Consciousness and application of respective hatha yoga practice, to each layer of consciousness – mandukya upanishad.
The first is the Jagratha (Walking stage, Consciousness) which is known as the Vaisvanara, in this state the individual gains experience from the external world. Vaisvanara is important for the practice of asana and pranayama as it requires the conscious experience of the external and the internal body. The second is the Swapna (Deep sleep, Subconsciousness), in this the Atma has retrieved itself into dreams away from the external world. It is withdrawal of the atman, this can toe practiced through Yoga Nidra, and Ajapa japa. The third is the Susupti (Deep Sleep, Unconsciousness), here at the desires are gone. To reach the state of Prajna, the individual should be at be to practice Dhyana or meditation, withdrawing all desires and fluctuations of mind. This will eventually lead to the knowledge of Paper consciousness and attaining it.