Flashcards: Inner Consciousness and Liberation — 16 cards

Upanishadic consciousness — definition?

Inner spiritual awareness focused on self-realization.

Neti neti method — purpose?

Negates all attributes to approach Brahman.

Mahavakyas — examples?

Tat Tvam Asi, Aham Brahmasmi, emphasizing non-duality.

Ignorance (avidya) — role?

Root cause of suffering and bondage.

Upanishads — pedagogical tools?

Dialogues, metaphors, paradoxes for realization.

Brahman — nature?

Infinite, attribute-less ultimate reality.

Atman — essence?

Eternal self, identical with Brahman in realization.

States of consciousness — four?

Waking, dreaming, deep sleep, turiya.

Turiya — meaning?

Pure consciousness, the background of all states.

Self-realization — result?

Unity of Atman and Brahman, liberation.

Yoga — main focus?

Controlling mind modifications (vṛttis).

Vṛtti types — examples?

Pramāṇa, viparyaya, vikalpa, nidrā, smṛti.

Nirvikalpa Samadhi — characteristic?

State of complete mental absorption, no modifications.

Nyaya-Vaisheshika — consciousness?

Fundamental, eternal Puruṣa, distinct from matter.

Puruṣa — role?

Pure consciousness, witnessing all experiences.

Prakṛti — nature?

Unconscious matter, governed by guṇas.