Mind, Consciousness, Jhanas, Samadhis and The Illusion Game !
Abstract: There exist many interpretations to the term “consciousness”. In some of the Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, the consciousness is referred to as the highest meditative attainment and it is frequently equated with the “Godly” or the enlightened nature of our mind. However, in the Buddhist tradition, such an enlightened state is referred to as the “cessation of consciousness” in which, the gross-level human mind disappears. There’s no individuality or self-notion to grasp in it. However, our mind, when it operates with the five senses in day-to-day life, is also called consciousness in science, albeit this is the gross-level operation. There’s a contradiction in the usage of this term. This article demystifies the term “consciousness” and explains different meditative states one can attain with respect to our day-to-day mind. It is also worthwhile to study about the “illusion game” created by our consciousness and to navigate through its dramatic narratives.
Fig. 1. The illusive nature of the human consciousness projected through the outside phenomenon.
There are many stories which unfold around the term consciousness. The consciousness has been interpreted in many different ways by many religious faiths and traditions. Certain Abrahamic faiths and Hindu/Yogic traditions introduce consciousness as the ultimate state of our being and in the Buddhist context, this is quite the opposite. The ultimate state of our mind is witnessed in the higher-level meditative absorptions where our limited human consciousness dissolves or ceases to exist. Therefore, in the Buddhist context, the consciousness or ViÃąÃąÄáša is our gross-level human mind which runs from the sensory perception, memory and imagination. This is simply referred to as the “5 aggregates” in Buddhism. In principle, the consciousness is our “gross-level” human mind of the limited capacity. Or one could say that this human mind is simply a chain of thoughts. There are a few articles from our blog that explain how our human consciousness is created from 5 aggregates and how it is being formed in our energy system:
Creation of our human consciousness according to the Buddhist tradition:
According to the Hindu/Yogic tradition:
Fig. 2. Human Consciousness: Mind consciousness as the aggregate of all other consciousnesses according to Buddhist Abhidhamma [1].
Fig. 3. Eye Consciousness: How the detection of the external objects through our eyes, generates the neurotransmitters (chemical signals) to the brain in order to form thoughts.
Fig. 2 depicts the creation of our final/aggregated human consciousness based on the five sense-objects and their resulting consciousnesses. Fig. 3 depicts the creation of one such consciousness (Eye Consciousness) based on the perceived external object, brain signals, nerves and neuro transmitters. So, if we are more inclined to the Buddhist interpretation, which is more logical and convincing, the term consciousness is simply the gross level operation of our human mind. In other words, our thoughts. This is the human mind that suffers, agitates, being happy, being curious and at the same time that seeks the Godly nature/enlightenment within us.
From this point onwards we define the term “consciousness” and its attributes as follows:
- Consciousness is the gross level (normal) human mind that runs with 5 senses, imagination and memory.
- Godly nature/enlightenment or higher “Samadhi” states are possible in meditation. It can only be attained by a human consciousness. And this is where we find the common ground among all religious traditions. These meditative absorptions are “static” by nature. More information on these attainments can be found below (It's a lengthy video though):
- What is the point of meditation and enlightenment? Any form of enlightenment brings about an irreversible shift to our everyday human consciousness. After experiencing enlightenment, our consciousness is no longer the same as the basic, gross-level awareness mentioned previously. As a result, there is a positive influence on our mind stemming from practices like meditation and the experience of enlightenment. This positive transformation is evident in the "dynamic" nature of our thoughts and emotions. In Buddhist tradition, this significant shift is commonly referred to as Anidassana ViÃąÃąÄáša and Apatittitha ViÃąÃąÄáša. A loose translation of these terms is "Non-abiding Consciousness". This type of consciousness is characterized by lack of attachment to the five aggregates and a disengagement from thoughts about the past or future. It is akin to birds soaring through the sky, leaving no footprints in their wake.
- How these meditative attainments change our perception? If we refer to these attainments as Godly nature, then how does being attuned to it change our perception? These higher meditative states have a certain quality which can flush out subconscious/unconscious hooks, tendencies in our mind. In order to experience the influence to the dynamic nature, one needs to meditate and attain these states.
Buddha was said to have witnessed the atomic level operation of our human mind, and this atomic level is extremely subtle to the level that, Buddha had even noticed the small chunks of a single thought according to the Abhidhamma [1]. In Hindu and other religious traditions, yogis claimed to have witnessed the sub-atomic particle operation of our energy system. So in every tradition, there is something stated about the manifestation of matter and energy as a projection of our human consciousness. However, Gautham Buddha’s teaching was specifically pointed at the level of mind or at the level of consciousness.
What can meditation do to our consciousness?
