The three stages of the Self

Vaisvanara: when the Self or the Universal nature is in its physical aspect. Nara means “man” and visva means “world”. When we think of Brahman, the Self, in the physical aspect is called Vaisvanara. Here one enjoys physical pleasure. This is the first stage, also called Jagriti.

Swapna

The second stage is Swapna, “dream”. Here the Self is in its mental nature. In this dream stage we enjoy mental thoughts, mental ideas, mental vibrations. This stage is also called Taijas.

Sushupti

The third stage, Sushupti, is dreamless sleep. It is most necessary for all human beings. In dreamless sleep there is no desire, no worries, no anxiety. We observe the death of desire in Sushupti. Another term for this stage is Prajna.