Q. What is meant by superconsciousness plus gross consciousness?

A. There are six states pertaining to consciousness:

A = Latently conscious (unconscious): Here the Soul (in the Beyond State) is unconscious of both the Self and the universe.

B = Sub-conscious: Here the Soul (in mineral, vegetable and animal kingdoms) is semi-conscious of the universe.

C = Conscious: Here the Soul (in ordinary human beings) is completely conscious of the gross world, but equally completely unconscious of the subtle and mental worlds and of the Self.

D = Sub-superconscious: Here the Soul (in human beings on the spiritual path = Adhyatma Marg = Tariqat) is conscious not only of the gross world but also of the subtle and mental worlds, though still it is unconscious of the Self.

E = Superconscious: Here the Soul (in "I am God" state) is fully conscious of the Self, but totally unconscious of the universe = gross, subtle and mental worlds. This only is the real state, the goal of all yogas, the aim of all religions. This is what is called "Nirvana” or "Nirvikalpa” or Nirvikalpa Samadhi,” or ''Vasl-e-Elahi,” i.e., infinite, divine consciousness, wherein man realizes or becomes God and entirely free from the bindings of Maya (the phenomenon that presents illusion as real), and experiences everlasting, absolute Existence, Infinite knowledge and Ineffable Divine Bliss.

F = Superconscious plus creation-conscious: Here the Soul, besides retaining God-consciousness (same as in E), regains the consciousness of the universe (gross, subtle and mental), without the former undergoing the least change. In other words, the man who, after becoming one with God, gets back his gross, subtle and mental consciousness (as very, very few do), is conscious of his divine Self and also of the universe, but in its true aspect, that is, nothingness. He is both God and man. He knows by actual, continual realization, that he and he alone exists everywhere as the Self of all and that the universe is nothing but a mirage and phenomenal outcome of delusion.

Q. How can we recognize the true Master?

A. A mirage attracts the thirsty but soon it is discovered to be an illusion and not the life-giving water. A false "Master" may attract the attention of the people through outward appearances, by force of personality or by intellectual dissertations about spirituality; but he cannot do that which the true Master can do, i.e., arouse the highest ideals in men and touch the hearts of millions.