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In a sense, every soul is a scientist because no one can rest until they have proven (to themselves), beyond the shadow of a doubt, the Truth of their own immortality. All of us need to directly experience the Reality of Truth (SatChitAnanda); only then can we find true peace.
During the state of deep, dreamless sleep, we experience profound peace, but when we awaken from that sleep we can not recall what it was like, except to say that we had a ‘sound and refreshing sleep.’
We are actually conscious in deep dreamless sleep. Although our consciousness appears different in the waking (and dreaming) states, it is not really different from the Consciousness that is present in dreamless sleep (sushupti). In fact, Consciousness does not undergo any modification whatsoever; all modifications are of the mind only.
When we speak of consciousness, subconsciousness, and superconsiousness we are describing consciousness from the perspective of the mind. Our perception of consciousness is based on what we ‘have in mind.’
Ordinarily, the mind is ruled by ego which has made the mind its residence. What is this ego? Ego begins with the thought that ‘I am conscious.’ This is a very subtle ego, and in and of itself this subtle ego causes no problem. The problems begin when this ego is joined with an unenlightened mind, and asserts “I am the mind,” and later asserts “I am my body.”
The conscious, subconscious, and superconscious states of mind are formed according to our samskaras (mental impressions) and our ego. Ego is the identification of consciousness with the mind.
Regardless of one’s samskaras and ego, it is natural for one to experience the conscious state (the waking state), the subconscious state (which is partially manifest during the dream sleep state), and the superconscious state (in the form of deep, dreamless sleep).
The deep, dreamless sleep (sushupti) is a natural state of superconsiousness common to everyone. On the other hand, the super-natural (supremely natural, or mystical) state of superconsiousness known as Samadhi is achieved only in the waking state when the mind is deliberately purified of its samskaras and ego. The purification of the mind is accomplished with wisdom (selfless knowledge), service (selfless action), and devotion (selfless love).
The practice of Samadhi purifies the mind to such an extent that it seems to completely fade away. In fact, the individualized mind (the mind characterized by personal samskaras and ego) is dissolved, and only the Cosmic Mind (Universal Mind) remains in the highest state of Samadhi.
Every soul desires the bliss of Samadhi, but is there more than this? Yes there is much, much more. In the state of Samadhi the embodied soul is in tune with the Self (Atman) through the agency of the Universal Mind. When the Self is isolated even from the Universal Mind (Mahatattva), the state of Kaivalya is reached. Beyond this is the Unreachable, the Supreme, which is known only by the one whom He chooses. OM
We need to directly experience the Reality of Truth (Satchitananda); only then can we find true peace.
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