Avasthā
Avasthā (devanāgarī: अवस्था) is a Sanskrit word that means "state," and it is frequently applied to the three (o four) states of consciousness described in Hinduism known as jāgrat (waking state), svapna (dreaming state) and suṣupti (deep sleep state). A fourth state of consciousness is turīya (literally, "the fourth"), which is normally regarded as a spiritual state of pure consciousness.
According to Mme. Blavatsky
Below, a few definitions by H. P. Blavatsky:
Jagrata (Sk.). The waking state of consciousness. When mentioned in Yoga philosophy, Jagrata-avastha is the waking condition, one of the four states of Pranava in ascetic practices, as used by the Yogis.[1]
Svapna (Sk). A trance or dreamy condition. Clairvoyance.[2]
Svapna Avasthâ (Sk.). A dreaming state; one of the four aspects of Prânava; a Yoga practice.[3]
Turîya (Sk.). A state of the deepest trance—the fourth state of the Târaka Râja Yoga, one that corresponds with Âtmâ, and on this earth with dreamless sleep—a causal condition.[4]
Turîya Avasthâ (Sk.). Almost a Nirvânic state in Samâdhi, which is itself a beatific state of the contemplative Yoga beyond this plane. A condition of the higher Triad, quite distinct (though still inseparable) from the conditions of Jagrat (waking), Svapna (dreaming), and Sushupti (sleeping).[5]
Notes
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Theosophical Glossary (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 162.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Theosophical Glossary (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 314.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Theosophical Glossary (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 314.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Theosophical Glossary (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 345.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Theosophical Glossary (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 345-346.