Albert Einstein, in his groundbreaking general theory of relativity, describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime (a fusion of three dimensions of space and one dimension of time) shaped by mass and energy. Everything in the universe, including light, he posited, travels through spacetime. Massive objects, Einstein stated, warp spacetime through their gravitational fields, and light passing through these distortions would appear to bend.
For other scientists, this was merely a theory cooked in Einstein’s mind—a thought experiment that could not be tested or proven. Proof could only come from observing starlight as it passed near the sun during a total solar eclipse.
Four years later, on May 29, 1919, Einstein’s theory was proven, and he rose to stardom unlike any theoretical physicist since Newton.
When the news reached him by phone, Einstein’s reaction was rather stoic –“I knew my theory was right,” he quietly remarked. A student, observing his reaction (or rather, a lack of it), couldn’t help but ask—“But what would you have done if your theory was proven wrong?” He replied nonchalantly, “Then I would have been sorry for the dear Lord; the theory is correct.”
I believe Einstein’s theory came from a deep intuitive understanding of how the universe works. Throughout his life, Einstein trusted not in data alone but in the power of imagination, thought experiments, and flashes of intuition. When developing his Special Theory of Relativity, for instance, he posed questions like, “What would it feel like to run alongside a beam of light?” or “How would someone inside a falling elevator experience gravity?” These intuitive insights often contradicted Newtonian Physics—but over time, Einstein’s insights were proven astonishingly true.
How was he able to have these novel insights? Where did these ideas come from — where do all ideas and inspirations originate? The yogis tell us that these insights come from a state of awareness called the Superconscious.
Three Realms of Consciousness
We experience life through three states of consciousness: the conscious, subconscious, and the superconscious. The conscious mind supports analysis, logical thinking, and reasoning, while the subconscious mind serves as a storehouse of memories and habit patterns.
All three states of mind play important roles in our lives. The superconscious mind, however, rises above them—it is not restricted by the limitations that affect the other states.
The conscious mind helps us rationally make decisions, though it is easily swayed by the opinions of others and often overwhelmed by the vast amount of information accessible to us today.
The subconscious mind, on the other hand, supports us by automating habitual actions but can also trap us in unhelpful patterns that limit our growth and potential.
The superconscious is a state of clear, calm awareness that perceives life not as fragments, but as a unified whole. It is the awareness of our true self, rooted in perfect love, ineffable joy, and serene, expansive wisdom. The psychologist F. W. H. Myers described the superconscious as “the treasure-house, the region that alone can explain the great, unselfish, heroic deeds of men.”
In today’s fast-moving world, people are told to think “outside the box.” The box referred to is formed by the boundaries of our conscious and subconscious states of awareness. To go outside this “box” is to break free and enter the limitless realm and possibilities of the superconscious.
Living Superconsciously
The most effective way to elevate the mind to the superconscious level is through meditation. By practicing breath and energy control techniques—such as Kriya Yoga—one learns to lift awareness and rest in that higher state of consciousness. In such moments, the mind becomes perfectly still and directly perceives truth. Inspiration and insight then flow effortlessly. Even those new to meditation often discover that creative ideas arise during—or soon after—their practice.
Meditation is essential to bring superconsciousness into our daily lives, but much more is needed.
“You will attain superconsciousness more quickly if you seek to attune yourself with it in your daily activities, and not only in meditation. You don’t have to be in superconsciousness to think superconsciously.” —Swami Kriyananda
The first thing we must do is approach all problems with full faith and confidence that their solutions already exist. Nature herself proves this to be true. The antidote to a poisonous plant is often found growing nearby. In the same way, the solution to every problem exists, often hidden in the problem itself.
The intellect rarely arrives at the deepest solutions because it tends to think in terms of separation rather than unity. Historians note that one of Einstein’s greatest strengths was his ability to hold two opposing ideas in his mind until a higher harmony revealed itself—a more complete and unified understanding. To perceive and discover such truths, we must first have faith that a solution exists, waiting to be found.
Superconscious Guidance
A few years ago, during a public program, the teacher scheduled to give a talk on meditation didn’t show up. I was asked to take her place at the last minute. I had hardly any time to think about what I would say. Though I had taught a few meditation classes before, I was used to having ample time to prepare—and the comfort of my written notes! With no other option, I gathered my focus, centered my mind, and placed the outcome in God’s hands.
