October 4, 2025

Ever wondered if your dreams are real or just illusions? Sage Ashtavakra once had the answer for King Janak, who was confused by his restless dreams. The wise sage said life moves through three states — sleeping, dreaming, and waking — but these aren't places to get stuck in. “You are not the dream, nor the sleeper, nor even the one who wakes,” Ashtavakra told King Janak. “You are the consciousness that flows through all these states.” This powerful idea comes from Advait Vedanta and is called Turiya — the fourth state of pure consciousness. Turiya is like the strong, steady river beneath the waves of life’s changes. When you feel this strength, no stormy situation can shake you. It makes you invincible to the chaos around. On the flip side, Buddhism gifts us Shunyata, which means emptiness. It tells us to see beyond all forms and to find nothing solid to hold onto. Shunyata says, “Let go of clinging, discover the vastness that remains.” It’s not about filling up but about emptying out the mind to find freedom. Though Turiya affirms the deep essence inside everything, and Shunyata dissolves the idea of fixed substance, both lead us to the same grand door — infinity. They teach us to rise above everyday states of being, to stay calm, alive, and untouched by the world’s illusions. So, whether you follow the full heart of Advait Vedanta or embrace the emptiness of Buddhism, these spiritual treasures guide you to a fearless, infinite life. Why just live through your states of mind when you can rise above them and dance with the infinite? (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)

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Tags: Consciousness, Ashtavakra, King janak, Advait vedanta, Turiya, Buddhism, Shunyata,