Following is an easy-to-follow, step by step explanation through complex principles of the Gross, Subtle, and Causal realms, and how the inner journey of Yoga meditation leads the seeker beyond, to realization of the Absolute. These principles are practical tools, which are integrated into seated Yoga meditation and meditation in action.  

Two complementary papers:   
OM/AUM and the 7 Levels of Consciousness  
On the Levels and Dimensions of Consciousness 

Index

There appears to be Two Worlds 
We appear to journey between these Worlds 
There are different names for "Spiritual" 
Who is the traveler? 

There are really three realms 
"Spiritual" includes both Subtle and Causal 
The Causal is the level of our deep habits 
Consciousness is the Absolute Reality   
The "Fourth" permeates the other three  

The construction of the Traveler 
The Traveler appears to be separate  
Then the Traveler falls asleep and forgets  

The Traveler begins to remember  
Truth is seen to be beyond the Subtle  
Supreme non-attachment comes  
Remembering the levels of consciousness  

Is enlightenment at the Gross level?   
Is enlightenment at the Subtle level?   
Is enlightenment at the Causal level?   
Is enlightenment at the Fourth level?   

After knowing the Absolute or Self   

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There appears to be Two Worlds 
It often seems that most people see two domains, worlds, or levels of reality.  

1. The Gross World, and 
2. The Spiritual World. 

It may seem as if we live in the Gross world, and occasionally have insights or intuitions about the existence and nature of this Spiritual world. 

Look here for more information about the Gross. (Use browser "Back" to return)

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We appear to journey between the Worlds 
It can seem as if "I" am a Traveler who journeys from one world to the other. 

Some think we go from the "Gross" to the "Spiritual" world only one time, at the time of physical death. Others think that we go back and forth between these worlds, which is reincarnation. Some go to (or attempt to go to) this other world as a part of their spiritual journey in this life. 

In each of these views, there are only two domains, worlds, or levels: the "Gross" and the "Spiritual." 

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There are different names for "Spiritual"  
The level of reality below the Gross world has a variety of commonly used names, in addition to "Spiritual." 

It is also commonly known as the Subtle, Psychic, Occult, Astral, or Mystical level, realm, plane, or world. 

Remembering that there are different words for the same reality can save us from a good deal of confusion or conflict in our conversations, readings, writings, and reflections.  

Look here for more information about the Subtle. (Use browser "Back" to return)

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Who is the traveler? 
If "I" am going from the Gross world to the Spiritual world, then who is it who is doing this traveling? 

To ask this question is not merely intellectual gymnastics, as we note that there must be something else going on here. There are not just the two worlds, but something else. 

There is "somebody" or "some thing" that is going from one world to the other. Who is that? Who am "I"? What is this "I" made of? (This is explored below.)

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There are really three realms, not two 
The Gross world arises from, or manifests out of the Subtle (or Spiritual), but from where do all the objects and activities in the Subtle realm arise? What are the "bricks" out of which the realms of Subtle and Gross are constructed? 

Below the Gross and Subtle, there is a third level, realm, plane, or world. It is called the Causal realm, out of which the Subtle arises, and from which, in turn, the Gross arises. 

The Causal is a realm of Unmanifest, from which the Manifest emerges. It contains objects, images, or principles that are in their merely potential, formless form. 

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"Spiritual" includes both Subtle and Causal 
When we come to be aware of this third level, then we must expand our view of what is "Spiritual" so as to include both the Subtle and the Causal realms. 

The latent repository of the Causal and the active processing of the Subtle intimately interact with one another. 

In our conversations, readings, writings, and reflections, it is then essential that we remember not only the Subtle, but also  the Causal level when we use the word "Spiritual." 

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The Causal is the level of our deep habits 
The Causal is not only the level out of which the Subtle and Gross aspects of the universe manifest. It also relates to us, as individual humans. 

At a personal level, the Causal level is the repository of our "latent" wants, wishes, attractions, or aversions. Our deep habit patterns, or samskaras, are the source of the motivation for our actions, or karmas. 

These samskaras reside in the domain of the Causal level and go with us after physical death. 

This Causal level is one we visit every time we experience deep sleep. Through the practice of Yoga Nidra (conscious deep sleep), the aspirant reaches this deep level and purifies samskaras internally. 

