Meditation, some answers

[BigJohn]

Interesting observations.

I like your straight forward presentation.

As for me, I like rocking from side to side. This gives me depth perception. When I meditate, I usually do it with my eyes opened. By rocking, I get depth perception. I have noticed 'spiritual entities' coming and going to others in the room. Sometimes I have seen transformations come over the faces of some of the others that are meditating. Afterwards, some of the others have describes the 'spirits' that had 'visited' them. In many cases, it correspond to what I saw.

Originally Posted by BigJohn

When I meditate, I usually do it with my eyes opened.

that's true for me the past few years.

[Gem]

I just remain motionless with eyes closed, but that's because I'm going for subtle feelings and moving about produces strong feelings. Eyes closed seems to work better for that approach as well. Also I find rocking can come from adverse reactions to discomforts as sitting still becomes uncomfortable. Not saying one better and one worse, just stating my own rationale for my own approach.

Originally Posted by zinnat

There is one more reason of these distractions caused by spiritual entities. That reason is related to human's spiritual (not soul's) elevation. When we start meditating and elevate spiritually, we cross or navigate though spiritual planes one after one. When we enter to any spiritual plane/Chakra, in order to cross it, we have to defeat its administrator. There will be a fight for it. As much we want to cross it, that much the administrator of that particular realm would want us not to cross it. That is their job. So, he/she would do whatever in his/her power to stop us. That also gives spiritual entities a reason to distract us during meditation. I am not sure why the system works like that but it is what it is. Humans can cross any spiritual realm only when they become at par with the administrator of that particular realm. But, if one crosses a spiritual plane, the powers of that realm will help his /her in crossing next plane. Thus, one's spiritual powers tend to increase as one elevates spiritually.

Nicely said Zinnat,

Instead of saying that the administrator of a plane tries to stop us from going to the next plane. Could we not say rather that is is our attachment to this administrator or plane that stop us from merging into the next one?

Regards,

Jacob wrestling with Samael by Gustave Doré (1855):

[HITESH SHAH]

Originally Posted by zinnat

I missed one query about meditation regarding moving back and forth unknowingly. Again, like most of other symptoms, it is also harmless. That happens because of increasing concentration as body tries to come into in sync with mind.

Hi Sanjay ,

Great thread , great effort and great content directly based on experience .Though I read this thread last couple of days , it took me good deal of time to read it.IT definitely gives reader insight into the overall process and hurdles involved there in .

Re - Free will in Hinduism believes that it is there but relative/contextual and thereby limited. Nobody has absolute/unlimited free will. So your observation on free will in micro and macro appears relevant in most cases .

Re determinism in Hinduism - it is said that u get everything with grace of God. But that is overstated and misinterpreted version of texts .The authentic way to say is you can get anything with hardwork/sincerity and divine grace. Chapter 18 verse 14 following verse may be relevant where Krishna considers divine grace is the 5th (and not the 1st ) cause of anything .

अधिष्ठानं तथा कर्ता करणं च पृथग्विधम् |
विविधाश्च पृथक्चेष्टा दैवं चैवात्र पञ्चमम् || 14||

The body, the doer (I-maker ego), the various senses, the many kinds of efforts, and Divine Providence—these are the five factors of action.

Further Patanjali is the father of Yoga . Yoga though now more famous as exercise routine is also an excellent source of meditation practices . If u can elaborate on it with its underlying terminology (along with ur excellent day to day examples of object , computer etc) it can be great. Yoga comes from Sanskrit verb 'Yuj' which means to sum up to connect . This is what even meditation does in our life also. It can connect us well with family/friends /community / world and finally to God very well and can addup seemingly conflicting things harmoniously in our lives.

Following are some internet resources on Patanjali meditation sutras .

Yog sutras of patanjali

MEDITATION: HOW TO MEDITATE AS PER THE YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI

On 'administrator of spiritual realm stopping' us , I think Legrand's comments appear more relevant .

Once again Thanks very much on this wonderful thread.

[Still_Waters]

Originally Posted by Legrand

Hello Miss Hepburn and Still Waters,
It is what I like to call the Goddess, Her Flesh to be more precise.

I do value both the "Goddess" female energy as well as the male energy.

[Miss Hepburn]

My take on being bothered by 'spirits', (never would or has happened to me),
is: Begin with a wonderful, sincere, pure intention.
Ask the Powers That Be (of your choice) for their protection. Voilà.
47 years no problems! Smooth sailing.
Sorry, just my additional input.

[Unseeking Seeker]

@ Miss H ... likewise

Respecting each persons experience as valid, possibly, if we do not lose sight of the actual purpose of our exploration, being suffused in the sublime, luminous, loving essence of Gods light ... then, if such be the focus, in an aspect of non-doership, in trust & surrender, be it the kundalini energy or void or manifestation, we face no obstruction, simply because there is no separate self seeking, only unfettered presence yearning for connecting with source, which it already is, albeit momentarily veiled by maya.

This recognition, on a moment to moment basis, positions us in agendaless vibrancy, with heightened thought rested attention, unexpectantly poised in the life pulse of no-thingness.

Once we are graced by Gods presence, anything lesser is inadequate. Yet, we may cheerfully honour, with gratitude, all intermediate steps as optimised for our soul, if so automatically enabled.

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by AbodhiSky

that's true for me the past few years.

I use the 'depth' of meditation as a gauge as to where I am at in the meditation. For example, if I 'see' something with my eyes closed and if I open my eyes and it is 'not' there, I am at one level. But if I open my eyes, and 'it' is still there, I am at another level.

By rocking from side to side, I get depth perception. In some cases, it looks like what I am seeing, 'resides' inside my own aura.

also, by unconsciously rocking from side to side, the chances of falling asleep are dramatically reduced to...... probably zero. This action mimics that of a walking meditation which is something I enjoy.

By opening my eyes, I also get to 'see' my own aura which I find interesting.


For me, there is so much more to learn and experience.

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by Unseeking Seeker

...Once we are graced by God's presence, anything lesser is inadequate.

Yeah..."Thank you, God...for ruining me for anything else."
As if I would settle for a $10 bottle of wine after giving me my first $80 bottle.
''Thanks a lot, Lord.'' Kidding. (Or am I?)