Evolution of consciousness as it relates to Yogic physiology

So, what is consciousness?  
 
The word comes from the Latin CON = that, SCIO = with which we know or awareness of oneself and our surroundings.  

We can put it in a nutshell and say simply this means that all of the manifested universe, both physical and non-physical, visible and non-visible, are aspects of consciousness.  
 
In Yoga, consciouness, the spirit principle, is called Purusha  

• all existence derives from an un-manifest universal Consciousness – Purusha  

Consciousness is all that we see, hear, touch, taste, smell, feel and think about  
 
Consciousness is the totality of the all as we know it. HOWEVER, all that we know is NOT the totality of consciousness.  
 
Consciousness in its initial state has no physical characteristics 

• comprises both feminine and masculine concepts  
  •  Siva  
  •  Sakti 

Evolution of consciousness   
 
Throughout our lives there appears to be a systematic unfolding/progression of consciousness in the manifest world. In Yoga this is called: Prakriti.   To evolve and create consciousness, purusha, must always work in cooperation and union with Prakriti - underlying essence and force of Nature  

We are moving inner capacities and capabilities into expression 

• transformed into various objects and forms.
• embodies the prime attributes of existence and interplay of the gunas