Consciousness is the foundational state of beingness, the basic constituent of all existence.
The path of enlightenment is often said to have seven stages or states of consciousness. These are:
The state of waking consciousness is the most common and familiar state of consciousness. It is the state in which we are normally awake and aware of our surroundings.
The state of dream consciousness is a less familiar state of consciousness, experienced during sleep. Dreams can be vivid and lifelike, or they may be strange and confusing.
The state of deep sleep consciousness is the state of consciousness experienced during deep sleep. This is a restful and refreshing state, but we are not usually aware of our surroundings while in it.
The state of pure consciousness is a state of complete peace and tranquility. It is a state of pure awareness, without any thoughts or emotions.
The state of self-realization is the state of realizing our true nature and purpose in life. This is a state of enlightenment, where we see things clearly and understand them deeply.
The state of cosmic consciousness, or higher consciousness, is the state of unity with all that is. It is a state of oneness with the universe, where we feel connected to all things.
The state of nirvana or liberation is the ultimate goal of the path of enlightenment. It is a state of com