The human body comprises matter and energy. This energy manifests both as electrical impulses and signals, and as chemical reactions. The nature of energy itself, however, remains largely mysterious, and we do not fully understand how it contributes to consciousness. Although the universe seems solid, it is essentially just energy. According to Indian mythology, all matter is energy, and that energy is consciousness.

Electromagnetic energy in the brain enables brain matter to create our consciousness, which allows us to be aware and to think. Practising yoga and mindfulness meditation can significantly improve brain function and energy levels. Spiritual meditation helps one realise eternal truths and aids one in letting go of past and future concerns, thereby finding solace in the present moment. The need to practice spiritual meditation stems from an innate longing to see and think beyond the chaotic world surrounding us.

Consciousness is the capacity for perception and understanding and forms the basis of any living thing. Since living beings are diverse, so too is consciousness, which has infinite potential for development. It can take you to the heights of perfection, but if you cannot awaken your consciousness, you can sink into the depths of degeneration. Light and consciousness are two aspects of the same thing; where there is light, there is consciousness. Infinite consciousness brings forth ideas with willpower and energy.

Our senses are constantly stimulated, leading the average person to have an attention span of only one or two seconds. Consciousness can be minimally sustained with energy use at only 40 per cent of the level seen in health-conscious individuals, suggesting that much cerebral metabolic activity in normal waking states does not directly contribute to consciousness. Lucid dreaming, out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, and mystical experiences are sometimes regarded as the highest states of consciousness. Samadhi is a state of meditative consciousness.

Dr Sanjay Teotia

The key elements of consciousness are wakefulness and awareness of the environment and self, which are positively correlated in physiological states. A complete dissociation between these elements is seen in vegetative states. Individuals who are in a coma are unconscious and cannot be awakened.

Higher consciousness is a state of elevated awareness and perception in which a person gains a deeper understanding of reality, the self, and various spiritual aspects of life that play an important role in personal evolution and psychological development. Spiritual consciousness stems from structuring consciousness through meditation, contemplation, and other means, focusing on oneness, transcendent states, and ultimate concerns.

The conscience is a wonderful gift from God, who has generously placed his standards of right and wrong in the mind of every person. This was done to guide us towards the best life possible. Without a conscience, we would have no ability to function in a community. It is our conscience that helps us hear the voice of God and recognise the truth about how we ought to live.

The subconscious mind is even more powerful than the conscious mind, and is able to process huge quantities of information received through the five senses and translate it back to the brain in the blink of an eye.


Dr. Sanjay Teotia is an eye surgeon and is Senior Consultant, Balrampur Hospital, in Lucknow (U.P.) He is a prolific spiritual writer and his articles appear regularly in Navbharat Times and in Times of India, apart from YoursPositively   

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