Mandukya Upanishad Bhashya Explained: The Four States of Consciousness

Short Answer
The Mandukya Upanishad Bhashya is Adi Shankaracharya’s commentary on the shortest but most profound of the principal Upanishads. The Mandukya Upanishad consists of only twelve verses, yet it is considered sufficient for liberation. It analyzes the four states of consciousness—waking (jagrat), dream (swapna), deep sleep (sushupti), and Turiya (the fourth)—and identifies them with the four parts of the sacred syllable Aum (A, U, M, and the silence after). Shankara’s commentary unpacks the Upanishad’s revolutionary teaching that the same witness consciousness is present in all four states, and that Turiya is not a fourth state alongside the others but the very substratum of all experience. The commentary also elucidates Gaudapada’s Karika (a separate text often studied with the Mandukya), which presents the highest teaching of Ajativada (non-origination)—the doctrine that creation never truly happened. For Shankara, the Mandukya Upanishad is not a philosophical theory but a direct map of your own consciousness.

In one line:
You are not the waker, not the dreamer, not the sleeper—you are the silent witness of all three, and that witness is what you have always been.

Key points

• The Mandukya Upanishad is the shortest of the principal Upanishads (12 verses) but is considered sufficient for liberation.
• It analyzes four states of consciousness: waking (jagrat), dream (swapna), deep sleep (sushupti), and Turiya (the fourth).
• The four states are identified with the four parts of Aum: A (waking), U (dream), M (deep sleep), and silence (Turiya).
• Shankara’s commentary emphasizes that the same witness consciousness is present in all states.
• Turiya is not a state; it is the substratum of all states.
• Gaudapada’s Karika (often studied with the Mandukya) presents Ajativada (non-origination)—the highest teaching.

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Part 1: The Mandukya Upanishad – The Shortest Upanishad with the Greatest Secret

The Mandukya Upanishad is unique among the principal Upanishads. With only twelve verses, it is the shortest. Yet the Muktika Upanishad declares that the Mandukya alone is sufficient for liberation.

The name “Mandukya” – The Upanishad is named after the sage Manduka, to whom it was revealed. Some traditions also associate the name with the frog (manduka), symbolizing the leap from the manifest to the unmanifest.

The structure of the Upanishad – The twelve verses are divided into four sections:

• Verses 1-2: Introduction to Aum as the totality of existence.
• Verses 3-7: Analysis of the four states of consciousness.
• Verses 8-12: Identification of the four states with the four parts of Aum and the declaration of non-duality.

The opening declaration (Verse 1) – “Aum ity etad akṣaram idam sarvam” – “Aum is this whole universe.” From the very first word, the Upanishad declares that the sacred syllable is not a symbol of Brahman; it is Brahman expressed as sound.

The explanation of Aum (Verse 2) – “All that is past, present, and future is Aum. And whatever transcends the three divisions of time—that also is Aum.” Shankara comments that Aum is not limited to the manifest universe; it also includes the unmanifest source.

Why this Upanishad is sufficient – Shankara explains that the Mandukya covers the entire range of human experience. It does not leave anything out. By understanding the four states and their relationship to Aum, the seeker understands everything.

Scholar’s Note: Dr. Surabhi Solanki’s Divine Truth Unveiled: Hidden Secrets of Gaudapada’s Mandukya Karika is an entire book dedicated to this Upanishad. She writes: “The Mandukya is not a text to be studied; it is a map to be walked. A is waking. U is dream. M is deep sleep. Silence is Turiya. Walk the map. Arrive at yourself.”

Verse Range	Content	Focus
1-2	Introduction to Aum	Aum as the totality of existence
3-7	Four states of consciousness	Waking, dream, deep sleep, Turiya
8-12	Aum and non-duality	Identification of states with Aum

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Part 2: The Four States of Consciousness (Verses 3-7)

The heart of the Mandukya Upanishad is the analysis of the four states of consciousness. Shankara’s commentary on these verses is a masterpiece of Vedantic psychology.

