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Conscious, subconscious and super conscious layers of human mind (Chetana, Achetana Evam Supara Chetana Mana): Vangamaya Vol-22

In its living state, the human body is said to be a miniature of the universe. It is an ensemble of astonishing powers. Decipheration of the mysterious activities of consciousness in this marvelous creation and adoption of the philosophy and mode of life accordingly leads to the attainment of supernatural success in physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of life. Understanding the Anatomy and Physiology of the human body and activities of the brain – has been an active area of research in modern age. It has now been realized that elucidation of the brain functions and mind-body relationships is not possible without deeper research in Human Psychology.
A thorough study of all aspects of Human Psychology – in particular, and human life – in general, becomes feasible by a comprehensive study of the interrelationship between the human mind, Nature and the Omnipresent Consciousness. A quest for the decipheration of this relationship has been the center of attraction for the great thinkers of all eras. The dedicated scientific approach to spirituality, pioneered by Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya, has offered new directions for comprehensive and practically implementable research in this area and for the realization and elevation of collective consciousness.
The state of mind directs the thoughts and actions and thereby determines the ultimate state of the life of an individual. Everybody experiences the immense power of mind in day-to-day life. It is indeed the mind, which, depending upon its sanskaras (inherent tendencies), leads the individual self towards a life bonded by the materialistic attachments and agony of unlimited desires or towards a liberated life glowing with divine blissfulness…. Be that the malice of animosity, anger or jealousy, or the soothing sentiments of love and compassion, the origin and growth of all is manifested in the domain of mind. The inherent qualities and tendencies of the mind are indeed reflected in the character of a person and make it agreeable or disdainful as per their original instincts. Nothing could be analyzed or judged about the human personality without deciphering the human mind by elucidating its latent science. Intensive research into different aspects of this science is essential for an in depth understanding and glorious development of the human life. The present volume is an excellent contribution in this regard.
It is said that the soul exists and manifests itself as a human being through the subtle layers of consciousness – mana (conscious mind), buddhi (intellect), chitta (unconscious mind) and ahankara (sense of self existence). Whatever we feel and think, so we express in our behavior through our speech and deeds. Impressions of the nature of our deeds are continuously assimilated in the chitta – as sanskaras. The sanskaras (inherent tendencies) accumulated since the earlier lives and the past phase of the current life architect one’s character. The conscious mind and intellect are transcendentally directed by the unconscious mind. It is this subtle core of mind – chitta which needs to be refined for successive progress in elevation from ordinary mortal being to great personalities, conscious to para-conscious, super-conscious and divine levels.
Ancient developments in psychology had emerged from the realization of the soul and spirituality was the principal focus there. After several centuries, the subject matter of soul was discarded as being a part of religious philosophy alone. Then onwards, psychology became a science of activities of mind alone — without any basis or comprehensive idea of the origin and the expansion of mind. Amongst the external – dealing with the physical world and the internal – pertaining to emotions, inner convictions and latent tendencies domains of human life, the ancient Indian experts of psychology had given importance only to the internal one whereas the western psychologists had concentrated on the external – behavioral part alone. Acharya Sharma has recognized the relevance of both.
He always considered philosophy as a field of realization and attainment of spirituality in all walks of life rather than just a subject of intellectual exercise. Adoption of ideal behavior and altruistic deeds in day-to-day life are given equal importance by him as compared to the spiritual experiences of self realization and arousal of internal powers… etc. He has shown that — as the inner self of a person gets pious, balanced and uplifted, so does his external life, reflected in his responsible and generous contributions for the progressive welfare of the family, society and the world as a whole….
Gurudev Shriram Sharma had acquired the true knowledge and experience of even the subtlest aspects of human consciousness through his dedicated and absolute sadhanas (experiments in spirituality) throughout his life and had successfully awaken the divine potentials of the of the eternal component of life. The present volume compiles his in-depth analysis of the origin, anatomy and expansion of the conscious and unconscious mind. Rational arguments and illustrations are available here to avoid illusions and to provide practical guidance for the benefit of all readers.
The subtle core of unconscious mind is described by the author as an ensemble of assimilated sanskaras of animal instincts and of the divine sentiments inspired by the serene nature of the soul. The flow of emotional thought process of either kind in the background is reflected via dreams or extrasensory experiences from time to time. Conscious mind is an ocean of the continuous currents of those thoughts and mental expressions which are activated by intellect and ego.
Introvert study of the self and critical analysis of our own behavior, habits and aspirations gives us an idea of the level of our inherent nature. Determined endeavors to eliminate the weaknesses and enhance the purity of sentiments and thoughts begins the process of refinement of the unconscious mind too. Ascetic practices of self-restrain and earnest desire for improvement of the self provide necessary courage and strength to fight the age-old tendencies of mind.
Altruist service with compassion and love indicates righteous progress towards sublime transformation of consciousness. Lives and works of the great personalities stand witness to this fact. Every one who realizes the need of enlightening the inner self and who is confident of self development can proceed along this path of spiritual transmutation of the unconscious and conscious faculties of mind.
Acharya Sharma opined that the original nature of every human being is spiritual and the higher dimension of evolution of consciousness begins at the level of divinity. In order to keep pace with this natural evolution, the human society today will have to adopt those value-systems, ideals and deeds in life which suit the dignity of divine children.
Escalation and sublimation of the individual consciousness links it with the cosmic consciousness and makes possible its evolution into what is described by Maharshi Arvind as – “the descent of Grand Super Divine Mind”. This super mind guides the human intellect towards the righteous path and elevates the individual self up to its ultimate goal of absolute liberation and unification with the Omnipresent Supreme Consciousness.
Every human being is endowed with immense power in the inner self to arouse his super -conscious mind… Comprehensive knowledge and authentic deliberations and guidance presented in this volume should inspire every reader to think, realize and march towards the ultimate evolution of mental powers.