In Hinduism, the concept of the "plane of consciousness" as described in the Upanishads refers to a metaphysical realm associated with the mind, awareness, and the deeper aspects of existence. The Upanishads, ancient Hindu philosophical texts, speak of different aspects of Akasha, often translated as "space" or "ether," which has different connotations depending on context. In particular, this Akasha is connected with Brahman, the Absolute or the ultimate reality.
Akasha and the Planes of Consciousness
Bhutakasha: This is the physical or elemental space (gross level) that refers to the material world. It is what we perceive as the space that holds physical objects.
Chidakasha: This refers to the "space of consciousness" or the plane of mind and awareness. It is the internal, subtle dimension where thoughts, emotions, and consciousness exist. Chidakasha transcends physical space and touches on the metaphysical nature of human existence.
Paramakasha: Some philosophers refer to this as the highest level of Akasha, representing pure, transcendental space or the ultimate truth, beyond both physical and mental planes.
Akasha as the Body of Brahman
The Upanishads describe Akasha not merely as empty space, but as the body of Brahman, the Absolute. In this context, Akasha is a vast, all-encompassing essence that holds everything within itself. When this Akasha is identified with bliss, it alludes to the experience of higher states of consciousness, or union with Brahman, where duality ceases and one experiences a state of ultimate bliss or Ananda.
This Akasha, particularly when understood as Chidakasha, embodies the plane of consciousness that underpins all life experiences. It is seen as the subtle energy or life force that sustains all beings.
Chit Shakti: The Energy of Consciousness
In Shaivism, a key strand of Hindu philosophy, Chit Shakti is the energy of consciousness. This force, also known as Paraprakriti (ultimate material principle), is considered the original life force that manifests through the activities of life. The universe, in Shaiva philosophy, is essentially a play of Shiva and Shakti, where Shiva represents pure consciousness and Shakti represents the dynamic energy that brings creation into being.
Chit Shakti is the vital energy that drives all forms of life, from the simplest biological functions to the most profound spiritual experiences. Srikantha, a Shaiva philosopher, recognized Chidakasha as an embodiment of this ultimate energy, emphasizing that it is not just the space of consciousness but also the force that shapes existence.
Modern-Day Relevance and Importance
The concept of the plane of consciousness, as explored in Hindu philosophy, has modern relevance in areas such as:
Meditation and Mindfulness Practices: Many forms of meditation, particularly those rooted in Hinduism or influenced by it, aim to help individuals transcend the gross, sensory world and access subtler levels of consciousness. Chidakasha, or the space of consciousness, is often the focus during meditative practices, where one learns to observe thoughts, emotions, and the mind as they arise and pass.
Psychology and Consciousness Studies: The exploration of different levels of consciousness, such as the conscious, subconscious, and superconscious, draws parallels to the Hindu understanding of Chidakasha. Modern psychologists and researchers in consciousness studies often look to these ancient philosophical frameworks to better understand the mind and human experience.
Spirituality and Wellness: The idea that consciousness is not just an individual trait but something deeply connected to the cosmic whole is significant for spiritual wellness today. Yoga, for example, teaches that the ultimate goal is self-realization, or understanding the oneness between the individual consciousness (Atman) and the universal consciousness (Brahman).
Energy Healing Practices: In modern spiritual healing practices like Reiki or Pranic Healing, there’s an emphasis on subtle energy fields and channels within the body. These practices resonate with the Hindu understanding of energy (Shakti) that flows through all living beings, connecting physical health with mental and spiritual well-being.
Similar Concepts
The Etheric Plane (Western Esotericism): In Western spiritual and esoteric traditions, there’s a similar idea of an "etheric" or "astral" plane, where non-physical energies and consciousness exist. It parallels the Chidakasha concept in Hinduism.
The Field of Consciousness (Quantum Physics): Some modern physicists have explored the idea that consciousness may not be confined to the brain but might be a fundamental property of the universe. This aligns with the Hindu concept of Akasha as the vast, all-encompassing space or consciousness that permeates everything.
Lesser-Known Facts
Chidakasha Dharana: In the yogic tradition, there is a specific practice known as Chidakasha Dharana, a meditative practice where the mind focuses on the internal space of consciousness, particularly the space between the eyebrows (the location of the "third eye"). This is said to enhance awareness and open the practitioner to higher levels of consciousness.
Connection with Astral Projection: Some interpretations of Chidakasha are linked to the idea of astral projection, where individuals can transcend the physical body and experience the universe on a subtle plane. This is associated with yogic siddhis (spiritual powers), which allow a yogi to access different realms of consciousness.
Usage in Modern Times
In modern Hindu thought and practice, the concept of planes of consciousness continues to be an essential part of spiritual discourse:
Yoga and Meditation: The understanding of various levels of consciousness is integral to advanced yogic practices. The Kundalini energy, said to lie dormant at the base of the spine, is believed to rise through various planes of consciousness, leading ultimately to self-realization.
Consciousness Research: Scholars and spiritual practitioners alike use these traditional models to explore human consciousness, often linking them with neuroscience and psychology.
Personal Growth: The idea of cultivating awareness on different planes of consciousness is often emphasized in personal development, where individuals seek to move beyond basic, reactive states of mind toward a more enlightened, conscious state.
The concept of planes of consciousness in Hinduism, particularly Chidakasha or the space of consciousness, offers a profound framework for understanding the nature of existence, the mind, and reality itself. This metaphysical understanding remains relevant today, not only within spiritual practices like meditation and yoga but also in modern psychology, wellness, and the pursuit of consciousness studies. The interconnectedness of energy, consciousness, and life functions—rooted in ancient Hindu philosophy—continues to inspire both spiritual seekers and scientists exploring the depths of human awareness.