Various kinds of lights manifest during meditation due to deep concentration. Initially, a bright, white light, the size of a pin’s point, will appear in the forehead at the space between the two eyebrows, which corresponds tentatively to the Ajna Chakra. When the eyes are closed, you will notice different colored lights such as white, yellow, red, smoky, blue, green, mixed lights, flashes like lightning, fire, moon, sun, stars, and sparks. These are Tanmatric lights, with each Tanmatra having its specific color.
Commonly Seen Lights
- Yellow and white lights are very common.
- In the beginning, small balls of white or red light float before the mind’s eye.
When you first observe these lights, be assured that your mind is becoming steadier and you are progressing in concentration. After some months, the size of the light will increase, and you will see a full blaze of white light, larger than the sun.
Initially, these lights are not steady. They come and disappear immediately. With steady and systematic practice of meditation for 2 or 3 hours, these lights appear more frequently and remain steady for longer periods.
Significance of Light Visions
- The vision of lights is a great encouragement in Sadhana (spiritual practice).
- It impels you to stick to Sadhana steadily.
- It gives you strong faith in superphysical matter.
The appearance of lights denotes that you are transcending physical consciousness. You are in a semiconscious state when the light appears, being between two places. You must not shake the body when these lights manifest. Remain perfectly steady in your Asana (meditative posture) and breathe slowly.
Visions During Meditation
- At times, you will see lustrous forms of Devatas or other physical forms, including your Ishta Devata or Guru.
- Siddhas, Rishis, and others may give their Darshan (appearance) to encourage you.
- You can see beautiful gardens, palatial buildings, rivers, mountains, golden temples, and picturesque sceneries.
Peculiar Sensations
During intense concentration, many are able to feel certain peculiar sensations, such as an electric current passing from the Muladhara-Chakra. Initially, this may cause fear, leading one to disturb the body and return to physical consciousness. There is no need for fear. Stay steady and wait for further experiences.
Varied Experiences
The experiences vary among individuals. One man’s experience may differ from another’s. Some erroneously believe they have realized the Self when they get these experiences, stopping their Sadhana and trying to preach. This is a serious blunder. These are simple encouragements from your Ishta Devata, convincing you of a higher spiritual life and pushing you to practice with zeal and enthusiasm.
Understanding the True Goal
- Ignore these visions. Drive them away as you did with worldly objects.
- Maintain your focus on the ultimate goal.
Visions may appear within days for some, while others may experience them within six or nine months, depending on the state of the mind and the degree of concentration. Some people may not have such experiences, yet they will still be progressing spiritually.
Powerful, Dazzling Lights
Sometimes, very powerful, dazzling lights, bigger than the sun, appear. Initially, they come and disappear quickly. Later, they become steady for up to 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the degree of concentration. These lights can appear before the eyes or at any one of the Chakras. They are so powerful that you might need to withdraw from looking and break your meditation.
The Astral Plane
During the course of practice, you may feel that you have separated from your body, experiencing immense joy mixed with fear. This new consciousness in a foreign, unknown plane generates novel feelings and sensations. You may feel that you are floating in the air. The new joy is inexpressible, and upon returning to body-consciousness, there is an intense craving to regain the new state.
By continuous practice, you will be able to leave the body at will and stay in the astral plane for extended periods. You can travel to any place with your astral body, performing thought-reading, thought-transference, psychic healing, and distant healing.
Encounters with Elementals
During meditation, elementals may appear, displaying strange figures with long teeth, big faces, multiple heads, or faces on the belly. They are inhabitants of Bhuvar Loka and attendants of Lord Siva, appearing to test your strength and courage. They do not cause harm. Repetition of Om or your Guru Mantra will drive them away.
Conclusion
Life in the Astral Plane offers an array of mystical experiences. Remain steadfast, develop courage, and continue your spiritual journey with unwavering focus and determination.