Spiritual Consciousness

My Comment: There is only consciousness (shiva) and its manifestation (shakti)...and consciousness isn't outside, it's our own real self. If we understand it, we can have a hearty laugh about the whole game! 

AI Baba: Spiritual consciousness is the shift from identifying as a physical body and mind to recognizing oneself as a soul or pure spirit. Unlike standard consciousness, which focuses on navigating the material world, spiritual consciousness involves awakening to a deeper reality and a sense of universal unity.

Core Characteristics

Transcending the Ego: Moving beyond the "I" that seeks power, status, or validation to a state of humble awareness.

Unity Awareness: Recognizing that the same divine essence resides within everyone, reducing feelings of superiority or inferiority.

Qualities of Being: Common experiences include profound peace, divine love, bliss, and freedom from fear.

Presence: A heightened state of "being" rather than "doing," often described as the "I AM" consciousness. 

Models of Spiritual Evolution

Various traditions map the journey of consciousness through distinct levels: 

The 4-Level Model: Moves from "To Me" (victimhood) to "By Me" (responsibility), "Through Me" (surrender), and finally "As Me" (oneness).

The 7-Layer Vedic Model: Maps the "inner instrument" from the restless mind (Manas) and intellect (Buddhi) to the Witness-Self (Atman) and Universal Self (Paramatman).

Lower vs. Higher Consciousness: Higher realms align with God-consciousness and spiritual unity, while lower realms are often driven by negative subconscious patterns and "spiritual entropy".