Five Important Levels of the Human Consciousness

Five Important Levels of the Human Consciousness

The science of spirituality deals with all the subtle and physical level of the
conscious body. Experts of this science can perform supernatural experiments on
the physical body. They experience more and more blissfulness as they realize
higher and subtler levels of consciousness. The five important levels of the
human consciousness are: (i) the physical consciousness (Annamaya Kos) which is
manifested in the activities of hormones and enzymes etc., (ii) the awakened
consciousness(Pranmaya Kos) which is active in the form of bioelectricity, (iii) the
psychic consciousness(Manomaya kos) which gives rise to biomagnetism, (iv) the
intuitive consciousness(Vigyanmaya Kos) and (v) the beatitudinous
consciousness(Anandmaya Kos) which subtly exists in the Reticular Activating
System in the Cortical Nuclei.

The human body is a complex ensemble of interlinked systems of over 75x10
cells. A large number of independent 'powers' govern the activities of its various
constituents. The 'power' behind the biochemical activities of the nucleic acids,
genes and chromosomes in reproduction and other genetically controlled
processes is an example of such creative powers. The defensive power of the
body is manifested by the immune response. The vital power linked with
bioelectricity and biomagnetism is also amongst the most important subtle
powers existing in our body. Due to their manifestation in the form of
(bio)physico-chemical activities, the presence and extent of these powers can
easily be measured by the technique like tissue histology, ECG, EMG, ELISA etc.
The subtle effects of these vital powers are tremendous. These can be awakened
and experienced by certain spiritual practices.

The spiritual Sadhana processes of Kundalini Jagaran, Satcakra Bedhan, Yogatrayi,
Panckosa Jagaran, Suksmikaran etc. are similar with respect to the fact that they are
aimed at the controlled awakening of the subtle levels of consciousness in the
human body. The great knowledge of subtlization of the consciousness and the
details of related spiritual practices are described in the ancient Indian scriptures.
Experiments in this direction should be performed under proper guidance and
only after an in-depth understanding of this interesting but difficult field of
knowledge. We shall focus here on the manifestations of the subtle consciousness
in terms of the controlling of neuro-hormonal processes.

Hormonal activities begin right at the level of embryogenesis. Even before
embryogenesis the electrical energy necessary for stability of the sperm is
'supplied' by the mother's hormone. The transmission of Sanskaras via genetic

information also takes place with the help of these hormones which ultimately
govern the development of the body and the personality as a whole.

When the embryo after developing into a complete body enters the outer ionic
environment, then its protection from the harmful interactions and appropriate
control of its adaptive processes is also governed by specific hormonal activities.
The secretion of hormones is controlled by the subtle consciousness existing in
the brain. The seven glands, namely, the Pineal, Pituitary, Thyroid, Parathyroid,
Thymus, Adrenal and Gonads, spread from top to bottom within the body and
control all the biochemical activities during its lifetime by the secretion of various
hormones. The secretion of hormones inside a human body also maintains the
psychology of the corresponding person. The sexual abilities and temperament
of a person depends largely on the levels of specific hormonal activities in
his/her body.

The simple Yoga practices of Bandh, Mudra, Asanas etc. along with controlled diet
and austere life-style establish control over various hormonal activities. The
regulation of hormonal secretion thereby maintains harmony between different
parts of body and various physiological and mental activities and emotions
which is essential for practicing the higher levels of spiritual upliftment.

Astrochemists and Cosmobiologists have found that individual consciousness is
subtly linked to the universal consciousness and that this mutual relationship is
manifested in the natural hormonal secretion processes within the body. They
describe about the direct effect of the Sun upon the Pineal gland, Moon upon the
Pituitary, Mars upon Parathyroid, Jupiter upon Adrenal, and Venus upon
Gonads. Further scientific investigations into these relationships would help
understand the Indian scriptures which describe the spiritual modes of receiving
desired level of universal consciousness.

Bioelectricity and the subtle vital system (called the etheric double in
Theosophy) are interlinked. Every cell, tissue and organ of our body is charged
with bioelectricity. Control of the cellular membrane potentials by the sodium-
potassium pump, ADP/ATP systems and cyclic AMP etc. are examples of the
electrochemical reactions responsible for the intercellular communications and
hence for the regulation of various physiological/biological activities in our
body.

