me and notme

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

There are various things we classify as 'me, mine' and others as 'not-me, not-mine'. This classification in the mind is the cause of the feeling of separation and subsequent suffering. Today, I understood one of the classifications.
All of us know three states of consciousness. Jagrat (waking), Svapna(dreaming), and Sushupti(deep sleep). We think that waking state is the only reality, waking is only me. Other states of consciousness are something to be shrugged off as 'not-me, or not-mine or not to be taken seriously, or they are just there'.
Considering that there are 24 hours in a day and probably we divide equally for three states, we may get 8 hours for waking state. This classification of only one state of mind as 'me', we are only living one-third of our life. How much of this 8 hours we are really 'me' and aware is debatable again.
There is a fourth state called Turiya which is experienced in meditation.
There is a consciousness that is witness to these states. That witness is called Sakshi or Turiyaatita. From the point of view of Sakshi, all these states come and go.
The problem of bondage is for the person in waking state. So, the solution should be found for this waking 'me' in waking state only. The 'me' of dream and deep sleep state will take care of himself/herself.
One way to deal with this waking state is to feel that 'I am not this waking state either, whatever I am percieving here is temporary reality, I am witnessing this phenomenon'. This witness-consciousness takes care of the difficulty in waking state. Dont bother about dreaming and deep sleep, while you are in waking state, because it is not you , the 'me' in waking state. the practice of witness-consciousness in waking state will affect the dream and deep sleep state as well and alter the awareness there.

Hari Om

Prabhuji's comment : Very good