The purpose of meditation is to attain subtle mental states to maintain mental calmness, bliss, tranquility and peace of mind. The mental states which bring these qualities are commonly referred to as Jhanas, Samadhis in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In Zen jargon, these states have a special set of technical terms called Kensho, Satori etc. When your meditation progresses, your gross-level consciousness becomes subtler and subtler. Still through these mental states, the human awareness exists and it can figure out where we are despite the absence of our thoughts. At some point, we reach the subtlest state of our mind and at that point, mind totally disappears into nothingness. These are the so-called “no-mind” states and a good description about their ascending order can be found below:
Fig. 4. Different meditative absorptions (aka Samadhi).
Nature of the subtler meditative states ?
As previously mentioned, the human mind tends to dissipate in certain meditative states, commonly referred to as "No-Mind" states in a secular context. In these states, human consciousness fades into nothingness, which can also be understood as our mind becoming attuned to "God". In Buddhist tradition, this state of mind is often described as the "cessation of consciousness", known as Nirodha Samapatthi, or even Phala Samapatthi. The latter is depending on the level of fruition achieved. This is only possible through Vipassana or sometimes even with the natural evolution of our human consciousness due to the merits/meditation experience through several reincarnations. These meditative states sometimes can be compared to the "Nirvikalpa Samadhi" in Hindu and Yogic traditions. However oftentimes, the 4th Rupa (Form) and Arupa (Formless) Samadhis can also be mistaken for these fruition states (Samapatthis) and to Nirvikalpa Samadhis due to the lacking of guidance and insights.
Additionally, there are lower levels of meditative states, or samadhis, in which one can experience deep absorption. In Buddhism, these are called form and formless Jhanic states, and they are somewhat comparable to the Savikalpa Samadhis found in Hindu and Yogic traditions. Through these meditative experiences, mental activities gradually decrease from lower levels of absorption to higher ones. An experienced meditator can navigate through these states in a blink of an eye, while a novice may progress through them slowly, one at a time. Graphically, this experience can be represented as follows:
Fig. 5. Different meditative absorptions (aka Samadhis) and the nature of mind in these states.
Jhanas, Access Concentration and Samadhis?
The intention of this article is not to discuss or provide textual or canonical references on this topic. Instead, I aim to share personal experiences and draw parallels between them and traditionally written texts. Any subtle mental state achieved either by forcefully activating chakras or contemplating on an external or internal meditative object is usually referred to as Jhanas. Although Buddhist practices do not explicitly address chakras, many meditative treatises written alongside the Pali Canon, such as the Visuddhi Magga and its commentaries, as well as the Pali Canon itself, mention various meditative states that emanate from Dhathus.
For instance in the Plai Canon, the section "Abhidhamma Attakatha đ Sathipattana Vibhango" or the commentary written on the Sathipattana under Abhidhamma Section, it is clearly stated that by contemplating on the qualities of certain Dhathus or Colors, one can bring forth/activate the Jhanic states in meditation. These are basically the "Kasinas" developed through Shamatha practice. In my opinion, these are the meditative absorptions that are resulted from the activation of lower/higher Chakras as shown in Fig. 5. As our video explains, this is more likely the internal activation of those Chakras.
Loose translation in English: He who regularly contemplates on colors (i.e. Blue) in their body parts such as hair, ears, eyes during meditation will eventually attain the 4th and 5th Shamatha Jhanas. From this point onwards, he can cultivate Vipassana and eradicate fetters one by one to attain Arihantship. The same can be achieved by focusing on other colors. This is an example of contemplating on inner/outer meditative objects.
Fig. 6. The canonical reference to the activation of Jhanas through Shamatha and continuing them to Vipassana.
You can read more about these states in my article below:
These states can be attained by two meditative techniques: Shamatha and Vipassana. Our video offers a more detailed explanation of these states. One can also learn about these 9 Jhanic/Samadhi levels in Buddhist tradition in this Wikipedia article. The bottom-line is even though it is not explicitly mentioned, Chakras do exist in Buddhist teachings.
Jhana refers to the state of the mind when it is deeply absorbed in a meditative object. This state can be cultivated through both Shamatha and Vipassana techniques. In Shamatha, we train our minds to maintain a single-pointed focus and concentration on either an external or an internal meditative object. These objects can vary widely, ranging from a Buddhist statue to the flame of an oil lamp or even a colorful meditative disc. By directing our mental energy towards a specific object with clarity, we can fully or partially activate our chakras. Consequently, the inner meditative lights and signs, known as "Nimiththa" become visible to the practitioner. Access concentration is the stage at which we train our minds to be deeply absorbed in these inner lights or mental objects. As a result, the mind attains states of calm abiding in which mental activity gradually diminishes. If these states can be maintained without interruption for an extended period, Jhanas can transform into Samadhis. This process is a method of energizing our mind. In contrast, Vipassana is the opposite approach that focuses on slowing down the mind. Through Vipassana, chakra activation is unlikely, but the deceleration of our conscious mind can illuminate the inner light, potentially leading to Jhanic states.
