
Unconsciousness is the antonym of consciousness, not of thinking. The antonym of ‘thinking’ has to entail ‘not thinking’ in it’s meaning (the answer or term). What is it where thinking is absent but not so consciousness? The answer is, silent contemplation (or a state of wordless absorption). Samadhi – a thoughtless experience not devoid of consciousness – would also do as an answer. What will not be acceptable to a majority of readers is that even in deep sleep consciousness is present (objectless consciousness) – Advaitins do, and I am with them.