Do you want to explore consciousness? Do you feel it too? This deep need to understand yourself better? To have more clarity? To be truly connected with life – not just on the surface, but deep down inside? Awareness plays a central role in this. It is like an inner compass that shows you where you currently stand – and where you can develop.

In this article, I will take you on a journey through the many facets of consciousness: psychological, spiritual, scientific, mystical. There are so many definitions of this one term. You will discover how differently consciousness is described – and yet how everything is connected. And in the end, you will understand why orienting yourself towards consciousness can be a real game changer.

What states of consciousness are there?

States of consciousness are like windows to reality. Depending on which window you look through, life appears completely different to you. In everyday life, we are mostly in what is known as waking consciousness – we think, feel, plan and act. But there are many other states: dreaming, deep sleep, meditation, flow states, trance or ecstasy.

Some of these states can be induced deliberately – through mindfulness, meditation or intense physical experiences. Others happen spontaneously or in exceptional circumstances, for example when falling in love or in shock. Every state of consciousness changes how you perceive the world – and how you experience yourself.

It becomes exciting when you start to not only look through one window, but learn to switch between them – consciously, curiously, openly. Then your experience expands and you realize: There is not just one reality. And then everything is also contradictory. Because in Advaita, we speak of just one reality again. How does that come about? Let’s take a look at different facets of it…

What levels of consciousness are there according to Hawkins?

With his model of levels of consciousness, Dr. David R. Hawkins has created a map that helps many people to better classify themselves. He speaks of a spectrum that ranges from shame (at the very bottom) to enlightenment (at the very top). Each level represents a certain attitude to life, an energy level – and a typical feeling.

According to Hawkins, there are 17 levels, starting with low vibrational states such as guilt, fear and anger – through to courage, love, joy, peace and finally enlightenment. The turning point is at the level of courage (200 on his scale). From here, a constructive, growth-oriented life begins.

What is so powerful about this model is that you can learn to categorize your current level – and make a conscious decision to develop upwards. Step by step, honestly and lovingly, purposefully upwards.

What is the frequency of each consciousness according to Hawkins?

Hawkins associated each level of consciousness with a specific frequency. No, not in the sense of Hertz as in a radio station – but as an expression of the vibration that a person emits in that state.

The higher the level of consciousness, the higher the frequency. For example: shame is at 20, courage at 200, love at 500, peace at 600. Enlightenment begins at 700.

These numbers do not represent measured values in the classic sense, but symbolize how “light” or “heavy” life feels at this level. You know how it is: when you are full of joy, everything feels wide and free. With fear or guilt, on the other hand, everything feels tight.

The good news? Your frequency is not fixed. You can change it – through transformation. Hawkins says that the key to transformation is self-reflection, meditation, forgiveness and compassion.

Levels of consciousness in psychology?

Psychology is about experience and behavior. That is why consciousness is viewed functionally there: How do we experience ourselves? How do we process information? How does this affect our behavior?

There are models that differentiate between conscious, preconscious and unconscious content. Other models view consciousness as a spectrum ranging from “automatic” behavior to “reflected self-control”.

The exciting thing: Spiritual concepts are now also increasingly being incorporated into psychological models. Mindfulness, self-compassion and transpersonal psychology show that consciousness is more than pure cognition. It is also about connectedness – with yourself, with others, with life.

In psychological terms, awareness is therefore not just a state, but also a skill that you can train. And that’s what makes it so powerful.

The iceberg model of psychology

The iceberg model is one of the best-known images in psychology to explain consciousness. Imagine an iceberg: The small part that is visible above the water represents your consciousness. The much larger part under the water represents your subconscious and unconscious.

What does that mean? That a large part of what influences your life comes from deeper layers – unnoticed, automatically, shaped by experiences and beliefs.

For example, if you keep falling into certain patterns even though you actually know better – then the answer is usually “under water”.

