The concept of Sakshi Chaitanya in Hindu philosophy provides
a profound understanding of the three states of consciousness: waking, dream,
and deep-sleep states. These states are integral to the human experience and
are intricately linked to the notion of the self or Atman in Hinduism.
In the waking state, both the sense organs and the mind are
active, engaging with the external world. This state involves the conscious
experience of the physical reality, where the individual interacts with the
surroundings and processes information through sensory perception.
Transitioning to the dream state, only the mind remains
active, influenced by the impressions from the waking experience and, at times,
latent impressions from past lives. In this realm, the individual undergoes a
subjective and often symbolic experience, creating a world of thoughts,
emotions, and images that may not adhere to the rules of the waking reality.
The deep-sleep state represents a phase of rest for both the
body and the mind. Here, the mind is entirely at rest, and the individual
experiences a state of relative unconsciousness. It is a state characterized by
the absence of the usual mental activity, providing a reprieve from the waking
and dream states.
Amidst these three states, there exists a constant and
unchanging observer known as Sakshi Chaitanya. This witness transcends the
fluctuations of the waking, dream, and deep-sleep states, serving as the
unchanging awareness that remains present throughout the diverse experiences of
an individual's life. Sakshi Chaitanya is synonymous with the Atman, the
eternal and unchanging Self.
The term "turīya," meaning the fourth, is attributed to Sakshi Chaitanya because it appears to transcend the three states of consciousness. However, it's essential to note that "turīya" is not considered as another state; rather, it signifies pure consciousness itself. Sakshi Chaitanya represents the unchanging awareness that is beyond the fluctuations of the temporal and transient states of consciousness, providing a profound understanding of the true nature of the Self in Hindu philosophy.