Life, as we perceive it, is a tapestry woven from three threads: the physical body (sthula), the subtle realm of mind and thoughts (sukshma), and the causal layer tied to our actions and impressions (karana). Yet, beyond these lies a deeper truth—a fourth state, the supreme power that underpins all existence. This omnipresent force, both within and beyond us, is the foundation of everything we experience. When we transcend the outer forms and limitations of life to meditate upon and revere this universal energy, we unlock enduring happiness, balance, and soul-deep contentment.
This blog explores the profound wisdom of this teaching, drawing parallels between the rhythms of nature and the fruits of our actions. Spiritually, it reveals how true peace and success emerge when we align our lives with this ultimate truth. By shifting our focus from fleeting material pleasures to the eternal consciousness that governs all, we find stability and serenity in every circumstance. Let’s dive into this journey of self-discovery and cosmic connection.
The Layers of Existence: A Holistic View
Our experience of life unfolds across multiple dimensions, each revealing a piece of who we are:
- The Physical Body (Sthula):
This is the tangible self—our flesh, bones, and senses. It’s the vessel through which we interact with the world, seeking comfort, survival, and pleasure. - The Mind and Thoughts (Sukshma):
Beyond the body lies the subtle realm of emotions, intellect, and imagination. It’s where desires, fears, and dreams take shape, driving our inner narrative. - The Causal Layer (Karana):
Deeper still is the causal plane, rooted in our karma (actions) and sanskaras (impressions). This is the storehouse of past deeds and tendencies that shape our present and future.
Yet, these layers—while real and vital—are not the whole story. The shloka teaches us of a fourth state, a transcendent reality that exists beyond form, thought, and cause. This is the supreme consciousness, the unchanging essence that permeates the universe and resides within us as our truest self.
The Fourth State: The Universal Power Within and Beyond
This supreme power is not distant or abstract—it’s the very fabric of existence. Like the air we breathe or the gravity that holds us to the earth, it’s ever-present, sustaining life effortlessly. The shloka likens it to the cosmic force behind nature’s seasons: just as spring brings blossoms and autumn yields harvests according to their appointed time, this universal energy delivers the fruits of our actions in alignment with cosmic law.
- Omnipresent Yet Intimate: This power isn’t confined to temples or distant heavens—it’s in every heartbeat, every thought, every blade of grass. It’s the spark of life within us, the “I am” beneath our identities.
- The Source of All Outcomes: Our karma—our efforts, intentions, and choices—interacts with this energy, ripening into results when the time is right, much like seeds sprouting in their season.
- Beyond Limitation: Unlike the body, mind, or past impressions, this state is boundless, untouched by decay or change. It’s the eternal witness to our temporal struggles.
When we anchor our awareness in this fourth state, we rise above the fleeting dramas of life and tap into a wellspring of peace and purpose.
The Spiritual Imperative: Aligning with the Ultimate Truth
The pursuit of happiness through external means—wealth, status, or sensory pleasures—is a mirage. The shloka warns that if we seek divinity only in material forms, we risk confusion and disillusionment. True peace and success come when we redirect our focus to the singular truth that underpins all existence.
- Transcending the Outer Shell:
The body craves comfort, the mind chases validation, and our past habits pull us into cycles of repetition. But these are temporary. By meditating on the supreme power, we loosen their grip and see them as tools, not masters. - Worship as Connection:
Revering this universal force isn’t about rituals alone—it’s about conscious living. Every act of kindness, every moment of stillness, every choice aligned with integrity becomes a form of puja (worship), drawing us closer to the source. - Fruits of Alignment:
When our life’s direction turns toward this truth, our energy harmonizes. The mind calms, the body finds balance, and our actions bear meaningful fruit. This is the spiritual alchemy that transforms chaos into clarity.
This shift isn’t about rejecting the world—it’s about engaging with it from a place of inner strength, rooted in the eternal rather than the ephemeral.
Nature’s Mirror: Lessons in Timing and Balance
The shloka’s analogy to seasons offers a powerful metaphor. Nature operates with precision and patience—flowers don’t bloom in winter, nor do rivers flood without rain. Similarly, the universal power governs our lives with a rhythm we must learn to trust.
- Timing of Results: Just as crops ripen according to the seasons, our efforts yield outcomes when conditions align. Patience becomes a virtue when we see our karma as seeds sown in faith.
- Balance as a Principle: Nature thrives on equilibrium—day follows night, growth follows rest. When we live in sync with this balance, pushing when inspired and pausing when needed, we mirror the stability of the cosmos.
- Abundance Through Harmony: A farmer who respects the land reaps a bountiful harvest. Likewise, when we honor the laws of this supreme energy—through ethical actions and mindful presence—we invite lasting prosperity.
Nature reflects the fourth state in action: a silent, steady force that nurtures life without force or fanfare.
The Consequences of Misalignment
When we fixate on the outer layers—chasing wealth or fleeting joys without deeper awareness—we drift from this truth. The result? A life of imbalance:
- A restless mind trapped in overthinking or desire.
- A body strained by stress or excess.
- A soul disconnected from its purpose, lost in the noise of the material world.
The shloka urges us to break this cycle by centering our sadhana (practice) and seva (service) on the supreme consciousness. Only then do we find the stability to weather life’s storms.
Practical Steps to Live This Wisdom
How do we connect with this universal power in daily life? Here are actionable ways to embody the shloka’s teachings:
- Meditate on the Source:
Spend a few minutes each day in silence, focusing on the presence within you—beyond thoughts or worries. Visualize it as a light or a boundless space. - Act with Awareness:
Before making decisions, pause and ask: “Does this align with truth and goodness?” Let your karma reflect your highest values. - Serve Selflessly:
Offer your time or skills to others without expecting reward. Service tunes your energy to the universal flow. - Observe Nature’s Rhythms:
Rise with the sun, rest when tired, and eat with the seasons. Let nature remind you of the larger order you’re part of. - Release Attachment:
Enjoy life’s gifts—relationships, achievements—without clinging. See them as expressions of the supreme power, not ends in themselves.
Conclusion: Finding Peace in the Eternal
The shloka reveals a profound truth: beyond the body, mind, and causality lies a fourth state—the supreme power that holds all life together. When we lift our gaze from the transient to the eternal, dedicating our practice and purpose to this universal consciousness, we discover a peace that no external force can shake. Like the seasons that bring renewal in their time, this energy rewards our aligned actions with balance, joy, and fulfillment.
In a world obsessed with the visible, this teaching calls us to look deeper—to the invisible thread that weaves our existence. True success isn’t in what we gain but in what we realize: that we are, and always have been, one with the infinite.