The iceberg model shows you that you only really have an influence on your life when you can consciously control it and not leave it to subconscious processes. Only when the invisible has been discovered can you actually choose more freely and control your life. It remains questionable whether this is 100% possible…

What 3 levels of consciousness does Freud distinguish?

Sigmund Freud was one of the first to divide human consciousness into levels: Conscious, preconscious and unconscious.

The conscious is what you are thinking about right now – everything that is present to you at this moment.

The preconscious is content that you are not constantly aware of, but which you can ‘retrieve’ with a little thought – like the name of your first teacher.

The unconscious is the deepest layer – where repressed memories, traumas, desires and conflicts are stored.

Freud saw the unconscious as a powerful force that influences our behavior – often without us realizing it. And this is exactly where personal development begins: By daring to look at the hidden parts too. But I don’t want to get into psychoanalysis with you now, for me this has more historical relevance.

Unconscious or subconscious in psychology?

The terms “unconscious” and “subconscious” are often confused – or used interchangeably. However, in classical psychology, the unconscious refers to the deeper layers that are difficult to access (Freud).

The subconscious is used more in coaching or in spiritual circles to describe everything that is not in the foreground of your consciousness – but still has an effect.

Both terms make it clear that there is more to you than you can grasp with your rational mind. And that is exactly where the potential lies.

As you can see, a lot of the concept of consciousness is simply a matter of definition.

What are the four levels of consciousness?

In many areas, a distinction is made between 4 levels of consciousness. They help to better understand the development of people – both psychologically and medically.

Let’s take a look at these models.

What are the 4 levels of consciousness in coaching?

I have found very different models in coaching. There, people like to work with a four-field diagram, in which a blind spot can also be made visible. Here, this four-field diagram is built up with the two scales conscious – unconscious and competent – incompetent:

1. unconscious – incompetent: you don’t know that you don’t know something.
2. conscious – incompetent: You recognize a topic but are still unsure.
3. conscious – competent: You have learned to act consciously.
4. unconscious – competent: The new skill is automatic.
These stages show: Development is a process. And coaching can help you to shape your path from unconscious to conscious and from incompetent to competent. In the same way, every other system in coaching serves to help you develop from level 1 to level 4.

What are the 4 levels of consciousness in medicine?

In medicine, the 4 stages of consciousness are more concerned with a person’s clinical state:

1. awake and oriented
2. drowsy
3. somnolent (sleepy but can be awakened)
4. coma
This classification is important in emergency medicine, but it also shows that consciousness is measurable – and can be impaired, e.g. by medication, accidents or illness.

It is exciting to think that even in everyday life we can sometimes be “dazed” – internally absent, on autopilot. Living consciously means: being present, being awake, being connected.

The 7 levels of consciousness

The idea of levels of consciousness can be found in many spiritual traditions. Some models assume seven levels or stages of consciousness. They describe the path from pure physicality to universal consciousness.

An example from yoga:

1. survival
2. emotion
3. Power
4. love
5. expression
6. intuition
7. unity

There are also seven chakras corresponding to these levels. Certain themes are also assigned to these. But here too there are models that speak of even more levels and even more chakras. It’s all a question of definition – and not fixed.

What are the 8 states of consciousness in Buddhism?

In Buddhism, eight states of consciousness are described as part of the teachings on mind and perception. These states reflect different aspects of perception and the mind.

1-5: The five senses

6: The thinking mind

7: The spiritual mind (manas)

8: The Alaya consciousness (universal storehouse). The awareness of the true nature of things, combined with wisdom and the realization of emptiness.

This teaching shows how multi-layered our perception is – and that what you experience is only a part of the whole.

The division into the eight states of consciousness in Buddhism helps us to understand the interplay of different mental and physical processes that shape our experience. It shows how our consciousness is divided into different levels that influence our perception and behavior. The “manas consciousness” (ego) in particular shows how attachment and illusions arise. This division promotes mindfulness, supports the transformation of the mind in meditation and helps to recognize and release karmic impressions. It serves the goal of clearing the mind and treading the path to enlightenment.

