The Journey Beyond Waking, Dream and Deep Sleep: The Vedantic Vision of Consciousness - Avasthatrayaviveka
Vedanta, the philosophical essence of the Upanishads, seeks to uncover the eternal truth behind human existence. One of its most profound methods of inquiry is Avasthatraya Viveka — the discrimination or analysis of the three states of consciousness: waking (Jagrat), dream (Svapna), and deep sleep (Sushupti). Through this analysis, Vedanta reveals that behind these ever-changing states lies a changeless, conscious reality — the Atman, the true Self of every being.
This teaching, expounded in texts such as the Mandukya Upanishad and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, leads the seeker toward self-knowledge and liberation by recognizing the Self as distinct from the body and mind.
The Three States of Consciousness
1. The Waking State (Jagrat)
In the Jagrat state, a person is identified with the gross physical body and perceives the external world through the senses. The consciousness functioning in this state is called Vishva. It is characterized by outward experiences, sensory engagement, and identification with physical actions.
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (4.3.7) describes this state:
"When a person is awake, he perceives with the help of the mind and the senses the objects of the physical world."
While this state appears real, Vedanta teaches that it is only relatively real (Vyavaharika Satta), for it vanishes in dream and deep sleep.
2. The Dream State (Svapna)
In the Svapna or dream state, the physical body rests, and consciousness operates through the subtle mind. The dreamer creates his own inner world, independent of the external environment. Here, the consciousness is known as Taijasa — the radiant one, for it illuminates the mind-created dream world.
The Mandukya Upanishad (2) says:
“The second state is the dream state wherein the consciousness shines inwardly, creating its own objects.”
This state reveals that the mind itself can project a world of experience, demonstrating that external objects alone do not constitute reality. The dream world feels as real during the dream as the waking world does when awake, showing the illusory nature of both.
3. The Deep Sleep State (Sushupti)
In Sushupti, the deep sleep state, both body and mind are transcended. There are no perceptions or thoughts, yet the individual later recalls, “I slept happily; I did not know anything.” The experiencer in this state is called Prajna, the all-knowing Self in potential form.
The Mandukya Upanishad (5) describes it:
“The third state is deep sleep, wherein one neither dreams nor desires, but becomes one with the cause; he is full of bliss and is a mass of consciousness.”
Here, the seed of ignorance (Avidya) remains, veiling the pure awareness. Though the mind rests, consciousness persists as a witness (Sakshi), untouched by any experience.
The Witness Consciousness (Sakshi)
The analysis of these three states leads to the recognition of a fourth reality, the Turiya — pure consciousness that underlies all states yet remains unaffected by them. Turiya is not a state among others but the unchanging awareness that illumines waking, dream, and deep sleep.
As the Mandukya Upanishad (7) declares:
“Turiya is neither inwardly nor outwardly cognitive, not both, nor a mass of cognition; it is unseen, beyond empirical dealings, ungraspable, uncharacterized, unthinkable, indescribable; its essence is the realization of the Self.”
Spiritual and Philosophical Significance
The purpose of Avasthatraya Viveka is not merely theoretical analysis but self-realization. By observing the transitions between the states, one understands that the Atman remains constant — the silent witness of all changes. This recognition dissolves the identification with the body-mind complex, freeing the individual from bondage and suffering.
Vedanta thus affirms: You are not the waking person, the dreamer, or the sleeper — you are the witness of all three.
Psychological and Scientific Relevance
Modern psychology and neuroscience acknowledge the existence of different levels of consciousness — wakefulness, dreaming (REM sleep), and deep sleep — aligning closely with Vedantic insights. Yet, Vedanta goes further, identifying an unbroken awareness that persists through all these states.
From a psychological standpoint, Avasthatraya Viveka teaches detachment and self-observation. Recognizing the transient nature of thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences helps cultivate inner peace and mindfulness. In today’s world of stress and identity confusion, this Vedantic inquiry offers a profound method of self-integration and mental balance.
Practical Application in Daily Life
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Self-Reflection: Regular contemplation on the three states helps realize the impermanence of worldly experiences.
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Meditation: Observing thoughts as passing phenomena deepens the awareness of the witness within.
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Equanimity: Understanding that the same consciousness pervades all states brings calmness amidst life’s dualities.
Final Thoughts
Avasthatraya Viveka unveils a timeless truth — that our real identity is not confined to the waking, dreaming, or sleeping personalities, but is the ever-present Atman, pure consciousness. By understanding this, one transcends ignorance and attains the wisdom declared in the Upanishads:
“That Thou Art (Tat Tvam Asi)” — Chandogya Upanishad (6.8.7)
This Vedantic method, though ancient, remains eternally relevant — guiding humanity toward inner freedom, self-awareness, and the realization of oneness with the Absolute.