Possibilities of Transcendental Consciousnes A Study with Special reference to Advaita Vedanta

Abstract

The philosophical studies of consciousness have been going parallel with the scientific experiments on consciousness. Most of the studies of 20th and 21st centuries on human consciousness interprets it as a biological activity, but still philosophers are not ready accept consciousness as a mere biological activity. The ancient theories especially consciousness theories from Indian philosophical perspective argues that human consciousness is not just a biological activity; rather it is the real essence of existence. and#346;aand#7749;karand#257;cand#257;rya, the great thinker of India, explains the higher possibilities of human consciousness as one which helps man to develop his inner essence and to go beyond his complex mental activity. He explains the fourth level of consciousness i.e., the transcendental consciousness or turand#299;ya as the true nature of consciousness and it is the complete awareness about one s own ontological position as a pure consciousness. This state of turand#299;ya is a union of microcosmic consciousness and macrocosmic consciousness, consequently, it unifies the multi dimensions of human existence and recognizes the true form of consciousness. newlineThis paper is a descriptive analysis into Sankaracharya s philosophy specifically on his interpretations on human consciousness that are very relevant in the field of consciousness studies, in India. His philosophy is a synthesis of the three texts i.e. Upaniand#7779;ads, Bhagavad Gand#299;tand#257; and Brahmasand#363;tra. newlineTherefore, a close examination of his works will give detail awareness about the philosophical position of ancient Indian scriptures in the field of consciousness studies. newline