The waking state (jagrat) – Verse 3 – “The first quarter is the waking state, outwardly aware, with seven limbs and nineteen mouths, experiencing gross objects.” Shankara explains that the “seven limbs” and “nineteen mouths” refer to the components of the subtle body. The essential teaching is simpler: in waking, consciousness is turned outward, experiencing the physical world.

Shankara on the waking state – Shankara emphasizes that the waking state is not the Self. It is a state that comes and goes. You are the witness of the waking state, not the state itself.

The dream state (swapna) – Verse 4 – “The second quarter is the dream state, inwardly aware, with seven limbs and nineteen mouths, experiencing subtle objects.” In dream, consciousness is turned inward. The external senses are dormant, but the mind creates an entire world from memory impressions.

Shankara on the dream state – Shankara uses the dream state to shake the seeker’s conviction in the reality of the waking world. If a dream world can feel entirely real while having no external substance, what guarantees that the waking world is different?

The deep sleep state (sushupti) – Verse 5 – “The third quarter is deep sleep, where there is no desire, no dream, and no duality. It is a homogeneous mass of consciousness.” Shankara explains that “homogeneous mass of consciousness” means there is no object, but consciousness is present as the witness of absence.

Shankara on deep sleep – Shankara emphasizes that deep sleep is not unconsciousness. You know after waking that you slept well. Some awareness was present to register the absence of objects. That awareness is the witness.

Turiya – the fourth (Verse 7) – “Not inward awareness, not outward awareness, not both, not a mass of consciousness, not knowing, not unknowing. Unseen, unrelated, ungraspable, unnameable. It is the Self. It is to be known.”

Shankara on Turiya – Shankara explains that Turiya is not a fourth state alongside waking, dream, and deep sleep. It is the background of all three states—the consciousness that witnesses waking, witnesses dreaming, witnesses deep sleep, and is never absent.

The witness is the same – The same witness that is present in waking (aware of the world) is present in dream (aware of the dream) and present in deep sleep (aware of the absence). That witness is Turiya. That witness is what you are.

Scholar’s Note: Dr. Surabhi Solanki’s Divine Truth Unveiled explains: “The Mandukya Upanishad’s analysis of the four states is not a theory. It is a direct investigation. Look at your own experience. In waking, you are aware. In dream, you are aware. In deep sleep, you are aware (you know you slept). The same awareness is present in all three. That awareness is Turiya. That awareness is you.”

State	Sanskrit	Orientation	Objects	Awareness
Waking	Jagrat	Outward	Gross (physical)	Aware of external world
Dream	Swapna	Inward	Subtle (mental)	Aware of internal world
Deep sleep	Sushupti	Neither	None	Aware of absence
Turiya	Turiya	Transcendent	None (witness of all)	Self-aware consciousness

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Part 3: Aum as the Self (Verses 8-12)

The Mandukya Upanishad identifies the four states of consciousness with the four parts of the sacred syllable Aum. Shankara’s commentary on these verses is foundational for the practice of Aum meditation.

A as the waking state (Verse 8) – “The first quarter is A, the waking state, outwardly aware. One who knows this attains all desires and becomes the leader of all beings.”

Shankara on A – Shankara explains that the sound “A” is produced from the throat and resonates in the abdomen. It represents the waking state, where consciousness is turned outward. Meditating on A as the waking state leads to mastery over the physical world.

U as the dream state (Verse 9) – “The second quarter is U, the dream state, inwardly aware. One who knows this attains knowledge and becomes established in wisdom.”

Shankara on U – The sound “U” is produced with the lips rounded and resonates in the chest and throat. It represents the dream state, where consciousness is turned inward. Meditating on U as the dream state leads to mastery over the mind.

M as the deep sleep state (Verse 10) – “The third quarter is M, the deep sleep state, where there is no desire, no dream, and no duality. One who knows this becomes the measure of all.”

