Chiti-Rupena: The Universal Consciousness Encompassing All Existence

Let's explore the meaning of the 34th shloka of the 5th chapter of Durga Saptashati.

चितिरूपेण या कृत्स्नमेतद्व्याप्य स्थिता जगत् ।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ ३४ ॥:

1. चितिरूपेण (Chiti-Rupena):
• Refers to the goddess or divine power manifesting as Consciousness or Awareness.
2. कृत्स्नमेतद्व्याप्य (Krtsnam Etad Vyapya):
• Indicates that this consciousness pervades or encompasses everything, covering the entire universe.
3. स्थिता (Sthita):
• Emphasizes that this divine consciousness remains or is established in the universe in a stable, unmoving manner.
4. जगत् (Jagat):
• Refers to the entire world or universe that is pervaded by this consciousness.

What is Consciousness /  Awareness?

Consciousness is the state of being aware of and able to think, feel, and perceive the world around you. It includes your thoughts, emotions, sensations, and experiences. In simple terms, consciousness is what makes you aware of your existence and your surroundings. It allows you to experience life and interact with the world.

Consciousness can also refer to a deeper, universal awareness that connects all living beings or the underlying awareness that exists beyond the individual mind.

It is not just the ability to think or perceive, but the very energy that animates and sustains life itself. Without consciousness, a being would be lifeless, like an empty shell.

Consciousness is -

• Life-Giving Energy: Consciousness is what makes a living being "alive." It's the force that drives actions, emotions, and awareness. It fuels the body, mind, and spirit.
• Awareness and Experience: Consciousness allows beings to experience the world around them. Through it, we feel joy, pain, love, and all the emotions that make life meaningful.
• Connection to the Divine: Consciousness is seen as a divine or universal force. Life force comes from a higher power (Goddess) and flows through all beings, connecting them to each other and the universe.
• Guiding Force: Consciousness is not just passive; it actively guides our thoughts, decisions, and understanding. It helps us grow, learn, and evolve as individuals and spiritual beings.
• Vitality of All Living Beings: This life force is not exclusive to humans. It exists within all living creatures - animals, plants, and even the tiniest forms of life. It is the common thread that ties all life forms together, suggesting a universal essence.

Learnings -

• Sanatana Dharma views consciousness as a gift from the divine, representing the presence of the divine or the Shakti within each being. This life force is eternal and transcendent, surviving beyond physical death. In this view, consciousness is not just a mental state but the very essence of spiritual life and moral guidance.
• Consciousness refers to the motivations and drives behind behavior.
• Consciousness  is not just personal but collective, as individuals develop a shared consciousness through their experiences within society. The role of consciousness is crucial in shaping social identity, norms, and collective behavior.
• Consciousness raises questions about the nature of existence and reality. It is the source of awareness and self-reflection that enables beings to question their existence and seek meaning in life.
• Consciousness is the transformative power that leads us from ignorance to self-awareness.
• Consciousness drives the quest for freedom, and autonomy.

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः - Salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her, again and again.

Knowledge Bank

What are the main features of bhakti?

1. Ability to destroy suffering 2. Attainment of auspiciousness 3. Indifference to getting moksha 4. Difficulty of reaching the state of pure devotion 5. Manifestation of absolute bliss 6. Ability to attract Lord Krishna.

What do Upanishads teach?

Upanishads are the essence of Vedic knowledge. They settle the apparent contradictions within the Vedas that a layman may find and also give a final shape to the Vedic principles. Upanishads emphasize the concept of Brahman as the one and only supreme truth.