Brahma Puccham: 5 Stages of Realization

(written on June 5, 2020)

(References: BG 13.5)

According to the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.5), there are five stages of Brahman realization which are called the brahma puccham. The five stages of the brahma puccham outline the living entity’s different levels of consciousness about the Lord. This is the brahma puccham:

Gross Body Realization:

anna-maya

Dependence on food for existence. In such a stage, food, which is one of the energies of the Lord, is the supreme object of realization. Some examples: An infant. When a baby is born, they are not engaged in any activities except eating, sleeping, and crying. The baby’s knowledge is so limited at this point that they only know of the importance of food to survive. Animals. Animals do not have a higher consciousness like human beings do. Hence, they are stuck at the level of eating, sleeping, mating, and defending.

prana-maya

Realizing the Supreme Absolute Truth in life forms and living symptoms. In such a stage, one realizes the importance of breathing, good health, exercise, etc. as the means for preserving the body. One begins to think that maintaining good health, working hard, etc. is the ultimate realization.

Subtle Body Realization:

jnana-maya

Realization extends beyond the living symptoms to the point of thinking, feeling, and willing. In this stage, one realizes the effects of the subtle body parts, such as emotions, appreciation of beauty (aesthetics), interactions between mind and intelligence, etc. to be the highest form of realization.

Individual Soul Realization:

vijnana-maya

The living entity’s mind and life symptoms are distinguished from the living entity himself. In this stage, the living entity realizes that he is separate from the subtle and gross body. He realizes he is the eternal soul instead of the temporary body, and that becomes his highest object of realization.

Supreme Soul Realization:

ananda-maya

Realization of the all-blissful nature. This is the fifth and supreme stage of realization in which the living entity realizes the distinction between the soul and the Super Soul, and establishes a loving relationship with the Super Soul. This becomes the living entity’s highest form of realization.

Thus, by the slow process of devotional service, under the guidance of the bona fide spiritual master, one can attain the highest stage, being freed from all material attachment.