Turiya - The FOURTH State of Consciousness - Transcending Ordinary Experience

Turiya is a state of consciousness that transcends your experiences in the states of waking, dream, and deep sleep. The teachings of Advaita Vedanta describe turiya as being imperceptible, ungraspable, and inconceivable. But then, how can it be EXPERIENCED?
Swami Tadatmananda's translation and classes on the Mandukya Upanishad are available here: arshabodha.org/teachings/mand...
The three states, jagrat avasta, the waking state, svapna avastha, the dream state, and sushupti avastha, the state of deep, dreamless sleep, are often called states of consciousness, but that's a misnomer, because they're actually states or conditions of your mind. In Sanskrit, they are known as avastha traya, which simply means three states. Traditional teachers of Advaita Vedanta call them three states of experience, not three states of consciousness.
In the scriptures, the word turiya is found for the first time in the Mandukya Upanishad. There, an ancient rishi describes it, not as unique state of consciousness, nor as a special spiritual experience. Instead, he describes turiya as pure, unconditioned consciousness, consciousness that's not affected in any way during the states of waking, dream, and sleep. Turiya is transcendent - it remains utterly untainted by worldly experience or suffering. That unconditioned consciousness is atma, your true, inner nature, the so-called inner divinity that dwells in us all. Discovering your true nature as unconditioned consciousness can free you from suffering, leading you to moksha, liberation or enlightenment.
Swami Tadatmananda is a traditionally-trained teacher of Advaita Vedanta, meditation, and Sanskrit. For more information, please see: www.arshabodha.org/
0:00 Waking State, Dream State, and Deep Sleep
11:50 Turiya - the Fourth State
23:40 Common Misconceptions

[@Prasannakumar-jl8pi]

As your students, we know that consciousness is the underlying reality in all states . Thank you for your teachings. You are a blessing to me and thousands of others. 🙏

[@dimitrisjim1216]

I would like to know what happens during anesthesia. One can claim that your consiousness dies then. They cut you up, feel nothing, and when wake up you dont remember absolutaley nothing.

[@Prasannakumar-jl8pi]

@@dimitrisjim1216 consciousness is universal and is in both animate and inanimate objects. It is everywhere. Obviously it will not die. In anaesthesia what’s is gone is your senses and mind, which constitute your material body. Consciousness is within you without feeling your pain or pleasure. It’s beyond our earthly thinking

[@sourcetext]

So now what do you do ?????

[@julianmendoza5044]

It's different for everyone. The experience is individual, in this case the person in a comma

[@pattyayers]

This is a wonderful teaching. I feel like I at least *began* to grasp this concept, Turiya. Thank you so much, Swamiji. You radiate such kindness and intelligence.

[@Rohitkothari704]

Garib, Turiyaa Par Puriyaa Mahal, Paar Brahm Ka Desh । Aisaa Satguru Sayeiye, Shabad Vigyaana Nesh ।।

[@Robinson8491]

Thank you Swami! Discovering you and leading us to read the Upanishads changed my life!

[@juancelinfobox]

Swami love

[@chrisaav100]

Shanti, shanti, shanti 🙏

[@srinivasanchanniga]

Guruji you have clearly explained what is Tureeya. It is not the fourth state of mind but it is the only consciousness (Atma) that underlies and experiences the 3 states of mind- wakefulness, dreaming and deep sleep but remains unaffected by these 3 states. Thank you Guruji.

[@joshi.o]

May the fourth be with you! ❤

[@raquel_hakeu]

Thank you so much for this precious teaching. 🙏❤🙏

[@oya270]

Very clear, concise, and humble teaching. Impressive!

[@saammahakala]

19:08 Holding that crystal there, is where I'd seen a 15" white dwarf star leave my father's chest and three years later when my newborn grandnephew was thrust into my arms, I'd felt the same energy signature I had felt upon his soul's departure. I was the only one squeezing his hand in an attempt to let him know we were there next to his side.

