INFOMINDSHOP.BLOGSPOT.COM

STAGES OF CONSCIOUSNESS 

AND THE JOURNEY TO SELFLESSNESS IN SOLAT

The stages to selflessness is the gradual deactivation of our analytical, logical, critical and rational function of our conscious mind by journeying (“Hijrah”) towards the lowest level of our four states of consciousness - in diminishing order - from Conscious to Semi-conscious, Sub-conscious and Unconscious.

The secret to attain the 'states of selflessness' in “Solat” - traditionally found in the art of meditation - can be explained by the Neurosciences as it explored our States of Consciousness and its co-relation to the brainwaves - the electro-magnetic waves emitted by our brain.

Science via EEG technology has detected that at any moment our brain emits four basic brainwaves patterns - Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta in descending cycles per second (cps). The dominance of one brainwave pattern over the others corresponds to our four levels of consciousness.

Beta (14 ~ 30 Hz) is the dominant brainwave during our conscious state. This is the domain of our analytical, logical, critical & rational functions. All information received will be verified against our accumulated database i.e. deep seated belief, conviction & opinions before any feedback. It is thus, challenging to accept new ideas or suggestions in this state. Mental stress can only occur within this level of consciousness.

Alpha (7 ~ 14 Hz) brainwave is dominant in our semi-conscious state, wherein with increased level of serotonin, our mind is in a relaxed, alert and focused state which enhances our cognitive functions of learning and memory and contributes to the feelings of well-being, happiness, peacefulness and fulfillment. This is the ideal state for super-learning.

Theta (4 ~ 7 Hz) is the dominant brainwave in our sub-conscious state, wherein our mind is in deep relaxation or meditative state. This is also the dreaming-sleep state where increased production of catecholamine (adrenalin, dopamine) promotes integrative, emotional experiences, increased retention of learned material and potential change in behavior.

Delta (0 ~ 4 Hz) is the dominant brainwave in our unconscious state,. This is a deep dreamless, trance-like, non-physical state with loss of body awareness where growth hormones and Melatonin that regulates our sleep-wake cycle is released. This is also the gateway to the 'collective unconscious' mind.

Interestingly, brainwaves and consciousness levels do correspond to our age whereof from birth to about four years old, our dominant brainwave is Delta (up to 4 cps). From four to about seven, our dominant brainwave is Theta (4 ~7 cps). From seven to fourteen, our dominant brainwave is Alpha (7 ~ 14cps) and from fourteen onwards our dominant brainwave is Beta (14 ~ 30 cps).

Traditionally, the different levels of consciousness can be accessed 'on demand' by accomplished meditation practitioners. Reinforced with fasting, meditation was practised by past sages including the prophets for physical, mental & spiritual detoxification with the objective of peeling the layers of desires ("nafs") in the journey ("hijrah") to the core of our very essence of existence ("zat") when our ego is absent ("fana") in the presence ("wujud") of the Majesty of Allah ("Wajibul Wujud"). This is the station of Allah's knowledge ("Ilm") wherefrom inspirations ("Wahyu") spring forth.

Alternatively, the scientific, and easier way to achieve the respective states of consciousness is by modulating our brainwaves to resonate at specific cps to induce the semi-conscious ("Taqwa"), sub-conscious ("Khusyuk") or unconscious ("Fana") states by using "binaural beats” premised upon the 'frequency following response' (FFR) principle. Additionally, this brainwave entrainment method can modulate the same frequency to both brain hemispheres to achieve what is termed as “Whole Brain Functioning” which is ideal for super-learning and theta healing.