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Mandukya Upanishad

Brahman is all and Atman is Brahman.  The Atman is the eternal Word OM.  Its three sounds, A, U and M are the first three states of consciousness and these three states are the three sounds. 

Atman, the Self, has four conditions.

The first sound A is the first condition of waking consciousness…is the waking life of outward-moving consciousness, enjoying the seven outer gross elements… Who knows this attains in truth all his desires and in all things becomes first

The second sound U is the second state of dreaming consciousness.  Its condition is the dreaming life of inner moving consciousness, enjoying the seven subtle inner elements in its own light and solitude.  Who knows this raises the tradition of knowledge and attains equilibrium.

The third sound M is the third state of sleeping consciousness.  Its condition is the sleeping life of silent consciousness when a person has no desires and beholds no dreams.  That condition of deep sleep is one of oneness, a mass of silent consciousness made of peace and enjoying peace.  This silent consciousness is all powerful, all knowing, the inner ruler, the source of all, the beginning and the end of all beings

The word OM as one sound is the fourth state of supreme consciousness.  The fourth condition is Atman in his own pure state; the awakened life of supreme consciousness.  It is neither outer nor inner consciousness; neither semi-conscious, nor sleeping consciousness; neither consciousness nor unconsciousness.  He is Atman, the Spirit himself, that cannot be seen or touched, that is above all distinction, beyond thought and ineffable.  In the union with him is the supreme proof of his reality.  He is the end of evolution and non duality.  He is peace and love.

He goes with his self to the Supreme Self who knows this.