In this continuation of the Bhagavad-gita Wisdom Series we discuss the complex topics of mind and consciousness from both scientific and yogic perspectives.

Many scientists stubbornly insist that there is a single “energy” (the material energy) which exists and is perceivable by us. This idea, however, gives rise to the fundamental challenge in understanding consciousness, that is how consciousness arises from atomic particles or complex chemical compounds. This problem is sometimes referred to as the 'hard problem of consciousness'.

The Vedic and yogic perspective is that consciousness is a quality of another type of ‘energy’, the spiritual being (ātmā or ‘self). The understanding is that the spiritual being has two coverings or bodies: a gross physical body and a subtle body, with consciousness being the quality of the ātmā/self that pervades both.

Some quotes that were referenced in the talk:

“Consciousness poses the most baffling problems in the science of the mind. There is nothing that we know more intimately than conscious experience, but there is nothing that is harder to explain. All sorts of mental phenomena have yielded to scientific investigation in recent years, but consciousness has stubbornly resisted. Many have tried to explain it, but the explanations always seem to fall short of the target. Some have been led to suppose that the problem is intractable, and that no good explanation can be given.” “- David John Chalmers, a philosopher and cognitive scientist.

“The hard problem of consciousness is the problem of explaining why any physical state is conscious rather than nonconscious.”

O son of Bharata, as the sun alone illuminates all this universe, so does the living entity, one within the body, illuminates the entire body by consciousness. Bhagavad-gītā 13.34

Know that which pervades the entire body is indestructible. No one is able to destroy the imperishable soul. - Bg 2.17

"The soul (atma/self) is atomic in size and can be perceived by perfect intelligence. This atomic soul is floating in the five kinds of air (prāṇa, apāna, vyāna, samāna and udāna), is situated within the heart, and spreads its influence all over the body of the embodied living entities. When the soul is purified from the contamination of the five kinds of material air, its spiritual influence is exhibited." - Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad 3.1.9

The seer (atma) is pure (transcendental) even though it perceives this world through the mind. - Yoga-sūtra 2.20

The mind is not self-illuminating being itself an object of perception (that which is knowable). Yoga-sūtra 4.19

Not being self-luminous, the mind cannot be aware of an object and itself (as perceiver and perceived) at the same time. Yoga-sūtra 4.20

The pure and transcendental consciousness of the atma (self) is unchangeable. When the mind receives the reflection of that consciousness it is able to perceive and appears like the seer. Yoga-sūtra 4.22

The mind, being able to perceive due to its reflecting both the atma (self) and objects of perception, appears to comprehend everything. Yoga-sūtra 4.23

Even though the mind has accumulated various impressions (and desires) of various types it is always at the disposal of the atma (self). This is because the mind cannot function without the power of the perceiver. Yoga-sūtra 4.24

The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal, fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind. - Bhagavad-gītā 15.7

"One must deliver themself with the help of one’s mind, and not degrade themself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well. For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy. " Bg 6.5-6