For more information about Vipassana meditation, please read below:
Any Jhana and its associated Samadhi developed through either Vipassana or Shamatha may involve Nama (names) and Rupa (forms) linked to the meditative experience. This suggests that during closed-eye meditation, one can perceive various signs and symbols that convey messages during deep meditative absorption. During these Jhanas, the mind continues to function and remains connected to our memories and information. Additionally, one may become aware of subtle emotions at a subconscious level, often manifesting as mental images.
Fruition Mind: A Non Karmic State?
The fruition mind at each stage of the path may become evident/visible to the practitioner after eradicating certain mental fetters. This state is superior to the Jhanic states for two specific reasons: first, it involves the complete dissolution of the individual self, and second, it is inherently "Non-Karmic". Being Non-Karmic means that any karma or negative energy associated with the individual at the mental or energetic level will be purified during this state. Therefore, striving to attain this mental state is essential for anyone looking to progress/accelerate on their spiritual journey! The deep and long term absorption in this type of mental state can eventually bring the true "ego-death" experience. The leaving of subtle bodies of the individual can happen at many mental state levels, but the complete annihilation of the individual self, like it happened to Gautham Buddha, can only occur in the fruition mind state! Due to the non-karmic nature, it is not that easy to maintain this state.
Fruition Mind: Debates on the existence of such state?
Even within the Buddhist tradition, there exist many debates about the fruition state. If you refer to the PÄḡi Canonincal references and parallel treatise, different passages, sutras and scriptures state different stories and you may even find discrepancies between them. The funny thing is, you may even find discrepancies between the eastern and western spiritual systems (The so called matrix control system, energy pools operated by Vimanas) on these attainments. Well I think only a great enlightened master of the capacity of Gautham Buddha and his unique independent path perhaps may reveal the exact nature of the fruition mind and its occurrence with necessary seasoning required for each stage. The 4th Jhana can also be easily mistaken for the fruition mind, but an experienced meditator will know how to discern between the two. In the 4th Jhana, still the mental activities in extremely subtle form can be noticed. However in the fruition mind, the meditator only feels bliss and tranquility.
A nicely written material (in Sinhalese) on the fruition mind and its appearance can be found below:
If you have activated chakras and experience their Light/Jhanic/Samadhi absorptions, and if you had attained a fruition of the path, your mind-stream will always stop at the fruition state no matter what appears/arises to you during meditation. If we look at the natural evolutionary system of the human kind, the fruition mind need not appear to you according to the exact method/sequence mentioned in the book. It does not work like that in the practical world. Some practitioners claimed to have witnessed it even without the proper training in the 8-fold Noble path and this seems to be due to the merits we carry across several lifetimes. However the gradual and proper training in eradicating fetters should certainly reveal our true face in this manner, so to speak. The time duration this fruition mind stays without any interruption during meditation is decided by the remaining fetters. Only a fully enlightened person can remain in the final fruition state, even for days in meditation, due to the weakening of his body sensation and defilements. Otherwise the mind-stream reappears with mental activities.
The Illusion Game đ The Narratives Created by the Consciousness
This is the main important topic of this article and in fact is the most difficult aspect to learn/grasp when exploring the deepest corners of our consciousness or mind layers!
The fruition mind appears to the meditator without any signs and objects. The Jhanic states may reveal many useful information relevant our mind. They may appear to you as past-life information, gossips about other people, remote channeling etc. However after surpassing all these states, stages and layers, one may proceed to the highest level of consciousness called 9th stage or the Shambogakaya level. This is where our mind goes beyond all the preliminary Samadhi levels and creates its connection with the higher realms, ascended masters. At some point this too will be transcended to arrive to a "mirror-like" state. Or I would like to call it the "matrix control system". This is where our mind plays tricks and posits certain narratives to keep ourselves in loops or illusions. They are really fascinating narratives which start from a small piece of information to an illusively created story based on our grasping, information, curiosity and imagination. That means we are not yet free!
Fig. 7. How our consciousness creates/plays illusion games with us, in deep/higher samadhi states taking us through different narratives. One can also take these narratives to be true and live by them or making a living out of it.
Most of the aliens' agendas, conspiracy theories, and other fascinating narratives we typically encounter through meditation and, let's say, via remote channeling, lack a solid foundation. In my humble opinion, these constructs are primarily created by the information we gather and the elusive nature of the simulated environment or the system. Nevertheless, all these experiences emerge from our consciousness. Thus, one could summarize this phenomenon as an illusion crafted by our own mind, or "Mara", as referred to in Buddhist teachings.
Conclusion
In this article, we demystify the nature of the mind, exploring meditative attainments such as Jhanas and Samadhis, and defining the term consciousness. We illustrate how our consciousness creates illusions and discuss how we can reach a mirror-like stage, transcending all other meditative Samadhis. We provide a rudimentary example of how illusions can form from a small piece of information in the mind into a compelling, expansive narrative. We invite all genuine truth seekers to read our blog and investigate the deeper corners of their consciousness, sharing the fascinating narratives they have encountered. I wonder if only a certain number of consciousnesses can truly see and arrive to this mirror-like nature or rather so-called matrix.
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