Concentration & Meditation by Swami Sivananda - part 3

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EXPERIENCES IN MEDITATION

 

Beginners sometimes experience jerks of the head, feet, hands, arms

and trunk during meditation. They become unnecessarily alarmed.

Meditation causes changes in the cells of the brain and nerves. Old

cells are replaced by new ones, which are filled with purity. New

channels for sattwic thought-currents are formed in the mind and

brain. This often agitates the nerves and muscles.

 

Aspirants are eager to get spiritual experiences. As soon as they

get them, they are afraid. They are alarmed when they go above body-

consciousness. They wonder whether they will come back again or not.

Why should they be afraid? All of our attempts are mainly directed

toward getting over body-consciousness. We are used to certain

limitations. When these limitations suddenly drop away, we feel that

there is no definite base left to stand upon. That is the reason why

we are afraid when we go above the body-consciousness. Courage is

needed. Bravery is an indispensable requisite. Cultivate this

positive quality.

 

There are various spiritual experiences that people can get in

meditation. There is not a common experience for all. It depends

upon the temperament, mode of sadhana, place of concentration and

various other factors. Some hear melodious sounds in the ears. Some

see lights. Some get ananda or spiritual bliss. Some experience that

they are rising from their seats. Some experience that they fly in

the air.

 

If you get experiences or glimpses of the Self during intense

meditation, if you see blazing light, and if you get spiritual

visions of angels, rishis, and gods, and any other extraordinary

experiences, do not fall back in terror. Some of the visions that

you see are your own materialized thoughts, while others are real,

objective visions. Do not give up your practice. Plod on. Persevere

diligently. Break veil after veil.

 

If your general health is sound, if you are cheerful, happy and

strong, if the mind is peaceful and unruffled. If you get bliss in

meditation and if your will is growing strong, pure and

irresistible, think that you are improving in meditation, and

everything is going all right.