How do you know if you are experiencing a higher state of consciousness or you have a mental illness such as Bipolar 2? I have had what I thought were higher states of consciousness such as feeling the presence of God but now that I have been diagnosed with a mental illness (Bipolar II) I do not know what to believe, what is real and what is not.
Answer:
Higher states of consciousness are generally understood in the Eastern wisdom traditions to be a permanent state of self-realization that actualizes one’s potentiality, creativity, intelligence and compassion. It is not a temporary glimpse or episode of insight, ecstasy or inspiration.
So while it is possible that you have had a real spiritual experience even though you have a bipolar diagnosis, that is a different thing than a higher state of consciousness. The state of enlightenment is a stable, balanced, integrated and functional state of living. It is living your life with limitations and illusions removed, so it is quite distinct from bipolar disorder.
Love,
Deepak
