Awakening in Ancient Terms
Turiya, often referred to in the Mandukya Upanishad, is a profound concept representing the fourth state of consciousness. To truly grasp its meaning, we need to first understand the three more commonly recognized states of being described in the Mandukya Upanishad: waking (Jagrat), dreaming (Svapna), and deep sleep (Sushupti). Turiya, or the “fourth state,” transcends these ordinary states and is described as the state of pure consciousness, beyond mental activity, duality, or the limitations of our usual experience.
Let’s break it down:
- Jagrat (Waking State)
In the Jagrat state, we are engaged with the world through our senses. This is the state of everyday consciousness, where we experience physical reality, interact with the material world, and identify with our body and mind. The waking state is associated with the outward-directed mind and ego, where the “I” interacts with the external environment.
- Svapna (Dreaming State)
In the Svapna state, we experience dreams. These dreams are created by impressions, desires, and memories, but the mind is still active, processing subconscious thoughts. Although this state is more subtle than the waking state, it is still within the realm of duality—where there is a subject (the dreamer) and objects (the dream content).
- Sushupti (Deep Sleep State)
In the Sushupti state, there is no dream activity and no awareness of the external world or internal impressions. This is the state of deep sleep where the mind rests completely, yet we are still enveloped in ignorance or avidya because there is no conscious awareness of this rest. While the mind is quiet, there is still the presence of ignorance—since the individual does not know the peace that is being experienced.
These three states are part of the cycle we experience daily, but they are all associated with forms of duality or identification with the individual self.
- Turiya (The Fourth State)
Turiya, meaning “the fourth,” is the state beyond these three. It is not a separate state like waking, dreaming, or deep sleep, but rather the underlying awareness that exists through and beyond all of these states. Turiya is pure consciousness or Atman (the Self), which is not bound by time, space, or causality. It is neither outwardly nor inwardly directed—it is beyond subject and object, beyond the limitations of our mind and ego.
Turiya is often described as:
- Beyond mental activity: In this state, there is no conceptual thought, no dualistic distinction between the self and the other, between subject and object. It is awareness itself, pure and unconditioned.
- Witness of all states: Turiya is not a fourth, isolated state to be experienced like the others; rather, it is the witness or the substratum that underlies and pervades all the states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It remains constant while the other states come and go.
- Non-dual consciousness: There is no separation between the experiencer and the experience. In Turiya, the sense of an individual self (ego) dissolves, leaving only the unified field of consciousness.
- Self-luminous: It is awareness that does not need anything external to reveal it; it shines in and of itself. It is the pure “I Am” that exists before any identification with the body, thoughts, or emotions.
- Beyond bliss: Even though deep sleep brings peace and rest, Turiya transcends that peace because it is a conscious realization of the state of absolute unity with the Self.
The Mandukya Upanishad describes Turiya using negation (neti-neti, meaning “not this, not this”), highlighting that Turiya cannot be grasped by the mind. It is not the waking state, not the dreaming state, not deep sleep—it is beyond all three. It is described as the Silent Witness and pure, undifferentiated consciousness.
Turiya and Self-Realization
Realizing Turiya is a fundamental goal in many spiritual traditions, especially those rooted in Advaita Vedanta. This realization is considered the awakening to the true Self, the recognition that one’s essential nature is pure, unchanging awareness, untouched by the fluctuations of the mind or external world.
In Turiya, one realizes that the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states are mere appearances, like waves on the surface of an ocean, while Turiya is the ocean itself—vast, still, and infinite. The experience of Turiya brings with it liberation from the illusions of duality, ego, and suffering.
This realization doesn’t mean one stops functioning in the world. Even after realizing Turiya, individuals continue to experience the world, but they do so with the understanding that all phenomena are temporary and not the ultimate reality. They live in a state of awareness, knowing that their true nature is beyond these transient states.
Turiya and Meditation
Meditation is a key practice to realizing Turiya. Through deep meditation, one moves beyond identification with the body (the waking state / alpha, beta, and gamma brain waves), beyond attachment to thoughts and emotions (the dreaming state / theta brain waves), and even beyond the stillness of the mind (deep sleep state / delta brain waves). Meditation helps the practitioner rest in pure awareness, the state of Turiya, where the Self is experienced as the only true reality (only necessary brain waves for daily functioning of the body without attachment).
In practices like Yoga Nidra or Deep Awareness Meditation, practitioners often approach the experience of Turiya by moving through the conscious awareness of the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states, gradually peeling away layers of identification to rest in pure consciousness.
Turiya in Daily Life
While Turiya is often thought of as a state reached through deep meditation or spiritual practice, the ultimate realization is to carry this awareness into daily life. To live in the awareness of Turiya means to recognize the dream-like nature of everyday experiences, understanding that everything arises and dissolves within the vast field of consciousness. It is a state of inner freedom, where one is fully present and engaged in life while also detached from the ego’s demands and dramas.
In the words of the Mandukya Upanishad:
“Turiya is beyond all transactions of the world, beyond the grasp of the organs of action, and beyond the realm of the mind. It is the cessation of all phenomena; it is all peace, all bliss, and non-duality. This is what is known as the Fourth, the Turiya. This is the Self.”
To live from Turiya is to live from the place of eternal stillness, even as the waves of life continue to move around you.