We often associate consciousness with meditation. But is consciousness only the peaceful state we experience when we meditate, or is there something beyond it?
In AiR’s philosophy, we understand that we can operate in two states: the mind state or the consciousness state. The drama of life continues when we are caught in the mind state. Thoughts arrive continuously, creating desires and negativity like fears, worries, and anxiety. When the mind becomes still, we enter the consciousness state. In simple words, the state in which there is no mind is the state of consciousness.
Meditation is an important tool in this journey. We can use the analogy of an umbrella that protects us from the rain of toxic thoughts. It creates a temporary space between us and the constant activity of the mind, allowing us to experience a glimpse of consciousness. And in that glimpse, we experience peace.
Many on the call were struggling to understand the word “beyond.” What lies beyond this peaceful experience of consciousness?
AiR explained something that gave us a new perspective: there are levels of consciousness. At the entry level, we may experience consciousness as peace. But at the ultimate level, as AiR explains from his own experience, consciousness is experienced as eternal peace, divine love, and everlasting bliss. The source of consciousness is the SOUL, whose nature is always Sat-Chit-Ananda.
Meditation is the tool. Consciousness is the state. Sat-Chit-Ananda is the ultimate realization.
Eternal bliss is fundamentally different from the temporary thrill we experience in life. Winning a game, achieving a goal, or receiving good news may trigger dopamine and give us a momentary high. But every such experience is transient. The bliss of consciousness is not dependent on an event, achievement, possession, or external condition.
The journey, therefore, is not merely to meditate for a few moments of peace, but to be established in consciousness, where peace, divine love, and bliss become our true state of being.