[@drchandu]

Most lucid explanation of turiya. Blessed are the listeners

[@janisjones3290]

What an exquisitely clear and concise explanation of Turiya… You are truly a gifted speaker and teacher. Thank you 🙏

[@HAR_HAR_MAHADEV3335]

❤❤❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤Har Har Mahadev ❤

[@melissapadmerose]

Thank you so much for your clear, concise teachings Swamiji! I was studying Buddhism for awhile, but after listening to your teachings and studying some of the texts I realize that it's Advaita Vedanta that really resonates with me and speaks to my heart and soul. Namaste! 🙏

[@JessTarn]

I had the same experience. Practiced Buddhism for twenty years then realized I had put myself in a box. Though, I will avoid getting into another box of advaita vedanta as well

[@Alex722]

@@JessTarnI just use philosophies and religions that I resonate with (their teachings) as helping tools but not identify myself as this or that. For example I don’t consider myself a Stoic or Buddhist or anything at all, but all these have helped me tremendously. We are always free souls, but this body-mind system needs some learning 😂

[@rainynight02]

​@@Alex722 That's essentially what I'm doing. I call myself a "Buddhist-Pagan" precisely because I'm a hobmosh of so many different ideas and views. The philosophy/psychology of the book "King, Warrior, Magician, Lover" is helping me wonderfully right now as I go further on my path of betterment.

[@benjamindsouza6736]

Thank you guruji! This is the most profound explanation of Turiya! 🙏🙏🙏

[@salvatore.MJP7]

Grateful to you for the profound enlightenment. The metaphor of the mind room can fit well the entire three states of the mind and turiya. To sum this up Consciousness is the awareness of the external world created by the mind in the waking state. Consciousness is the awareness of the internal world created by the mind in dream state. Consciousness is the awareness of the absence of activity within the mind in dreamless sleep. Turiya is pure consciousness, detached from the mind, it’s consciousness reflected upon itself.

[@abhijitadi]

Pranaam Swamiji, thank you for this beautiful video. I remembered Ganapati Atharvashirsha - it says 'tvaṃ avasthātra̍yātī̠taḥ' (त्वं अवस्थात्रयातित:).🙏

[@PardeepKumar-dw3yd]

Aha Swami! You helped remove the ignorance. Thank you!

[@sriharimulukunte7881]

A very lucid description of the Ekameva Turiya state which is also described in the Narayana Suktham as the ever shining flame in the Heart Chakra .

[@johnackerman9277]

Very helpful, thank you🙏

[@vijayamohan33]

Great teaching Swamiji❤❤❤❤

[@gireeshneroth7127]

Awareness according to awareness is duality is all about. It takes awareness to take itself not itself but something other than itself. Ultimately it is awareness vs awareness as far as the whole mess is about.

[@innocenzz]

So grateful for this !!!

[@alukuhito]

Thank you, Swami-ji. 🙏

[@prakashrath9797]

Thank you Swamiji 🙏

[@seemamukherji8337]

Extremely wonderful

[@tubedarsan]

Beautifully explained Swamiji. ❤

[@Decoder-One]

Pranam Swamiji 🙏🙏🙏

[@henryguthery5311]

Much love ❤️

[@mishasinghal9016]

Thank you so much Guruji

[@Venkatramnna]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@markdance1]

This is one of the best I've seen on this subject !

[@alphadragon1948]

thank you swamiji

[@rajukunjukrishnan472]

Pranam Guruji 🙏

[@aniketdagar8580]

Thank you Swami! Amazing video!

[@monikavarma4]

Thank you Swamiji ❤

[@katebeatham333]

Thank you so much. Love and blessings.💗🙏

[@sohiniwellen8497]

Thank you Swamiji

[@norbertomolina]

Thank you! Namaste 🙏😊🌈

[@trusharpatel3]

Love these 4 Avastha Traya and Turiya state. 💎

[@meret99]

This wise wise sage!💖

[@berylcarby7777]

Liberating. Thank you Swami, thank you, thank you. 🙏🏿

[@vipulchaturvedi996]

Very clearly explained. Thanx Regards.

[@majjibabu9267]

You’re a great teacher, Thank you sir for your teachings to us.

[@phylis3917]

Thank you swami.

[@Spuranik81]

I had not heard a clearer explanation than this. Thank you so much! ♥️🙏🏽

[@tanjasasa]

Very, very nice, clear, and inspiring. Thank you Swami!

[@xtmfitness]

Excellent explanation and examples thank you!!

[@kirtijoshi7735]

Pranam swamiji 🙏 😊 Thank you for clearing all doubts.