Spiritual view of states of consciousness

From a spiritual point of view, consciousness is pure being. It is less about stages or states – but about the experience that everything is one.

States such as unity, ecstatic love, pure awareness or emptiness are often described as spiritual states of consciousness. But here we leave the definition of states. And from here on, it is important to be precise. Especially in the spiritual scene, consciousness and states are wildly mixed up. People who don’t have the maturity mix all sorts of things.

What happens in pure being cannot always be explained rationally. Even if a lot of transformation happens here, pure being is untouched by this deep transformation. And often these changes come when you let go. When you surrender to the moment. When you stop wanting to “become” something – and just be. Here we have almost reached Advaita – but as I said, terms are often wildly mixed up here and there are as many definitions as there are spiritual schools and teachers. Ultimately, every teacher speaks or writes about their own experience. And if you want to get involved with someone, then check wisely who you entrust yourself to.

The 12 stages of consciousness in Ken Wilber’s integral model

Ken Wilber has developed a comprehensive model that combines psychological, cultural and spiritual development. His 12 stages describe an evolutionary development of consciousness – from egocentric to world-centric to cosmocentric.

Each stage brings new abilities and perspectives. You learn to see yourself not just as an individual, but as part of a larger whole.

The integral model is complex – but powerful. It shows you that growth is not a coincidence. It is a natural process – if you are prepared to question yourself again and again. And it also resolves contradictions. In his model, he can explain why Western psychology is about building up the ego (the self) – and Eastern models are about overcoming the ego.

What is the highest state of consciousness?

The highest state of consciousness? It is the state of pure being. Without thoughts, without separation, without ego. Perfect unity.

In many traditions it is described as enlightenment, samadhi, nirvana or non-dual consciousness. It is not easy to describe – because words are too small for it and can only point to it.

But you can experience it. In quiet moments. In meditation. In love. In the depths of your heart.

It is not a goal that you have to “achieve” – but something that you carry within you. Even deeper – what you are. Always have been.

What is the meaning of consciousness in Advaita?

In Advaita Vedanta, consciousness is not something you “have” – it is what you are.

Consciousness is the only reality. Everything else – thoughts, feelings, body – are appearances in this consciousness.

When you understand this, everything falls away from you: the searching, the wanting, the struggling. You realize: You were never separate. You are already perfect now and always have been.

This realization changes everything – not on a mental level, but deep within your experience. And it’s important that you don’t just repeat the words I’m writing here. It is important that this is your experience too. And I can tell you: it’s worth having this experience.

What is the difference between the concept of consciousness in Advaita and the various levels from the different points of view?

In many models, consciousness is divided into levels, states or frequencies. This is helpful to understand development.

In Advaita, however, there are no levels. Only the One. Pure, unchanging, eternal consciousness.

This means that all levels and states appear in this one consciousness. But the consciousness itself is never affected, never limited, never separated, never changing.

That is the difference to all other models. And that is exactly what makes Advaita so radical – and so liberating. You don’t need to climb any levels, there is nothing to achieve. It’s just about orienting yourself towards consciousness. That’s all there is to it.

Do you want to not only read about this journey of consciousness, but really experience it?

Then I invite you to the self-love online retreat with Madhukar.

Dive into the depths of your being. Get in touch with your true self.

Experience what it means to orient yourself towards consciousness – free, clear and in love.

Register now and experience consciousness in the sense of Advaita.

Madhukar once said in a retreat: “Consciousness as the world formula for peace. And you play a crucial role in this.” Your contribution to world peace is waiting – you only have to take the first step.

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Hi, I am Shivani

blogger and podcaster at Madhukar Enlighten Life. I have known Madhukar since 2004 and do what I can to ensure that his effective message of happiness reaches many people.