Content of this Blog
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why certain thoughts, emotions and habits seem to control you? Or why moments of clarity, peace and happiness seems to be rare and fluctuating?
While exploring Yoga Psychology, you will find the secrets of your subconscious and superconscious mind that hold the key to your inner limitations and your greater potential.
The Subconscious Mind: Chitta
Just like you, many are interested in mental health, mindfulness and self-awareness. However, there is often a serious confusion between the subconscious and superconscious mind. You might even be convinced that accessing subconscious thoughts equates to reaching a higher conscious state. But both differ fundamentally and understanding the difference will be the key to self-transformation and wellbeing.
Subconscious Mind do not exist by itself. It is a collection of our stored, unexpressed and suppressed memories, thoughts and emotions both positive and negative respectively. When you become aware of these layers, you feel you are “going deeper”. This can feel powerful and make you think that you have accessed a “higher level” of Mind.
Unfortunately, the subconscious is nothing more than a storage of automatic habits and unresolved issues. It’s more like a record keeper. In other words, the Subconscious Mind is like a storage device or a hard-drive with an unimaginable capacity of storage space.
This sub conscious mind is not the thinker but it is the storage space of all our thoughts. Subconscious mind is not the speaker but it is the storage space of all that is spoken. Subconscious mind is not the actor but it is the storage space of all our actions and their impressions. This storage space in Yoga is called “CHITTA”. All the limited stored information put together compiles as the Chitta is called “Vritti”.
The Subconscious Mind is more like a Library than a Research Laboratory. It’s a source of reference that helps us to navigate through life as a social, relational and professional being. But for us to navigate through life as an individual being we need clarity of our limitations and greater potentials. This clarity comes only through research, life experience and conscious contemplation.
Super-Conscious Mind: Ritambhara
The super conscious Mind is a state of mind where one transcends the limitations of past experiences and fears. The Superconscious mind is like a transparent glass. It has nothing stored on it. Rather it acts like a window and reveals what is beyond the limitations of life.
In other words, the Super-Conscious Mind blossoms within when you consciously lead your awareness beyond the limitations of the subconscious mind. Operating at a super conscious level lifts you beyond the repetitive cycles of life. This state of Conscious Mind in Yoga is called Ritambhara.
How do we break free from the clutches of subconscious mind (Chitta) and step into the vastness of super consciousness (Ritambhara)? This journey doesn’t happen overnight. There are practices mentioned in Tantra Yoga that can guide us towards this transformation.
Patanjali refers to seven stages of consciousness in his 27th Sutra of Second Chapter of Yoga Sutras.
तस्य सप्तधा प्रान्तभूमिः प्रज्ञा2.27 Yoga Sutra
His (yogi’s) experience has seven stages of consciousness.
Patanjali seldom explained the seven stages in his yoga sutras. But when we read Sri Aurobindo, we can clearly see what Patanjali refers to when he mentions the seven stages. Let us understand the seven stages of consciousness.
Inconscient to Super-conscient Being
Each stage along this journey from subconscious to super consciousness begins from inconscient state. It represents a layer of self-realization and understanding, that moves from states where consciousness barely manifests to realms of ultimate clarity and wisdom. Let’s explore these seven stages, from the root level of inconscient to the pinnacle of superconscious awareness.
1. Inconscient: The Seed of Potential
The journey of consciousness begins at the most fundamental stage, called inconscient. At this level, consciousness is present only as a dormant potential—it is yet to awaken or exhibit any self-awareness. Imagine a seed lying in the soil, full of potential life but inactive. This stage is often associated with non-living matter or inanimate objects, where consciousness exists only as a latent possibility, waiting for the conditions that will allow it to emerge.
At the inconscient level, Awareness is totally absent. There is no sense of self or interaction with the environment. At this level Energy is dormant and Consciousness lies as a potential, like a spark in need of fuel. Given the right circumstances, the inconscient can awaken and evolve from here.
2. Unconscious: Dormant but Latent Awareness
The unconscious stage is where consciousness exists but lacks any noticeable awareness. At this level, consciousness is inactive, similar to a person in deep sleep. There is some latent awareness, but it’s beyond recall or interaction. This stage is often associated with states where there is life or a primal level of awareness but no active engagement.
