01
The Three States (A-U-M)
'A' represents the waking state (Vaisvanara); 'U' represents the dream state (Taijasa); 'M' represents deep sleep (Prajna). Each state has its own subject and object, but all are temporary.
Scope of Investigation
Based on the Mandukya Upanishad, this contemplation deconstructs personal identity by analyzing the three states of human experience to reveal the fourth (Turiya)—the silent witness consciousness.
Guided Steps & Practice
1
Deconstruct the Waking State
Contemplate the waking world and your waking self. Realize that this state is temporary—it disappears completely when you fall asleep.
2
Deconstruct the Dream State
Contemplate the dream state. The mind creates its own space, time, and objects, which seem completely real until you wake up. Who is the dreamer?
3
Contemplate Deep Sleep
Contemplate deep sleep. There are no thoughts, no world, and no ego, yet you wake up and say 'I slept peacefully.' Who was present in that silence?
4
Abide as Turiya
Recognize that you are the changeless witness (Turiya) that runs through all three states, symbolized by the silence that remains after the sound of OM.
02
Turiya (The Silence)
Turiya is the silent awareness that witnesses all three states. It is represented by the silence that follows the chanting of the syllables A-U-M.
Recommended Readings
Mandukya Upanishad with Gaudapada's KarikaSwami Nikhilananda trans.