Sri Aurobindo on Levels of Consciousness

Sri Aurobindo says that two systems are simultaneously active in the organization of the being and its parts: a concentric system and a vertical system. The concentric system is like a series of rings or sheaths. The outer most circle is comprised of awareness of physical body, awareness of vital (pranic) body or sheath and awareness of mental sheath. They are interconnected.

The inner circle is composed of inner mind which is in touch with the universal mind or Supreme Energy. The innermost core is called Psychic being which is a spark of the Divine (Supreme Energy) present in all of us and in every thing. It is also called Atman.

The vertical system is like a staircase consisting of various levels, planes of consciousness ranging from the lowest - the inconscient to the highest - Sat Chit Anand. In simple words, from unicellular being, humans have climbed innumerable rungs of the ladder of evolution.

We have an evolved body and mind. But our evolution is not complete. Our consciousness has to climb several rungs to reach still higher levels and the highest level of consciousness which is endowed with amazing experience of goodness, freedom and knowledge.