[@jayanthisrinivasan9055]

You are a gift to the seeker. May the Almighty shower his grace on you always. 🙏

[@rashmianand4305]

Thank you Guru ji for explaing this mystic realm so concisely and clearly

[@dustianna11]

Thank you🌱💫

[@ragaashish33]

Unconditioned concious existence what a beautiful way of living.

[@YongnianTaiChiUSA]

Beautiful and thank you. Your lectures are always appreciated. 🙏🙏🙏☀🌙⭐🕉☸☯🔱

[@lj7780]

this teaching is an amazing gem, a light on the dark path in this kalyug period

[@ClancyBirrell]

You are a great teacher and Guru. Thankyou for the wisdom.

[@Mitch.Sanker]

Perfect explanation for that which cannot be described

[@gridcoregilry666]

a gift as always swami tadatmananda! thank you for the explanations and examples as well as great editing. Also the final note on becoming a blessing to others is what you hold true

[@EnriquedeAndaGiner]

Gracias 🙏 🙏 🙏 ❤❤❤❤

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

POWERFUL!

[@makingofmandala7264]

Thank you Swamiji for a wonderful video with excellent explanation of turiya. I completely agree with your pointers that turiya is not a state of consciousness but it is underlying reality. Substratum and our true nature. I also trust Sri Ramana Maharshi that it is a place beyond turiya, which is The Source, Complete Unknown and not describable in any sense. Turiya would be Ishwara/Saguna Brahman and The Source would be Niguna Brahman. Turiya appears with the first thought I am, beyond that in The Source I am is completely dissolved. Instead the closest to that "state" is : IT IS.... That is my understanding so far. Love and blessings to you! Om Shanti! 🕉🙏

[@rahjtaren5769]

So utterly beautiful. Thank you deeply. 🙏🙏🧘🏼‍♂️🙏🙏

[@iamnastyguy]

this is clear ...thanks for making me understand .

[@Eva-iy6vy]

Very helpful lecture. Thank you.

[@hiranmukherjee3358]

Pronam Gurudeb. Your video is so helpful to discover reality.

[@suparnamukherjee40]

Thank you for such a clear explanation .

[@user-vi7sg5bl9p]

Muchas gracias, excelente y clara explicaciòn, porque yo tambièn creìa que habìa ese cuarto estado de Conciencia, porque una vez tuve una experiencia indescriptible, donde la mente y el cuerpo estaban ausente y sòlo todo era consciencia, inteligencia sublime, y puro Amor.

[@elieusable]

Gratidão!

[@nkastropil]

Perfectly explained and the visuals are amazing!

[@vreddy8231]

Very precise,concise and clear explanation 🙏

[@rajendragupta6127]

Thank you again for such enlightening talk. It clarifies lot of things and help us stay on course in our search for our divinity

[@anandkatakwar912]

The way you describe and the tone, every single one of your videos have the quality to bring one closer to eternal one consciousness which is The One Turiya.

[@muralikrishnan9232]

Profound ! Adhering to the Rishis' wisdom , Swamy clearly shows all the sides of the one and only one consciousness 🙏

[@chironsthea607]

Namaste, om shanti

[@chandankumar-lk9kr]

Best description of Turiya. Thank you very much Swami ji. We are very blessed to have you among us.

[@edelweisssymons7444]

Swamiji, Thank you for such a simple yet profound explanation of Turiya. We are blessed indeed!

[@gurumurthy5845]

Truely a wonderful upanyas. Class apart.🙏🙏🙏

[@vasanthik9248]

Thank you Swamiji Such a clear explanation

[@mayilvel7181]

Hariom swamiji, I could feel swami dayananda"s lightning splash in every words. Hail guru parampara. Thank you so much.

[@fernandoorozco5968]

Thank you

[@thomasbrouwer2771]

Excelent material on a much misunderstood topic.

[@robyogashakti5661]

Dear Swamiji, thanks again for such a clear and uplifting explanation🙏🏻

[@hadimaxim4104]

great teacher...great explaination thank you very much Swami

[@ravikantsethi3115]

Excellent sharing the knowledge

[@Robinson8491]

The way the rishi described it in the Mandukya Upanishad (according to your text description with the video) is exactly how I experience(d) it: my dream state follows the same physical laws as the wake state. They follow the same logic, and are therefore similar or identical And the seventh chakra which is the thousandleafed lotusbloom of pure light as the pinnacle, but there logic stops and you enter a strange world of superlogic and timelessness: A Parmenidian oblate spheroid of pure one consciousness where all knowledge is united and one. It was very strange but awesome at the same time, couldn't stop being amazed at this minds capacity, but didn't dare enter too far into it; it was beyond my comprehension so I was a little scared to enter. I dipped my toe in it to see how it worked and then left

[@lokshaunak2137]

wonderful thanks well explained

[@indraraj6812]

Great explanation.