Look here for more information about the Causal. (Use browser "Back" to return)

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Consciousness is the Absolute Reality 
Throughout these three levels of Gross, Subtle, and Causal there is a constant flow of Consciousness itself, which is also called the Absolute Reality. It has been described as indescribable, that which is eternal, never subject to death, decay, or decomposition. 

In the science of Yoga Meditation, this level is literally called the "Fourth," or "Turiya," because it is the fourth, after (although permeating) the other three.  

In relation to us as individual humans, this Consciousness is the core of our own being, and is known as Consciousness, Self, or Atman. 

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The "Fourth" permeates the other three 
This Consciousness is not only Reality on its own, but is also the life force that permeates, or is flowing throughout the other three levels of Gross, Subtle, and Causal. 

In fact, this Consciousness not only "permeates" the other three levels, but "is" the essence out of which each of the other three levels come into existence. In this way, we can truly say that "All is One," in Absolute Consciousness.

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The construction of the Traveler
When we ask the question, "Who is it who is traveling between the Gross and Subtle worlds," the answer is that our personal samskaras stored in the Causal (Deep Sleep / Subconscious) level, along with the Consciousness at the core of our being together constitute the "Traveler." 

This is the meaning of the individual Soul or Jivatman. It is a marriage of two parts, the pure Consciousness and the deep impressions that go with us (though paradoxically all remains One). It is as if Consciousness rides in a vehicle that is constructed of those deep impressions or samskaras that go with us after physical death and from life to life. 

Virtually all traditions and religions acknowledge that there is an eternal aspect, along with a changeable aspect that influences the consequences we face after the end of this physical life.  

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The Traveler appears to be separate 
Although actually one with the Absolute Reality, and the various levels, the individual soul or Jivatman appears to stand out as a separate being. The fact that it is a composite (Consciousness plus samskaras) is also forgotten. 

The "stuff" of which the Jivatman, or individual soul is made is the pure Consciousness of Self and the deep impressions that are stored in the third level, that involves Deep Sleep, the Subconscious mind, and the Causal plane of existence. 

This composite soul or Jivatman can then "travel" in the other domains. 

More info on the level of deep impressions. 

More info on the level of pure Consciousness. 

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Then the Traveler falls asleep and forgets 
Through a process called "avidya" or "ignorance" (the ability to "ignore"), one completely forgets the levels of consciousness, and forgets the nature of one's own makeup. Because of this forgetting, or spiritual ignorance, the Traveler can journey in the Gross world, while not being aware of the whole of Reality, or even of one's own True Nature. 

Usually we go through life only aware of the Gross world. It is as if the other aspects of our being just don't exist. We are preoccupied with the external world, its objects, activities, and other people with whom we interact. We may be struggling for survival or having a good time with life, but in either case the common denominator is that we just don't see within. 

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The Traveler begins to remember 
In time, one comes to realize that there is something more than just the Gross realm, and the spiritual journey begins. However, when it first begins the Traveler knows only of the Gross and so-called "Spiritual" levels of reality (two levels).

This is where our journey of study began, at the beginning of the writings above (go back), where it appears to the seeker that there are two worlds, the Gross and the Spiritual. 

It is very easy for one to get stuck in this cycle of going back and forth between these two realities, between fully "asleep" in the Gross and only partially "awake" in the Subtle. 

However, the true spiritual journey is seeking that which is beyond both the Gross and Subtle realms. This is the real goal of Yoga meditation, the Yoga Beyond the Subtle realm. 

In time, the Traveler of the Gross and Subtle realms will come to see that there is something more, and will begin to seek out the Causal realm and the domain of pure Consciousness, the Absolute Reality. 

As is the case with the early traveler in the Subtle level, the Traveler may not know the language, the methods, or the terrain of the Causal and Absolute. One may only intuit the existence of the Causal and Absolute, and may have a restlessness that calls to be awakened. 

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Truth is seen to be beyond the Subtle 
In time, one comes to see that Truth, Absolute Reality, or Divine is beyond the Subtle, Astral, Psychic, Occult plane. 

To the Himalayan Sages, the Gross realm and the Subtle realm are seen as being similar, in that Pure Consciousness is further, beyond, or underneath both of these realms (while still permeating them). 

The states of Waking and Dreaming are seen to be similar to one another, with both being fantasies. To know this does not mean leaving the world or not fulfilling one's duties, but brings a smile as one becomes ever more clear about the playground nature of the world and the dream. 

