Chatushpad
the 'Chatushpad is a vedic theory of embodied Consciousness. Propounded by Sri Gaudapada (c500 CE)[1], it postulates four levels of Bodily Consciousness, of the levels of Consciousness attainable by the Physical Unit.
Related Term
Bodily Consciousness > Chatushpad
Systems
Levels of Consciousness > Chatushpad, Transpersonal Realm
Notes
Jean MacPhail comments "The model is described in the Mandukya Upanishad, probably in the sixth Century, CE. It organizes all the previous insights into levels of consciousness in Vedanta into an evolutionary arrangement, the process beginning with materialism and ending with total transcendence of any sense of matter whatever. This process is described in A History of Consciousness in Vedanta: Footprints of the Atman"[2]
The Chatushpad model delineates three ordinary states of consciousness representing various levels of attachment to the material world/external reality: waking, dreaming, and dreamless sleep. A fourth level, known as turiya, represents a state of strong Connection, with its attendant enlightenment. [3]
There is also, according to MacPhail, an emerging fifth-level. Jean MacPhail comments "An emerging fifth level, hinted at in the earliest literature, but now coming forward, as you might say to “balance” the impact of the tremendous austerity of Level IV, is that as and when we have experienced transcendence it is possible to “return” and see the world and everything in it as that very Brahman itself which we are seeing and interpreting in our own way. This means that you give the highest respect to everything and also are aware that it is your own mind that is influencing the way you see and behave. There is, of course, all manner of methods to adjust your perception so that you don’t obscure the reality All This Is Verily Brahman. That is a big mantra I will get to one of these days on Academia"[4]
- Jagrat (waking) - At this level, one is focussed exclusively on material reality, and is completely controlled by it
- Swapna (dream) - At this level, one remains focused on the material world, but one is capable of "standing back and experiencing an inner world"[5] This level represents a move inwards.
- Sushupti (dreamless sleep) or [Prajna (greater knowledge) - At this level, one begins to connect with The Fabric, one consequence of which is growing ability to discern the truth brought about by connection to the vast Fabric of Consciousness. "This sense of being able to discern what is real from what is unreal and to make a definitive choice of the real beyond even the brilliance of Level II is the central idea and, in some places, even in the earlier material, the imagery is that one sees beyond the veil of materialism in any form and begins to experience the Atman" [6]
- Turiya - direct connection with and experience of The Fabric.
- Emerging Fifth level Return to the world
Related LP Content and Courses
Footnotes
- ↑ MacPhail, Jean C. “A History of Consciousness in Vedanta: Footprints of the Atman,” 2022. https://www.academia.edu/83411689.
- ↑ Email communication Nov 5, 2022.
- ↑ MacPhail, Jean C. “A History of Consciousness in Vedanta: Footprints of the Atman,” 2022. https://www.academia.edu/83411689.
- ↑ Email Communication, Nov 5,2022
- ↑ MacPhail, Jean C. “A History of Consciousness in Vedanta: Footprints of the Atman,” 2022. https://www.academia.edu/83411689.
- ↑ MacPhail, Jean C. “A History of Consciousness in Vedanta: Footprints of the Atman,” 2022. https://www.academia.edu/83411689.