Shankara on M – The sound “M” is produced with the lips closed and resonates in the head and sinuses. It represents deep sleep, where there are no objects but consciousness is present as the witness of absence. Meditating on M as deep sleep leads to unity with the source of all.

The silence after Aum (Verse 11-12) – “The fourth is without parts, the silence after Aum. It is not inward awareness, not outward awareness, not both. It is the Self. It is to be known.”

Shankara on the silence – Shankara emphasizes that the silence after Aum is not the absence of sound. It is the presence of consciousness itself. The sounds of Aum are like the sounds of footsteps approaching. The silence is the door opening.

The unity of Aum – The Upanishad declares that A, U, M, and the silence are not separate. They are one syllable. Similarly, the four states are not separate realities. They are one consciousness appearing as four.

The practice of Aum meditation – Shankara recommends meditating on Aum with awareness of its four parts. A is the waking state, U is the dream state, M is the deep sleep state, and the silence is Turiya. By traversing these four, the seeker arrives at the Self.

Scholar’s Note: Dr. Surabhi Solanki’s Divine Truth Unveiled explains: “The Mandukya Upanishad’s teaching on Aum is a complete meditation practice. A wakes you to the world. U dreams you through it. M brings you home. Silence is home. Chant Aum. Rest in silence. Be the Self.”

Part of Aum	State	Sound	Resonance	Practice
A	Waking	“Ah”	Abdomen, solar plexus	Mastery over physical world
U	Dream	“Ooh”	Chest, throat	Mastery over mind
M	Deep sleep	“Mmm”	Head, sinuses, crown	Unity with source
Silence	Turiya	(silence)	Whole being	Self-realization

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Part 4: Gaudapada’s Karika – The Doctrine of Non-Origination (Ajativada)

The Mandukya Upanishad is traditionally studied with Gaudapada’s Karika (commentary), a text of 215 verses that presents the highest teaching of Advaita. Shankara’s bhashya includes commentary on the Karika as well.

Who was Gaudapada? – Gaudapada was the teacher of Govindapada, who was the teacher of Shankara. He is considered the founder of the philosophical system of Advaita Vedanta. His Karika on the Mandukya Upanishad is the first systematic exposition of Advaita.

The four chapters of the Karika –

1. Agama Prakarana – Based on scripture, explaining the four states through Aum.
2. Vaitathya Prakarana – On the illusory nature of the waking and dream states.
3. Advaita Prakarana – On non-duality, establishing the identity of Atman and Brahman.
4. Alatasanti Prakarana – On the quenching of the firebrand, presenting Ajativada (non-origination).

Ajativada – no creation (Verse 4.71) – Gaudapada declares: “Na nirodho na cotpattir na baddho na ca sadhakah / na mumuksur na vai mukta ityesa paramarthata” – “There is no dissolution, no birth, no one in bondage, no one seeking liberation, no one liberated. This is the supreme truth.”

Shankara on Ajativada – Shankara explains that Ajativada is not nihilism. It is the recognition that from the absolute standpoint, creation never happened. The world is an appearance, like a dream. The rope was never a snake. The rope alone is real.

The firebrand analogy (Alatasanti) – A firebrand is swung in a circle. It appears to create a circle of fire. The circle appears real but has no substance. The firebrand is consciousness. The circle is the world. When the firebrand stops, the circle vanishes.

The dream analogy – Gaudapada teaches that the waking state is no more real than a dream. The only difference is duration and consistency. A short, inconsistent dream is called “dream.” A long, consistent dream is called “waking.” Both are appearances in consciousness.

The level of teaching – Shankara clarifies that Ajativada is the highest teaching (paramarthika). It is not for beginners. The lower teachings (creation, preservation, dissolution) are for those who still see a world. The highest teaching is that the world never arose.

