The State Prior to Consciousness

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

March 10, 1981

Q: Why does the identification seem to change constantly?

M: In consciousness the identification with an individual will keep on changing, but once the identity is lost it is possible to remain in total manifestation.

Q: Can I reach the Absolute state while consciousness is there?

M: In that state there is no one to be conscious so there is no question of reaching that state as long as consciousness is present.

Q: But I thought Maharaj said..

M: That state is where knowledge is absorbed in knowledge, and knowledge is not aware of itself. The instrument has to be there and consciousness is the instrument. In consciousness, consciousness is conscious of itself, but in the state prior to the arising of consciousness, who is there and with what instrument can one be conscious?

In that state which is not tainted by anything there is no conditioning. Take the example of space. In space there is darkness and light, the space is there whether darkness or light is there; in the same way the state prior to consciousness is always there. Right now it is there. It is the substratum of everything. A jnani is one who abides in that state of space in spite of body and mind.

Q: What is the practice, is it meditation only?

M: You must possess that confirmation that you are formless, designless; not only rely on meditation. Always insist that you are formless, free, and are not conditioned. You must hammer on this constantly, that is the practice.