The Mandukya Upanishad, one of the shortest yet most profound scriptures of the Upanishadic canon, offers a remarkable insight into the nature of consciousness. In particular, the twelfth verse, which describes Turiya—the “fourth” state—opens a window into the transcendent reality that lies beyond our conventional experiences of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. This verse states:
“The Turiya—the ‘fourth’ as it were—is beyond all the three syllables. He it is into whom the world dissolves. He is one, beyond all dualities, and the very personification of auspiciousness. One who realises him, attains his own real self.”
At its core, this verse encapsulates the mystical journey towards self-realization. It suggests that there exists a state of consciousness that transcends the ordinary dualities of life—pleasure and pain, success and failure, joy and sorrow. Let us delve into the symbolism, significance, and modern-day relevance of this profound insight.
Beyond the Ordinary States of Consciousness
Traditional Indian philosophy often describes human consciousness as operating in three primary states:
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Waking (Jagrat): The state in which we experience the external world through our senses.
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Dreaming (Swapna): The inner world of thoughts, memories, and fantasies that unfolds in the mind.
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Deep Sleep (Sushupti): A state devoid of active mental content, where the mind rests in a latent state.
Turiya, however, is portrayed as a state that exists beyond these three. It is not just another level of experience but an all-encompassing consciousness where the illusion of separation and duality ceases to exist. In Turiya, the self dissolves into an expansive oneness, a state where the individual identity merges with the ultimate reality.
Symbolism and Metaphor
The verse uses the metaphor of the three syllables—akin to the syllabic divisions of the sacred sound “Aum” (or “Om”), which itself is traditionally divided into three parts corresponding to the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states. Turiya, then, is represented as the silent, unmanifested essence that underlies these audible components. It is the soundless vibration, the space within which the syllables exist and ultimately dissolve.
The phrase “into whom the world dissolves” symbolizes the dissolution of the perceived multiplicity of life. As the individual mind identifies with the outer world, it becomes caught in a web of dualities. However, when one transcends this identification and realizes Turiya, the world as separate objects and experiences simply dissolves into a unified, boundless consciousness. This process is akin to how mist dissolves into the morning light, losing its distinct form and merging into the vast expanse.
The Personification of Auspiciousness
Describing Turiya as “the very personification of auspiciousness” underscores its positive, life-affirming nature. In many spiritual traditions, auspiciousness is linked with purity, clarity, and the ultimate good. Realizing Turiya is seen as the highest blessing—a state in which suffering, conflict, and the mundane concerns of life are transcended. It is an inner light that guides one towards true knowledge and liberation, illuminating the path to self-discovery.
Attaining the Real Self
The verse concludes by stating that one who realizes Turiya attains their “own real self.” This phrase is pivotal in Advaita Vedanta, where the quest for self-realization is not about acquiring something new, but about uncovering what has always been present beneath layers of ignorance and ego. The “real self” or Atman is considered the same as Brahman, the ultimate reality. Thus, the realization of Turiya is synonymous with the realization of one’s true nature—a state of eternal, undivided consciousness.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s fast-paced, dualistic world, the lessons of the Mandukya Upanishad are as relevant as ever. Modern life is often marked by stress, fragmentation, and an overwhelming focus on external achievements. The pursuit of material success and sensory pleasures can leave one feeling disconnected and spiritually unfulfilled. Turiya offers a counterpoint—a reminder that true peace and contentment come not from external circumstances but from an inner state of awareness that transcends everyday experiences.
Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative inquiry are modern methods that guide individuals toward experiencing this higher state of consciousness. By quieting the mind and turning inward, practitioners can begin to experience moments where the chatter of daily life subsides, revealing the underlying unity of existence. Such practices have been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster a deeper sense of well-being—a testament to the practical benefits of realizing the essence of Turiya.
Lessons for Daily Life
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Embrace Stillness: In a world filled with constant stimulation, setting aside time for silence and introspection can help in tapping into the deeper dimensions of consciousness. This quiet space is where one can encounter Turiya.
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Transcend Duality: Recognize that many of the conflicts and stresses of daily life arise from seeing the world in black-and-white terms. Cultivating an awareness that goes beyond dualities can lead to a more balanced, harmonious life.
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Seek Inner Truth: Instead of being swept away by external validations and societal expectations, focus on understanding your true nature. The journey inward is a path to finding an unchanging, inner peace that remains regardless of external circumstances.
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Live with Intention: The realization of Turiya encourages one to live with greater mindfulness and clarity. By aligning daily actions with the deeper truth of existence, one can lead a more meaningful, purpose-driven life.
Integrating Science and Spirituality
Modern science, particularly in the fields of neuroscience and psychology, has begun to explore the effects of meditation and mindfulness on the brain. Research indicates that regular meditative practice can lead to significant changes in brain structure and function, promoting mental clarity, emotional stability, and a reduction in stress-related disorders. Although these findings do not directly “prove” the metaphysical claims of the Upanishads, they do provide empirical support for the idea that there is a transformative inner space—much like Turiya—that can be accessed through dedicated practice.
Neuroscientific studies have revealed that deep meditative states are associated with heightened states of awareness and connectivity within the brain, suggesting that what ancient sages described as Turiya may have parallels in measurable brain states. This convergence of ancient wisdom and modern science offers a powerful narrative: that the journey toward understanding the self is both a spiritual and a scientifically verifiable pursuit.
The twelfth verse of the Mandukya Upanishad is not just a poetic statement—it is a profound invitation to explore the depths of human consciousness. By pointing beyond the three conventional states of being, it challenges us to seek a reality where the self is not fragmented but unified in a singular, boundless awareness. The symbolism of the syllables of Aum, the dissolution of dualities, and the promise of inner auspiciousness all converge to create a vision of liberation that is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.
In our modern lives, where the clamor of external stimuli can often drown out the voice of the inner self, the teachings of the Mandukya Upanishad remind us that the path to true fulfillment lies in turning inward. Embracing the principles of Turiya not only enriches our spiritual lives but also offers practical benefits—helping us to live with greater clarity, balance, and a profound sense of inner peace.