Avasthā-Traya
अवस्थात्रयनपुंसकलिङ्ग (neuter) · अवस्था (avasthā — state, condition) + त्रय (traya — triad)
avasthā-traya
Fundamental Concepts
The three states of experience — waking, dreaming, and deep sleep
The analysis of the three states (waking/jāgrat, dreaming/svapna, deep sleep/suṣupti) is a central method in Vedānta for revealing the ātman. In waking, I identify with the body; in dreaming, with the projecting mind; in deep sleep, both disappear — yet 'I' continue to exist. The ātman is the consciousness that persists through all three states without being affected by any of them. The Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad and Gauḍapāda's kārikā are the principal texts for this analysis.
Using this in academic work? Get formal citation
Vishva Vidya (2026). Avasthā-Traya (अवस्थात्रय). Vishva Vidya — Vedanta. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/avastha-traya
Vishva Vidya. "Avasthā-Traya (अवस्थात्रय)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026, https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/avastha-traya.
Vishva Vidya. "Avasthā-Traya (अवस्थात्रय)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/avastha-traya.
Related terms
Want to study Vedānta in depth?
Learn about our study programs →