Scholar’s Note: Dr. Surabhi Solanki’s Divine Truth Unveiled explains: “Gaudapada’s Ajativada is the final hammer. It shatters the last concept. The concept of creation. The concept of seeker. The concept of liberation. What remains cannot be described. But it is not nothing. It is what you are.”

Chapter	Name	Focus
1	Agama Prakarana	Scripture, Aum, four states
2	Vaitathya Prakarana	Illusory nature of waking and dream
3	Advaita Prakarana	Non-duality, identity of Atman and Brahman
4	Alatasanti Prakarana	Ajativada (non-origination)

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Part 5: Shankara’s Method – The Unfolding of Non-Duality

Shankara’s commentary on the Mandukya Upanishad is notable for its clarity and systematic method. He does not merely explain the verses; he unfolds the non-dual vision step by step.

The method of negation (neti neti) – Shankara applies the method of “not this, not this” to each state. You are not the waking state (it comes and goes). You are not the dream state (it comes and goes). You are not the deep sleep state (it comes and goes). After negating all states, what remains? The witness itself.

The witness is not a state – Shankara emphasizes that the witness (sakshi) is not a state. States come and go. The witness never comes or goes. It is the constant background of all experience.

The identity of Atman and Brahman – The Upanishad declares that Turiya is the Self (Atman). Shankara identifies this Self with Brahman, the ultimate reality. There is no difference. The individual Self is not a part of Brahman; it is Brahman.

The refutation of dualism – Shankara systematically refutes dualist interpretations of the Upanishad. If there were two realities, the Upanishad’s declaration of non-duality would be false. The Upanishad is not mistaken. Therefore, non-duality is true.

The practical application – Shankara’s commentary is not merely theoretical. He repeatedly emphasizes that the teaching is to be applied in meditation. Analyze your own experience. Find the witness. Rest as the witness.

The role of the guru – Shankara emphasizes that the Mandukya Upanishad is traditionally taught by a qualified guru. The words of the scripture are pointers. The guru’s presence removes doubts. But the recognition is yours.

The promise of liberation – Shankara concludes that one who understands the four states and their identity with Aum attains liberation. Not after death. Not in another life. Here and now. The recognition is liberation.

Scholar’s Note: Dr. Surabhi Solanki’s Divine Truth Unveiled explains: “Shankara’s method is not to give you new beliefs. It is to remove the obstacles that prevent you from seeing what you already are. The obstacles are identification with the states. Remove the identification. The Self shines.”

Step	Method	Recognition
1	Negate waking state	“I am not the waker”
2	Negate dream state	“I am not the dreamer”
3	Negate deep sleep state	“I am not the sleeper”
4	Rest as witness	“I am the witness”
5	Recognize identity	“I am Brahman”

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Part 6: Practical Guidance – Meditating on the Four States

The Mandukya Upanishad is not a text to be studied; it is a meditation to be practiced. Shankara’s commentary points the way.

Step 1 – Examine the waking state – Sit quietly. Notice that you are aware. You are aware of your body, your thoughts, your surroundings. Now ask: “Who is aware?” Not the body. Not the mind. The awareness itself. That awareness is the witness.

Step 2 – Examine the dream state – Recall a dream from last night. While dreaming, you were aware. The dream world appeared, and you were aware of it. The witness in the dream is the same witness that is present now.

Step 3 – Examine deep sleep – Recall that you slept last night. You were not aware of any object, but you know that you slept. Some awareness was present to register the absence of objects. That awareness is the same witness.

Step 4 – Recognize the same witness – See that the witness in waking, the witness in dream, and the witness in deep sleep are the same. The witness does not change. The states change. You are the witness.

Step 5 – Rest as Turiya – The witness is not a state. It is what you are. Rest as the witness. Do not try to witness anything. Simply be awareness. This is Turiya.

Step 6 – Practice Aum meditation – Chant Aum slowly. A is waking, U is dream, M is deep sleep. Rest in the silence after the M. That silence is Turiya. That silence is what you are.

