Unexpected Occurrences in Meditation: A Journey to the Self
As a practitioner of various meditation systems, I have experienced a myriad of unexpected occurrences while meditating. These experiences go beyond what one might expect and can provide profound insights into one's journey towards self-discovery.
The Significance of Unusual Meditative Experiences
Depending on the meditation system one follows, the experiences can be quite diverse. For instance, in the Kalachakra system, there are a list of experiences known as the day and night signs, while the Dzogchen has its own set of four visions. In non-path meditation, experiences do not hold significant meaning, but in those with a clear path, they can indicate where one is in their progress.
A notable system, like Transcendental Meditation (TM), speaks of achieving levitation upon enlightenment, which, as of now, signifies that no one has reached that level. However, the emphasis on such experiences should be on disregarding them. They are merely distractions that can take one away from the true purpose of meditation, which is to transcend thought.
The Greatest and Most Unexpected Revelation: Union with the Self
Among the many and varied experiences, the greatest revelation for me has been a profound sense of unity with the essence of my being, referred to as the Self. This first-time experience, marked by an unprecedented sense of peace, became a regular occurrence after some practice. Now, this state feels like my natural state.
Through deeper meditative practices, there is a clear distinction between the true Self and what is illusion (Maya). There are times when I slip into the illusions created around me, and a strange feeling sets in. This is a mixed experience, affirming two parts of the mind: one that can get entangled in life's illusions and another that can wake up from it.
Practical Experiences and Their Impact
The path of meditation is personal and unique to each individual. Experiences vary, and while some may have astonishing outcomes, these come from consistently practicing meditation in the right way, requiring significant concentration and dedication.
Following a 10-day silent retreat, a few of us went for our first walk in the countryside outside the meditation center. A field meditation session made me feel like a part of the field, with every blade of grass swaying in the wind as one.
The end of the retreat felt like a huge release of tension, making everything seem simple, uncomplicated, and full of joy. Our return journey spanned 3 days, and we stopped often to enjoy the seemingly wonderful areas we passed through, meeting strangers we felt inclined to spend time with.
After returning home, a strange state of affairs manifested in my meditation. Everything I could sense became me: the birds chirping in the garden, trucks rolling down the road, the breeze in the trees, and the creaking of the house. This state lasted for about 3 weeks, then suddenly stopped after I foolishly smoked a cigarette someone offered me.
These experiences might seem unexplainable, but they can be understood in two ways. Firstly, it could be a huge manifestation of compassion due to a drop in ego barriers. Secondly, it can be explained by the fact that everything we sense is in fact us. We often perceive external stimuli as being “over there,” whereas in fact, what we sense is happening “in here,” such as the functioning of our eardrums and the firing of our synapses.
Conclusion
Unexpected meditative experiences can be both enlightening and confusing. They highlight the journey towards the discovery of the Self and the potential to wake up from the illusions of life. As you embark on your meditation journey, remember that the true purpose is to transcend thought and bask in the pure essence of being.