A couple of decade ago, Dr. Fred Wales had studied the electrical metabolism.
An analysis of his results shows that during respiration every living being
inhales negative ions which are dispersed throughout the body electrifying its
constituent units. These ions are transmitted back into the surrounding
atmosphere through the skin pores - creating and electrical circuit thereby.
Modern instruments have helped in a detailed study of this process of absorption
(respectively excretion) of the negative ions by the lungs (respectively the skin
pores). With the help of Pezo, Pyro and Metabolic electricity every human body
can be visualized as a bioelectric system or a living power house.

Many tissues in our body function like specific crystals and work like
transducers in solid state physics. Every carbon atom in this body has a capacity
to store electrical energy. It is only in some exceptional situations, that the static
electrical storage of the vital system is found to be suddenly activated. However,
the Sadhana processes of spirituality make it possible to utilize this enormous
electrical potential for desired effects. The immediate and simple manifestations
of these effects are seen in the form of development of an energetic, enthusiastic
and bright personality. The resistance power of the body also depends on this
bioelectricity. This power can be enhanced by the Hansyoga of the Sauham
Sadhana. Even the voice and speech of such Yogis can influence their
surroundings by the latent bioelectric effects.

Biomagnetism and bioelectricity are the powers activated in different states
within the body. As mentioned earlier, the formation of the Aura, Psychic
healing, Vital passing, Gazing, Hypnotism and Saktipat (transfer of spiritual
energy by spiritually more powerful persons into devotees) etc. are the processes
related to biomagnetism which are often practiced by the Yogis. The magnetic
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field around the heart in normal human beings is found to be around 5x10
tesla
units when measured by a magnetocardiogram. Sensitive instruments like a
Squeed can be used to measure the minute changes in the magnetic current with
respect to the flow of vital energy. These sophisticated instruments have also
made it possible to measure the magnetic field around the two poles (the Sahasrar
and the Muladhar) of the dipole magnet in the spinal cord (Shusumna).

With the advancement of EMG technique it is now possible to measure the D.C.
potential around the upper pole (situated at the top of the central brain) of the
above biomagnet. Different procedures of meditations are described in the
ancient Indian Philosophy for the purpose of enhancing the biomagnetism and
thereby awakening the Mind cell (the psychic consciousness). Dedicated learning
and persistent spiritual practices enable true saints and seers to attain a
supernatural memory, intellect and discretion.

Modern science has just begun to realize the importance of neurohormonal
secretions in creating supernatural talents as described in detail in the ancient
Indian scriptures. As a dedicated practitioner (Sadhak) of spiritual training
reaches higher levels of spiritual realizations, the subtler forms of his/her
consciousness awaken giving rise to certain very specific neurohormonal
secretions. Awakening of the intuitive consciousness (Vigyanmaya kosa) is one
such spiritual practice.

Some recent scientific experiments on neurohormonal secretions indicate that the
devotional practice of meditation with purity of thoughts by austere persons
results in the secretion of various hormones like Dopamine, Acetylcholine,
GABA, Serotonin, Endorphines and Encephalines etc. which in turn increase the
internal happiness, concentration, memory, emotional maturity and overall body
energy in such persons. Different, physical forms (Mudras) of Yoga along with
meditation help faster attainment of the desired effects. Some well known
supernatural powers normally attained during the spiritual practices of
awakening of the intuitive consciousness are telepathy, prophecy, capabilities of
converting one form of matter into another etc. It should be noted that a true seer
never uses these powers for a mere display of magic aimed at gaining popularity,
instead, he/she makes a careful and timely utilization of such powers only for
the welfare of all living beings.

The highest level of consciousness, namely, the beatitudinous consciousness
subtly exists in the reticular activation system (RAC) and the cortical nuclei in
the human brain. Ancient Indian scriptures mention a great deal about this
ultimate level of human consciousness. In the present era, a little but significant
knowledge about the RCA has come into light with the help of advanced medical
electronics. Histopathological analysis of the electrical stimulation of this system
by external field has shown that the cortical nuclei help awaken subtle
consciousness under the controlled and continuous stimulation given by the
RCA through thalamic projection. Deep meditation during the higher level of
spiritual practices (e.g. Nididdhyasan, Prtyahar, and Samadhi) is found to create
such effects which help link the individual consciousness with the universal
consciousness through the subtle Meson and Neutrino particles.

It may be noted that, in order to make the scientific explanation comprehensive,
only some simple aspects of the human consciousness are described here. A
complete analysis of the human consciousness would require further
advancement of scientific research before the latter can attempt investigations in
this regard. The final stage (Ayamatma Brahm) of the spiritual practice (Sadhana)
of awakening of the beatitudinous consciousness (Anandmaya Kosa) cannot be
described in words. Its physical realization or an analysis of the experiences of its
attainment is beyond the reach of modern science.