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What does it mean to be spiritually "awake"?
Webster's Revised Dictionary defines "awake" as follows:
Not in a state of sleep, Completely conscious, Not unconscious, Having become conscious, Showing acute awareness, Mentally perceptive, Alert, Alive, Aware or cognizant, Vigilant or watchful, Coming out of a state resembling sleep.
These definitions seem to apply equally well to being spiritually "awake" as they do to being "awake" in a more general sense. But let us examine more in detail what it means to be "awake" in a spiritual sense.
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As you know from your personal experience, there are many levels of consciousness that you experience each day. Each level of consciousness has a different quality and is characterized by different levels of awareness. For example, the awareness during sleep state is very different than it is during waking state. You also know that there is any number of gradations of awareness within each state of consciousness. From your reading and general knowledge of spirituality you also know that there are other, higher states of consciousness that you may not have yet experienced. The process of becoming awake is to more clearly and consciously experience these states that we are familiar with, and also the ones that we haven't yet experienced.
The traditional understanding of esoteric spirituality is that each of us is a Divine eternal being that is not consciously aware of his/her true highest nature. In fact, all of creation has numerous levels of manifestation with the "eternal' level being its true highest nature. We have surrounded ourselves with many layers of ignorance and illusion that cloud our ability to see our Self and other things as they really are. It could be said that we are in a state of unconsciousness. If we choose to realize our true nature we must literally "wake up" from our slumbers and move into a state of alertness. We could also say that to become awake to something is to experience and appreciate it on its Supreme level; or literally to see it for what it truly is.
Now what does it feel like to be awake and how does one "get" there? It is certainly a high state of awareness and alertness that requires focus and earnest effort. One must move beyond the illusion that "I am my thoughts and emotions." It is not a state of "mind" at all. It is also a state of freedom that requires complete surrender. You must be willing to drop everything to get there. It is subtler than the subtlest, and requires an awareness that is established in silence to be able to perceive it. You must cleanse the "windows of perception" before you can fully appreciate it. Since the highest value of the perceiver and the perception are both infinite and eternal, to be awake is to actually merge, or become one with the object of perception. When you are awake, you are in a timeless state of Absolute Union with your Self, as well as anything you perceive. You could say that when you know that "I Am That I Am" you are awake. And when you see or feel your Self in all that you see, then you are awake also in the object of perception. The object of perception does not have to be a physical thing. It can also be a concept or thought, such as Love or Christ Consciousness. For example, you can become "awake in Christ Consciousness." This would mean that you become One with the totality of that state of consciousness.
Now what is the difference between being "awake" and "consciously awake"? It is possible to be "awake" but not conscious of it. It sounds funny that someone could be "unconsciously awake". Imagine that you are the Lord of a great land, and that you have somehow forgotten that you are. You are still the Lord regardless, but you don't enjoy any of the benefits of it if you are not conscious of it. To be the "conscious" Lord takes the experience to the highest level.
Try this simple exercise to experience some of these points discussed above:
Close your eyes for a minute or two of conscious breathing and in whatever way seems right for you, visualize the following state:
the I AM Presence
Now, mentally say:
"I am awake in the I AM Presence."
Now, say:
"I am consciously awake in the I AM Presence."
Feel, see or know on the level of your inner knowingness, the difference in quality of these three experiences. The immersion, the Light, the merging, the vibration of the awareness or consciousness is different and more powerful in each case. This is the clearest demonstration of what it means to be "awake" and "consciously awake". Now, try the same exercise with the following states one after the other:
Divine Love
Christ Consciousness
Pure Space
Supreme Godhead
Freedom
Again, notice the intensification of each state as you experience it more consciously.
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One of the quickest ways to regain your original state of Divine consciousness is to practice being awake. This can be done in meditation by affirmation and intention. You can also use brain illumination to become more awake. This practice of being awake can also be part of your daily activities outside of meditation. It is very important to anchor the experience of being awake by the power of your intention. Remember that you are a Master and that you can use the power of your Mastery to transform yourself. Practice regularly and, in time, you will become "consciously awake" in your Highest True Nature.
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