The Intricacies of Consciousness and Spirituality: Understanding the Relationship

Consciousness and spirituality are interconnected concepts that have intrigued philosophers, theologians, and mystics for centuries. To comprehend the true nature of consciousness and its relationship to spirituality, we must explore the foundational ideas presented in the Bhagavad Gita and deepen our understanding of the nature of this non-materialistic light that illuminates our perceptions.

The True Nature of Consciousness

Consciousness, as it is understood in the context of spiritual traditions, is described as a non-materialistic light that illuminates all of our perceptual experiences. This light, which can be thought of as the essence of our being, cannot be separated from the perceptions it illuminates. It is this light that gives rise to our experiences of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling, and thinking.

Subtlety of Consciousness

To grasp the true nature of consciousness, we must recognize that like gravity, it is an invisible cause or natural law that we infer or imagine based on its observable effects. Just as we cannot directly perceive gravity, so too, we cannot directly perceive consciousness. However, we can experience its effects and understand its presence through our perceptions.

Consciousness as Non-materialistic Light

The light of consciousness, also referred to as the aliveness or self-awareness of the soul, is what allows us to understand and affirm our own existence. Just as the eye can see the entire creation but cannot see itself, the light of consciousness sees through the perceivable sensory input and confirms its own existence through the very act of perceiving. This understanding is encapsulated in the statement, “I can perceive the entire cosmos, and therefore, I am!”

The Role of the Soul and Spirituality

In the context of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna speaks about the soul and its relationship to matter and spirit. Krishna posits that the material world is made up of eight elements—earth, water, fire, air, space, mind, intelligence, and false ego. These elements, combined, form what are known as the material energies.

Soul's Position

Contrasting the material energies, Krishna also refers to a superior energy comprising all living entities, who are exploiting the resources of the material nature. The soul, therefore, has a dual nature: it is inherently spiritual, and the degree to which its consciousness is absorbed in matter dictates its state of spiritual delusion.

Experiencing Maya or Materialism

When the soul becomes absorbed in the body and mind, it experiences Maya, a term that refers to the illusion of material existence. This state deludes the soul from its true spiritual nature and prevents it from achieving liberation or moksha, which is the ultimate goal where the soul’s consciousness is completely absorbed in God, or Krishna as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita.

Path to Spiritual Enlightenment

The ultimate aim of spiritual practice, as outlined in the Bhagavad Gita, is to draw the soul’s consciousness away from the materialistic aspects of life and to focus it on God or Krishna. This process of absorption in the divine is what constitutes true spirituality. It requires a continuous effort to transcend the limitations of the material world and recognize the spirit underlying all existence.

In conclusion, the relationship between consciousness and spirituality is profound and intertwined. Consciousness is the non-materialistic light that illuminates our perceptions and confirms our existence. Through the study and practice of spiritual traditions, we can deepen our understanding of this light and approach a state of true spiritual enlightenment. The journey to liberation, as articulated by Krishna, is a path of light leading us from the darkness of materialism to the timeless essence of spirituality.