(Sanskrit, "awake") A state of consciousness that is active and alert. The third of the four states of consciousness discussed in the Hindu scripture the Mandukya Upanishad.
This term is generally misunderstood to refer to the state of consciousness we experience anytime the physical body is active, but that is incorrect. Jagrata is a state of awakened consciousness, free of dreaming, whether the body is at rest or active. Most people rarely experience this state, since they have not learned how consciously pay attention from moment to moment, thus their consciousness is asleep.
"Arise! Awake [Jagrata]! Approach the great and learn. Like the sharp edge of a
razor is that path--so the wise say--hard to tread and difficult to cross." - Hinduism. Katha Upanishad 1.3.14
Jagrata is also used to describe all-night rituals of worship.
