Indian approaches to consciousness (Hinduism)

In Hinduism, philosophic and experiential analysis of states of consciousness varies according to period from ancient Vedic and Upanishadic, to Tantric and modern syncretistic; and also according to schools of philosophic analysis ranging from materialist to idealist. Religious concepts of consciousness vary according to cults, for example, among those focused exclusively on Shiva, or on Vishnu, or on Krishna or Kali. The main characteristic of Hindu findings concerning consciousness (chitta or citta) is its creative power (maya, lila, sakti) and its scope (avasthas, lokas, Brahma), which give rise to techniques (yogas) ways (dharma) or paths (marga) of life that are world-denying and may be psychologically or socially disruptive.