The Turiyatita Mantra pertains to the state beyond Turiya, the fourth state of consciousness described in the Mandukya Upanishad. The Mandukya Upanishad (verse 7) defines Turiya as the fourth state, which is non-dual, peaceful, and the goal of all Vedanta. Turiyatita, meaning 'beyond the fourth,' is not explicitly mentioned in the Upanishad but is elaborated in later Advaita texts such as the Gaudapada Karika (4.90-100), where it is described as the absolute, non-dual state of pure consciousness that transcends even the witness state of Turiya. This mantra is associated with Para Brahman, the supreme reality beyond all attributes and forms.
The beej-akshara 'Om' is central, representing the primordial sound that encompasses all states of consciousness. According to the Mantra-Yoga-Samhita, the Turiyatita state is realized when the mind dissolves completely into the silence beyond Om. The traditional purpose of chanting this mantra is to attain the highest realization of non-duality (Advaita) and liberation (Moksha) while still in the body. It is chanted for the dissolution of all dualities and the direct experience of the absolute.
Recommended chanting context includes advanced meditation sessions, typically during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours), with a count of 108 repetitions using a rudraksha mala. The ritual setting should be a quiet, sacred space, often with the practitioner seated in a stable posture like padmasana, focusing on the silence between and after the mantra. Cautions: This mantra is intended only for advanced practitioners who have mastered the lower states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and Turiya). Chanting without proper guidance may lead to mental confusion or spiritual imbalance.
It is advised to receive initiation (diksha) from a qualified guru before practice, as per the traditions of Advaita Vedanta and Tantra.
Salutations to the Supreme Self who is beyond the fourth state.
The mantra begins with the seed-syllable 'Oṁ', which represents the totality of all states of consciousness and the ultimate reality. In this context, Oṁ is the beej for the absolute, beyond even turīya.