Step 7 – Live as the witness – Throughout the day, carry the recognition. You are not the waking state. You are the witness of the waking state. Act, work, speak, but know that you are the witness. This is liberation while living.

Scholar’s Note: Dr. Surabhi Solanki’s Divine Truth Unveiled concludes: “The Mandukya Upanishad is not a book to be read. It is a meditation to be lived. The four states are not theories. They are your experience. A is your waking. U is your dreaming. M is your sleeping. Silence is your Self. Chant Aum. Rest in silence. Be the Self.”

Step	Practice	Recognition
1	Examine waking state	The witness is present
2	Examine dream state	The same witness is present
3	Examine deep sleep	The same witness is present
4	Recognize the same witness	The witness is constant
5	Rest as Turiya	Be awareness
6	Practice Aum meditation	Silence is the Self
7	Live as the witness	Liberation while living

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Common Questions

1. Why is the Mandukya Upanishad considered sufficient for liberation?

Because it covers the entire range of human experience—waking, dream, deep sleep, and the transcendental witness—in twelve verses. It does not require supplementary texts. A sincere seeker who studies and meditates on the Mandukya Upanishad can attain Self-realization without any other scripture.

2. Is Turiya a state?

No. Turiya is not a state. It is the background of all states. States come and go. Turiya does not come or go. It is what you are when you are not identified with any state.

3. What is the difference between deep sleep and Turiya?

In deep sleep, the mind is inactive, but ignorance remains. You do not recognize the witness. Upon waking, the ego returns. In Turiya, the witness is recognized. The recognition remains whether the mind is active or inactive.

4. Do I need to chant Aum aloud to meditate on it?

Not necessarily. You can chant Aum aloud, softly, or silently in the mind. The key is awareness of the four parts. Whether you chant aloud or silently, the meditation is the same.

5. How does Gaudapada’s Ajativada relate to the Mandukya Upanishad?

Gaudapada’s Karika is a commentary on the Mandukya Upanishad. It takes the Upanishad’s teaching to its logical conclusion: if the world is an appearance, then creation never truly happened. This is Ajativada—the highest teaching.

6. How does Dr. Surabhi Solanki’s work relate to the Mandukya Upanishad?

Dr. Solanki’s Divine Truth Unveiled is a complete retelling of the Mandukya Upanishad with Gaudapada’s Karika and Shankara’s commentary. She presents the teaching in contemporary language, making it accessible to modern readers without sacrificing fidelity to the tradition.

Summary

The Mandukya Upanishad Bhashya is Adi Shankaracharya’s commentary on the shortest but most profound of the principal Upanishads. The Upanishad consists of only twelve verses, yet it is considered sufficient for liberation. It analyzes the four states of consciousness—waking (jagrat), dream (swapna), deep sleep (sushupti), and Turiya (the fourth)—and identifies them with the four parts of the sacred syllable Aum (A, U, M, and the silence after). Shankara’s commentary unpacks the Upanishad’s revolutionary teaching that the same witness consciousness is present in all four states, and that Turiya is not a fourth state alongside the others but the very substratum of all experience. The commentary also elucidates Gaudapada’s Karika, which presents the highest teaching of Ajativada (non-origination)—the doctrine that creation never truly happened. The Mandukya Upanishad is not a text to be studied; it is a meditation to be practiced. A is waking, U is dream, M is deep sleep. The silence after is Turiya. Chant Aum. Rest in silence. Be the Self. That is the teaching of the Mandukya Upanishad. That is liberation. That is what you have always been.

A wakes you to the world. U dreams you through it. M brings you home. Silence is home. You are not the waking state. You are not the dream state. You are not the deep sleep state. You are the silence that witnesses all three. That silence is not empty. It is full of you. Chant Aum. Not as a ritual. As a remembering. Remember what you have always been. Rest in the silence. That silence is Turiya. That silence is freedom. That silence is what you have always been.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti