The one question loved ones invariably ask when a patient is coming out of a surgery is if the patient conscious. Their major concerns revolve around whether the person is awake, able to talk, recognise people, and if he has his wits about him. On an everyday basis we instruct children and adults alike to consciously cultivate certain habits. In effect, we tell them to do things mindfully.
While the common perception of consciousness may be centered on the above, consciousnesses in spiritual speak is much more than merely being awake, aware or applying oneself to a task. It is, to put it simply, soul, spirit, jiva. It goes beyond body consciousness and extends into spirit consciousness. It is not confined only to the world that we see, but fathoms what lies deep down inside of us.
However, since we rely largely on perceptions based on our senses, and our mind and our intellect have been brainwashed into conforming, we believe that consciousness is nothing beyond what we actually see, what the mind perceives and what it tells us.
As Ramana Maharishi said: “Mind is consciousness which has put on limitations. You are originally unlimited and perfect. Later you take on limitations and become the mind.” The moment we let go of the rational mind, all its thoughts and attendant emotions, and begin to observe the play of emotions and thoughts clinically, we enter into a deeper consciousness. That is exactly what happens when we meditate.
Tapping into this will require one to disconnect the thinking mind and venture into unchartered territory.
There come times in life when, after one has done all that one needs to do, one has no choice but to let go of fears and take risks, placing trust in the goodness of the universe. Such moments are precisely when we experience ultimate consciousness.
When we step out of our cubicles/ work stations / apartments/homes, and watch the magic of a sunrise by the beach; or when we get to stand in front of an imposing mountain or hill and look skyward; when we are witness to the miracle of conception and birth or when we intuitively figure things in an aha! moment, we definitely get a rare glimpse of that consciousness.
Why is it necessary for people to transcend their current state and experience a deeper level of consciousness? As Neale Donald Walsch says, it presents “opportunities to challenge present ways of thinking and move into a grander, larger experience of who they really are.” Remember the real you is a bit of infinite consciousness with infinite potential. Realising this is the first step to spiritual growth.
The writer is a Reiki channel, yoga practitioner and spiritual seeker. You can send her yourqueries at selfdecoder@gmail.com
