This chapter breaks down the soul into four layers. 

Illusion — Maya

Personal/ Individual Soul—Jivatman 

Universal/Supreme Soul—Paramatma 

No Soul / The Supreme Existence or Absolute Reality— Brahman

These four layers describe the soul and the changes that occur in our consciousness as we begin to evolve and know ourselves better. The meaning and depth of the soul doesn’t change; we do. Knowing these aspects of the soul dispels the illusion of the ego and the grip it has on us.

During the discovery of our soul, we experience many changes. Various states of consciousness appear during different stages of our evolution. I categorized these changes into four layers. Each layer changes how we see the world, each other, and ourselves. They also change our values and ambitions. What is important to us at one level might not be a concern or consideration in the next. Understanding each layer can help us transcend our current state of consciousness, allowing us to reach into ourselves and find greater depth and meaning in life.

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