7 States of Consciousness in OM

Seven states or levels of consciousness are given below…

• Three states of consciousness: Each of the three sounds of AUM (A, U, and M) symbolizes specific states of consciousness.
• Fourth state of consciousness: After those three parts of the OM, there is a Silence, the Fourth, which relates to consciousness or awareness itself.
• Three transition states: Between these four states of Consciousness there are three transition states.

These levels exist universally

It is important to be aware of the fact that these levels of consciousness are realities that exist universally, regardless of whether or not one uses the OM Mantra or the visual OM symbol in any way. In either case, the underlying principles are extremely useful for all seekers in purifying or clearing the mind, and seeking the direct experience of deeper truths.

Meaning of the symbol

Not only does the sound vibration of the AUM/OM represent the four levels of consciousness, so too does the visual symbol.

• The lower curve represents the Gross, Conscious, Waking state level, called Vaishvanara. (A of OM Mantra)
• The center curve represents the Subtle, Unconscious, and Dreaming level, called Taijasa. (U of OM Mantra)
• The upper curve represents the Causal, Subconscious, and Deep Sleep level, called Prajna. (M of OM Mantra)
• The dot, point, or bindu represents the fourth state, the absolute consciousness, which encompasses, permeates, and is the other three, and is called Turiya. (Silence after A, U, and M of OM Mantra)
• The arc below the dot symbolizes the separateness of this fourth state, standing above, though ever remaining part of the other three. Piercing the bindu finally allows one to attain the highest experience, and this comes after following the process of Kundalini Awakening.

Reference

Yogic Conscious Deep Sleep by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati at http://www.swamij.com/yoga-nidra.htm

The Bells of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the root of all the methods that tame the mind. First it focuses the mind. Then it eases the mind. Finally it is the luminous nature, beyond thoughts. ~ Paul Rinpoche

What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the art of staying in the moment. Accepting what is. Because it is already here. Regaining focus, bringing peace and centeredness. The practice of mindfulness through meditation defuse our negativity, aggression, and turbulent emotions. The following method The Bells of Mindfulness is a simple method of mindfulness you can do anywhere at any time, and perfect for us with busy lifestyles..

“The bell of mindfulness is the voice of the Buddha calling us back to ourselves. We have to respect each sound of the bell, stop our thinking and talking, and get in touch with ourselves, breathing and smiling. This is not a Buddha from the outside. It is our own Buddha calling us home.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Bells of Mindfulness In Thich Nhat Hanh’s Buddhist tradition they use temple bells to remind them to come back to the present moment. Every time they hear the bell, they stop talking, stop their thinking, and return to themselves, breathing in and out, and smiling. Whatever they are doing, they pause for a moment and just enjoy breathing. Sometimes they also recite this verse “Listen, listen. This wonderful sound brings me back to my true self.” If you have a bell at home, you can practice breathing and smiling with its lovely sound. This is a simple practice to find peace, calm and bring your mind back to the present moment… ~ Thich Nhat Hanh