Attaining pure consciousness untainted by material afflictions is the ultimate goal of yoga. It is pursued by stilling mental modifications arising from the false identification of consciousness (self) with non-self. Yoga’s eight limbs aim to free the mind from the sway of materiality, transcending misidentification of self with body. In contrast, perceiving the biological body as inherently limited, transhumanism seeks to enhance the human condition through the extensive use of technological breakthroughs, sometimes extending to proposals of mind-uploading and non-biological embodiment. Despite their divergent approaches, both traditions prioritize consciousness and self-transcendence, making a comparative study significant for reimagining consciousness, identity, and selfhood. Adopting a comparative philosophical approach based on classical texts and contemporary research, this study examines the conceptual mapping of self-transcendence in both traditions. It argues that while both systems seek to transcend biological limitations, their views of selfhood, consciousness, and embodiment diverge at the level of metaphysical commitments. This study underlines the need for a critical cross-disciplinary approach in contemporary consciousness studies, where technology-based human enhancement programmes intersect significantly with the traditional self-realization pursuit.
Ramala Sarma (Mon,) studied this question.