Write a short note on Describe the states of consciousness given by Mandukya Upanisad.

The Mandukya Upanishad, a revered text in the Advaita Vedanta tradition, expounds profound insights into the nature of consciousness, presenting a unique model that delineates four states of consciousness. These states, known as "Avasthas," offer a comprehensive framework for understanding the various dimensions of human experience.

1. Waking State (Jagrat): In the waking state, individuals are engaged with the external world through their senses and mind. It is characterized by sensory perception, rational thinking, and interaction with the surrounding environment. The waking state is often considered the realm of empirical reality, where the individual perceives the diversity of the external world.

2. Dream State (Swapna): The dream state unfolds when individuals enter the realm of dreams during sleep. In this state, the mind generates a subjective reality, detached from external sensory input. Dreams may be fantastical, symbolic, or reflective of subconscious thoughts. The Mandukya Upanishad acknowledges the dream state as a distinct dimension of consciousness, highlighting the imaginative and creative capacities of the mind.

3. Deep Sleep State (Sushupti): Sushupti represents the state of deep sleep, where the individual experiences a profound sense of tranquility and rest. In this state, the mind is free from the activities of the waking and dream states. Although external awareness is absent, the Upanishad posits that a subtle, unmanifested consciousness persists, contributing to the overall experience of deep sleep.

4. Turiya (The Fourth): Turiya transcends the three conventional states of consciousness, representing the underlying, unchanging awareness that persists through all experiences. It is often described as the state of pure consciousness beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Turiya implies a state of self-realization, where the individual recognizes their essential nature as a transcendent, non-dual consciousness.

The Mandukya Upanishad emphasizes that Turiya is not a separate state to be attained but is the inherent, ever-present reality underlying the other three states. It symbolizes the unchanging awareness that remains constant amidst the changing dynamics of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.

In summary, the states of consciousness outlined in the Mandukya Upanishad provide a nuanced understanding of human experience, ranging from the empirical and sensory aspects of waking to the imaginative realm of dreams, the restful state of deep sleep, and ultimately, the transcendent awareness of Turiya. This model encourages seekers to recognize the impermanence of conventional states and realize the unchanging, universal consciousness that pervades all aspects of existence.