Superconscious Mind

ˈsupɚ ˈkɒnʃəsnəs

What Is the Superconscious?

Superconsciousness is heightened awareness. It is true wisdom involving intuition before reason and emotions. (1)

Alfred, Lord of Tennyson writes that the superconsciousness is a state where “individuality itself seemed to dissolve and fade away into boundless being,” which was “no nebulous ecstasy, but a state of transcendent wonder, associated with absolute clearness of mind.” (2) In poetry and reality, superconsciousness is the awareness of oneself in perfect love, ineffable joy, and calm, expansive wisdom. (3)

The superconscious mind rests above subconscious and conscious states. Whereas the subconscious induces dreams or sleep, superconsciousness does not involve the relaxation of energy downward in the body and mind. Rather, superconscious awareness uplifts the soul into a supremely peaceful and energetic state. (4) According to professor Jules-Bois, the superconsciousness as the “exact opposite of Freud’s subconscious mind…which makes man really man and not just a super-animal.” (5)

The psychologist F. W. H. Myers describes superconsciousness as “the treasure-house, the region that alone can explain the great, unselfish, heroic deeds of men.” (6) Whereas sense perceptions of the world are temporary and relative in the conscious state, superconscious perceptions of reality are always true. (7) The businessman, for example, may be bound to the circumstances of his job; the yogi, however, is able to rise above the changeable world and live in the state of universal, transcendental consciousness. (4)

The superconscious state, also known as the higher Self, can be attained through meditation. The individual self can practice keeping the spine straight and directing energy toward the seat of superconsciousness between the eyebrows, also known as the ajna chakra, Christ center, third and spiritual eye. (8) True intuition and healing can occur on this level, for example through the practice of positive affirmations.(9)

Ultimately, the self realizes that superconsciousness is the native reality of being, as opposed to altered states of subconsciousness and consciousness. (10) Rather than being limited by conscious thoughts or subconscious feelings, the soul is freed from bondage.

References
  1. ↩ “How to Develop Intuition (video)”, by Swami Kriyananda. 3:35.
  2. ↩ Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramahansa Yogananda. p. 13.
  3. ↩ Awaken to Superconsciousness, by Swami Kriyananda. Chapter 1, “Superconsciousness: The Central Reality.”
  4. a b Super-Advanced Course No. 1, by Paramahansa Yogananda. Chapter 3, “Reversing the Searchlights of the Senses.”
  5. ↩ Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramahansa Yogananda. p. 59.
  6. ↩ Autobiography of a Yogi, p.124.
  7. ↩ Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramahansa Yogananda. p. 406.
  8. ↩ The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, by Swami Kriyananda. Step 5, “VII. Meditation: Superconsciousness.”
  9. ↩ Affirmations for Self-Healing, by Swami Kriyananda. “Introduction.”
  10. ↩ Awaken to Superconsciousness, by Swami Kriyananda. Chapter 2, “Raising Your Consciousness.”