[@koochithatha7486]

Salutations, Guruji. So beautifully presented and inspirational! You are to be commended once again for explaining a difficult subject so much easier to understand and assimilate. Thanks so much. Om Shanti 🙏🏼

[@quanzhenj3252]

a wisdom teacher, namah

[@vasumathigovindarajan2139]

Brilliant explanation.

[@syams1805]

Great effort sir. Excellent compilation....hats off for your simplicity in explanation

[@tzadik36]

Pronaams! 🙏 Namashkaars to all! 🙏

[@saibaba6068]

Swamiji, namaskarams. We are all very much thankful to you sir. The best teacher of spiritual studies sri Tadatmananda namaste.

[@maheshseshadri490]

Thanks Swamiji for a very detailed with good Clarity explanation. Also beautiful graphics. 👌👌👌🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@kiwinartosabdo2591]

Supreme explanation of the inner search, in utmost clarity. The eastern spirituality is already perfected.

[@ringingthebells307]

Eye opening for me Swami ji. I waited for such video for very long time from a Guru like u whose words may be authentic to eradicate my all confusions which finally happened today. My salutations to u Swami ji and charan sparsh.

[@jonsmith4669]

Very interesting talk,I have been practicing TM since 1978 and find it very powerful ,but simple to do,I experience a deep awareness that is very enjoyable,no thoughts, at least I am not aware of any, not even an I , because that is a thought of course, the process involves an actual physical experience too,the whole nervous system especially in the arms and legs starts to tingle to the point of heat but it doesn't hurt, in fact its very pleasant I presume this is what MAHARISHI says is deep stress release.. trapped negative energy,although one is supposed to practice for about 20 mins, I have experienced wanting to go on for longer as its so enjoyable, a peaceful blissful state so I do sometimes,normally when the 20 mins is up,a thought comes in to stop the meditation ,that i find that extraordinary as when practicing TM correctly there is no sense of time.,when the thought comes to stop and I look at the clock I simply cant believe that 20 mins has gone by, its more seems like a couple of mins if that. As for the other levels of Consciousness I feel God can do anything and these levels may be possible....but how would one describe them if the I is no more? in fact that applies to the Turiya level too.but we try. Maharishi says that regular practice of TM in which one experiences the "4th level Turiya " that being our true nature will permeate our other levels of consciousness, over time someone in this state in waking consciousness would be an extraordinary Human Being.....Self Realised....the idea of a person or name and form as ones identity would be no more,there never was a person..funny in fact. I have no connection and never have with the TM movement as I don't really like the financial side of it. But Maharishi says if one pays for something he is more likely to want something back and carry on,TM like any practice ,it needs the discipline to do regularly ,but as I said Tm is so enjoyable one looks forward to it,afterwards one feels like its been a mental and physical bath and very refreshing. FOOTNOTE. As I said I have no connection with the TM movement,I just wanted to practice the Meditation as it promised the 4th state Turiya, something I had experienced spontaneously aged about 8 called Satori in Zen ,I had no idea (literally )what was happening ,all I can say it was glorious happiness, WIDE AWAKE , NOWNESS SO MUCH LIGHT, not my usual fearful state at all ,It lasted around 4 hours,that was 70 years ago and I have never forgotten it, the I that was me vanished..... One more thing about Maharishi which may point to his stature. I learnt Tm in 1978 and had no connection with the TM movement gradually I forgot about Maharishi in 2008 5th February whilst at the computer first thing surfing on YT Maharishi came into my mind, I wondered if he was still alive? so I searched on YT ,THE FIRST POST I looked at said that HE HAD LEFT HIS BODY THAT VERY MORNING. ! no coincidence,somehow there was a connection........COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS or some other level....Amazing.

[@LaetareIerusalem]

Very clear! I appreciate the quotes in Sankrit and Translation a lot, too. Thank you /\

[@satyanarayanarao6337]

Very nicely explained about turia. 🙏