As I began to speak, ideas and insights I had never considered before started to flow into my mind like a waterfall. After the talk, several people came up to tell me how much they enjoyed the program. That experience became one of my first lessons on how faith can open the door to superconscious guidance.
Swami Kriyananda was speaking with two of his students about the ability to draw divine guidance at will. To demonstrate his point, he said, “I bet I could sit down right now and write a Japanese melody.” He then went to the piano and composed a melody on the spot—that song is known as “Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto.” (I urge you to listen to it, if you haven’t already.)
Geniuses from all walks of life credit their success to superconscious inspiration. The mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan famously said:
“I owe everything to [Divine Mother] who leaves these mathematical formulae on my tongue in my dreams. An equation for me has no meaning unless it expresses a thought of God.”
The Illusion of Time
Another important attitude for drawing superconscious guidance is to live in the Eternal Now, free from the restrictions of time. Let me share again an episode from Swamiji’s life.
During a lecture tour in 1995, Swamiji’s pulse went up to 160 bpm. The doctors soon discovered that one of his heart valves required urgent replacement—without it, he could have died at any moment. After the surgery, they advised him to take it easy and allow himself 12 months of complete rest.
As things turned out, Swamiji hardly got a week’s worth of rest that year. He later described it as one of the busiest and most stressful years of his life—and if you know anything about Swamiji’s life, that’s saying a lot! Despite the doctor’s recommendations, he was committed to several lecture tours and creative projects that necessitated writing and composing music, all while enduring an excruciating lawsuit that required him to sit for hours of depositions.
Also during this time, a Time Warner publisher had already published several of Swamji’s books. When he began working on Meditation for Starters for them, the editorial staff decided they wanted to change the title to Superconsciousness. Swamiji felt that to do justice to this title, he would need to write an entirely new book—one that might take at least two years to complete. Warner, however, gave him only two months. With other pressing commitments already upon him, he barely had a month for the job.
Swami switched off his phone, accepted no visitors, refused to look at his mail, and told God firmly, “You’ve got to help me! I simply cannot do this job alone.” With these prayers, he plunged into the work. The book that needed two years to finish was completed in less than a month.
How did he do it? Swamiji explained:
“Don’t let considerations of time dissuade you from undertaking any project that seems to you important. Since time is an illusion, it can be understood more easily by calm, clear awareness. Whenever you find yourself ‘driven to the wall’ as it were, by urgent demands, whether by life or by other people, withdraw for an instant into your center within. Then tell yourself, ‘I will not be ruled by time consciousness. I can only be right here, right now. I will live, therefore, in full awareness of the present.”
We learn from Swamiji’s words and experience that it is important not to allow the intellect to block the flow of inspiration. Reason will always tell you, “This isn’t possible! I need more time!” But if you firmly set those thoughts aside and open your mind like a chalice to receive higher guidance from the superconscious, you will be astonished at how much you can accomplish.
Trusting the Moment
Time and again, I have witnessed this principle at work. When I worry or struggle to find an answer, it never comes. But when I remain calm and centered in the present moment—trusting fully in God’s guidance—the solution always reveals itself. Whether it’s writing an article like this, giving a talk, or facing some other challenge, I’ve found that divine inspiration flows unfailingly—if only I open myself to it with calm, trusting faith.
Superconscious living needn’t be hard. In fact, once you learn how to do it, it can be quite fun. Begin by attuning yourself to this higher state of consciousness in simple, everyday activities, and soon you’ll find yourself naturally living from that level of awareness. It is in the superconscious state that we discover not only solutions to life’s challenges but also unconditional joy, guidance, and love.
Tyagi Shivendra
Tyagi Shivendra is a Kriyaban and an Ananda meditation teacher, serving full-time at Ananda Delhi. He leads meditations, classes, kirtans, and other spiritual activities. Beyond the ashram, he works with corporations, schools, and universities to promote holistic well-being. A graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, he has founded and supported ventures across education, retail, and technology. He blogs on various online platforms and is dedicated to sharing Yogananda’s teachings with all truth-seeking souls.
