Significance of Turiya
Turiya, according to various philosophies including Vaishnavism, Yoga, and Vedanta, is the fourth state of consciousness that transcends the three typical states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It represents pure awareness and the ultimate realization of oneness with the Absolute Brahman. Turiya is characterized by a profound inner peace, devoid of desires and duality, and signifies the changeless essence of the Self. It is the state of pure consciousness, linked to spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
Synonyms: Transcendental consciousness, Pure consciousness, Fourth state, Supreme consciousness
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Turiya'
Turiya in Hinduism represents the fourth state of consciousness, transcending waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It symbolizes pure knowledge, non-duality, ultimate reality, and is essential for achieving liberation and inner peace.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate, changeless, and immortal state of consciousness that transcends all other experiences.[1] (2) A term referring to the state of pure consciousness or ultimate reality beyond ordinary duality; it signifies the essence of Brahman.[2] (3) Turiya is the realized state that one aspires to achieve when the erroneous knowledge from the states of dream and sleep disappears, representing the Highest Reality.[3] (4) Turiya is the ultimate state of consciousness, beyond the typical states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, and is described as the unchanging, non-dual essence of the Self.[4] (5) The fourth state which represents the Ultimate Reality and is non-dual.[5]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The fourth state of consciousness that transcends waking, dreaming, and deep sleep; it represents the ultimate realization and knowledge of truth.[6] (2) Turiya is the transcendent state of consciousness characterized as beyond the ordinary experiences of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.[7] (3) The foot or the highest state of consciousness associated with Omkara that results in the absence of further anxieties and experiences bliss.[8] (4) A state where neither cause nor effect has any validity, representing non-bondage.[9] (5) Turiya is referred to as the Impartible, unapproachable and incomprehensible, being beyond worldly activities and separation but ultimately declared approachable by the wise.[10]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) The fourth quarter of OM, which is the state of pure consciousness that is beyond all relative existence.[11] (2) A state of 'being' that transcends the three states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep; represents a higher level of consciousness.[12]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The fourth foot of the Gayatri that signifies the supramundane aspect, symbolizing the sun and transcending physical existence.[13]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Turya represents the fourth state of consciousness that transcends the waking, dreaming, and sleeping states, often associated with deep meditation.[14]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The perfect and all-knowing state of the Absolute Brahma.[15] (2) The fourth stage of yoga that represents a state free from desires, characterized by a profound sense of inner peace and realization.[16] (3) The fourth stage of consciousness or realization according to yogic philosophy, representing pure awareness.[17]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The transcendent state of consciousness that surpasses the three normal states: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.[18] (2) A state of consciousness representing a higher state of reality beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.[19] (3) The fourth state of consciousness associated with the Devi, beyond the usual waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states.[20]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The fourth state of consciousness that represents pure awareness.[21]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The fourth state of consciousness beyond dreaming, deep sleep, and waking; often associated with realisation of oneness with Brahman.[22]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The fourth state of consciousness, which is beyond wakefulness, dreaming, and deep sleep.[23]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The state beyond wakeful, dream, and sleep realms, representing higher consciousness.[24] (2) A state marked by biological perception, linking vital air and consciousness.[25]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The fourth form of Atman, which is beyond all elements, incomprehensible, and known especially to seekers of liberation.[26]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) the fourth dimension or state of being beyond material nature[27]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) The fourth state of consciousness in jnanayoga, beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, associated with a profound realization of presence.[28]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The state beyond deep sleep, where ultimate consciousness is realized.[29]
The concept of Turiya in scientific sources
Turiya is described as the fourth state of consciousness, transcending waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It embodies pure consciousness and ultimate reality, serving as a foundational concept in spiritual and philosophical discussions.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine
(1) The fourth state of consciousness that transcends the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states, representing pure consciousness and the ultimate reality.[30]