own self or true nature.
- Avastha Tria — The three states of experience: waking (Jagrat), dream (Swapna), and deep sleep (Sushupti).
- Sakshi — The conscious observer or awareful witness of experiences.
- Alupa Drishti — Unceasing seeing; consciousness that never loses continuity.