In the unconscious level, Awareness is deeply hidden. It may respond to physical stimuli but lacks self-recognition. Growth or transformation is very minimal. While some consciousness exists, it is negotiable or basic and instinctual. With gradual development, this dormant awareness can transform into more active levels of consciousness.
3. Subconscious: The Realm of Hidden Patterns
The subconscious mind marks the beginning of active consciousness, though it largely operates below the surface of everyday awareness. This stage holds memories, habits, and suppressed emotions, storing patterns that influence behavior without conscious control. Think of the subconscious as a powerful undercurrent—it influences your actions and responses but operates behind the scenes.
At the subconscious level Awareness is reactive. Life Patterns and emotions influence behavior without any conscious input. Subconscious actions are nothing but the mechanical influences on Life. All your automatic behaviors are stored here. Habits and routines run on autopilot mode, based on past conditioning. Through self-awareness, subconscious patterns can rise to the conscious mind, allowing you to work with and release them.
4. Conscious: Active Self-Awareness
The conscious stage is the realm of active awareness. Here, you are aware of your self-existence and identities. You are aware of your actions, thoughts, ideas, emotions and surroundings. This is the state of mind from which you operate every day, make decisions, engage in logical thinking, and interpret all sensory inputs. The conscious mind allows you to focus, reason, and choose your actions intentionally.
At the conscious level, awareness is active and present. In this stage you are aware of your limited identities and your environment. You have the ability to analyze, reflect, and choose your responses in this stage. By cultivating conscious awareness, you can influence your subconscious and develop higher levels of consciousness.
5. Higher Consciousness: Expanding Beyond the Self
As you move beyond the ordinary conscious mind, you reach higher consciousness. This stage is characterized by an awareness that transcends the ego and personal identity, allowing you to experience life from a broader perspective. Here, you become more attuned to the interconnectedness of all things, feeling a sense of unity and compassion.
At the higher conscious level, Awareness is expansive. you become aware of a reality beyond individual self, often experiencing empathy and connection. Higher consciousness brings a heightened sense of understanding, clarity, and wisdom. Moving into higher consciousness leads to profound personal and spiritual shifts. Growth is very transformative in this stage.
6. Intuitive Consciousness: The Realm of Inner Wisdom
Intuitive consciousness is a refined state of awareness where you connect with deeper insights and knowledge that arise beyond the limitations of logics. In this stage, you access inner guidance, often described as a “knowing” that transcends intellectual understanding and realities. Intuitive consciousness allows you to tap into creativity, inspiration, and problem-solving abilities that seem to arise from a source beyond the individual mind.
At the intuitive conscious level Awareness is deeply connected. Insights come without reasoning, as if from a higher wisdom. Creativity flows naturally in this stage. Solutions and ideas emerge spontaneously, beyond logical analysis. This stage helps you to align with your true purpose and make choices from a place of inner clarity as you become more insightful.
7. Superconscious: The Ultimate State of Unity and Pure Awareness
The pinnacle of consciousness is the superconscious mind, a state of pure awareness where all boundaries of self naturally dissolve, and one experiences a sense of oneness with all existence. Super-consciousness is often described as a state of enlightenment or liberation, where the mind is free from all conditioning, limitations, and personal attachments. In this state, there is no longer a “me” experiencing life; instead, there is only the pure experience of being.
At the superconscious level Awareness is boundless and unified. The self merges with the whole, experiencing ultimate peace and understanding.
Transcending all dualities, in this state, the concepts of “I” and “other” dissolve, revealing a sense of infinite unity. Growth and transformation reach its completion. The superconscious state represents the culmination of consciousness, where one is in complete harmony with the universe.
The Conclusion
While the stages of consciousness may seem hierarchical, each stage has its purpose, offering valuable insights and opportunities of self-transformation.
Tantra Yoga is all about Understanding this journey of consciousness. It is by knowing where you are and recognizing that ‘growth is possible’ helps you to journey mindfully through these stages, discovering new depths of wisdom, peace, and interconnectedness with each step. The ultimate goal is not just to reach the superconscious state but to embrace and evolve through each stage, realizing our full potential as conscious beings.