Thus it is, that the domains which are sought out at one stage of the journey are, in the next stage, set aside as being a distraction. 

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Supreme non-attachment comes 
Gradually one comes to what is called "paravairagya" which is supreme non-attachment. 

Here, one comes to see that even the most fundamental building blocks of the universe are themselves not worthy of pursuit, when compared to the Pure Consciousness that was never born, never dies, and has no form. 

First the seeker learns that the Gross does not have the Joy that is being sought. 

Then one learns that the Subtle also does not hold that Jewel. 

Now it becomes clear that even the Causal realm, as profoundly filled with creativity and knowledge as it is, also is not the domain of Truth, or of the Absolute that is beyond death, decay, and decomposition. 

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Remembering the Levels of Consciousness  
At this point of the study, it is useful to recall for a moment that the States of Consciousness, the States of Mind, and the States of Manifestation are at the same level with one another. 

A quick visit here will remind you of this principle. (use browser "Back" to return) 

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Is enlightenment at the Gross level? 
Some say that enlightenment is a state whereby one finds a peace and tranquility within the Gross world. 

Such a state of peace may not involve any insight about, or direct experience of the Subtle, the Causal, or the Consciousness of the Absolute Reality. 

Eventually, one comes to see that peace of mind at the Gross level is not itself enlightenment, even though it is a desirable way to live. 

On the ladder of Yoga meditation, contentment (santosha) is a part of rung two of eight rungs, and is thus not the goal, but a prerequisite to the deeper journey towards Self-Realization.  

However peaceful the external world, the Yogi says, "Neti neti!" "Not this, not this!" 

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Is enlightenment at the Subtle level? 
Others say that enlightenment is the ability to journey around in the Subtle plane. 

Such an ability may not involve any insight about, or direct experience of the Causal, or the Consciousness of the Absolute Reality. Often, people with this conception of the meaning of enlightenment stop short by pursuing psychic powers (siddhis) from the Subtle, so that these can be used to manipulate objects, actions, or people in the Gross realm. 

Yoga science suggests that while these naturally arise on the journey, the aspirant is better off to let go of these powers when they come. 

Eventually, one comes to see that traveling around in the allurements of the Subtle realms is no more useful than traveling around in the allurements of the Gross world. Then, one can seek the heights of Self-Realization. 

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Is enlightenment at the Causal level? 
Some see enlightenment as having access to the Causal realm, beyond both the Gross and the Subtle.

Here, one may become even more drawn into the pursuit of powers, as insights from the unmanifest, infinite library of wisdom increasingly come, and as one comes to understand the Causal building blocks of even the Subtle realm. One distracted in this level may come to think of himself as a god of sorts. 

Here is the stage where Yoga meditation goes beyond mere Non-Attachment. Now the sincere aspirant pursues Supreme Non-Attachment, Paravairagya, non-attachment even to the most fundamental building blocks of the universe. 

Eventually, one lets go of even this level of desire for the wisdom and the powers of creation at the Causal level, and then seeks only the direct experience of the Absolute Reality, which is Self-Realization. 

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Is enlightenment at the Fourth level? 
To the Yogic sages, true enlightenment is a matter of the direct Realization of pure Consciousness beyond all of the other three levels of Gross, Subtle, and Causal. 

This is Self-Realization, wherein one rests in their True Nature, independent of attachment to the material objects of the Gross world. Here, there is independence from the most alluring distractions of the Subtle, and also independence of subtlest desires for knowledge and creativity of the Causal. There is also freedom from the conditionings of samskaras and even their subtlest of attachments. 

At this stage, one comes to know not only the individual Self (Atman), but also that the individual Self and the Universal Self or Absolute (Paramatman or Brahman) are one and the same. 

The samskaras and the levels of consciousness are still there, still playing out their dance, but the Traveler has experienced the Truth. 

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After knowing the Absolute or Self 
Eventually, a stage of enlightenment comes wherein one can actively be in the world, yet remain at one with the Self, the Absolute at all times, in complete Non-Attachment (Para-vairagya). (First, one seeks the direct experience of the Absolute, even a glimpse, and then, after that direct experience, continues to purify the deep impressions of the mind-field, the karmas, so as to come to this place of complete non-attachment as well.)

The ancient symbol of this freedom is the lotus flower, which can live in a swamp, yet rise above and open its beautiful petals. 

It is the Realization of the Self in the self.