Turiya- The Fourth State

We are all aware that we as humans are conscious beings. There are three states of consciousness, namely:

1.      The waking state

2.      The dream state

3.      The deep sleep state

But from time to time, we feel something else. Beyond these, and one we cannot explain. Let me give you a example from my own life. A few years ago, I was criticized by a senior colleague for not operating, for financial reasons, on a 2-year-old child with a fracture which could have and should have been treated with a simple plaster. This started a chain of events which lead to me leaving a lucrative position, which at that point of time had a significant impact on my life.

But I never lost any sleep over it, because deep inside I knew what I did was something I would do all over again, if presented with the same options today. And when I delved deeper into this feeling, I kept wondering if there was an inner voice, and from that day forward, I kept looking for that voice. And then came this word, The Turiya. And as you would have noticed, i even named my wellness venture after it. The following is what I have learned about the turiya, simply known as the fourth. 

Through the three states of consciousness – the waking, the dream, and the deep sleep states – turiya, the fourth state, connects them like a thread through beads on a necklace.

Whether asleep, dreaming, or awake, turiya, the fourth state, remains ever-present within. Deep within lies eternal consciousness. While straying from awareness might occur on the surface, at the core, one has never truly deviated. This core presence cannot go astray. A person fully immersed in turiya no longer remains a stranger to themselves but finds profound familiarity within.

Thus, the fourth state is not something to be attained but to be uncovered, not achieved but discovered.

The waking state holds a fraction of consciousness; the rest lies in unconsciousness. By using this small fraction, one can nurture awareness. Each day, taking moments to ‘wake up’ consciously helps retain awareness. Initially, awareness may slip repeatedly due to a long-cultivated unconsciousness. Yet, frequent reminders to "become a witness" in daily moments—walking, eating, or pausing—can gradually establish a foundation of awareness.

In a culture truly devoted to self-awareness, teaching a child the art of consciousness would take precedence. If a child learns turiya and the art of witnessing early, by maturity, they could achieve profound awareness.

Through meditation, a process beyond intellect initiates, often termed the heart or intuition. Here, one connects with a universal nature, much like a dewdrop merging with the ocean. Nature extends from instinct to this fourth state, or turiya, where it meets the universal essence. I still cherish my stay at Sancheti Hospital, Pune, India, where each day started in the clinical meeting room with a few minutes of prayer or silence/meditation. I now think that this is the way all clinical work should begin, calm, unburdened and devoid of worldly distractions, which might otherwise affect another human being’s life and livelihood. Simply, don’t carry your drama to the OR.

Consciously entering the fourth state allows for enlightenment; unconsciously entering it offers only temporary relief. Each night, individuals unknowingly surrender to nature, which rejuvenates and restores them for the day ahead.

As a society, we have grown leaps and bounds in the last 100 years. We have done more in 100 years as a species than we have in the last 300,000 years. As our material world grows, so should our journey within. In the post pandemic world, drowning in war and natural calamities, we will, as a species, have to elevate our consciousness to make it through this era of human beings.