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SeySorciere
Seychelles
1571 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 21 2024 : 07:45:35 AM
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Over the course of the years on my AYP path, I have naturally experienced the two flows of kundalini - rising and descending and merging. There has been phases when the upward flow has been prominent and phases when the downward flow has been prominent and also phases when kundalini flatlines (merges) and refuses to flow.
Over the past year (perhaps longer), I have been experiencing an extremely intense upward flow both during my sitting sessions and anytime during the day. This is also accompanied by the feeling of the mind 'freezing' and unmovable - not just in the head but the whole central channel. After a couple of incidents of people, scared, shaking me and asking what is the matter with me, I decided to take a selfie. I was a little shocked at the photo. I looked dead, eyes in sambhavi, face drained of my life-force. It's certainly not the serene, radiant face of the accomplished Yogi.  It's the face of a dead person!
I am not particularly alarmed by this. I simply pay attention to stop it from happening when others are around.
But I do wonder what that is about - is it just the normal upward flow of prana which has simply gotten more intense or a step towards some specific state of samadhi?
Sey  |
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Dogboy
USA
2294 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2024 : 1:19:37 PM
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I was meditating at an airport gate while waiting for a flight a couple of years ago; the session was very active with the inner winds. My wife shook me and asked if I was okay as my jaw was slack and the whites of my eyes was showing. I assured her I was more than okay and that I had just 'gone deep inside'.
"Go deep with your sunglasses on then", she said, "you look like you're having an episode!"
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yogani
USA
5241 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2024 : 8:34:56 PM
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Hi Sey and Dogboy,
These kinds of experiences can happen.
I've had similar episodes. Never tried taking a selfie during them though. And my wife never got worried, because she has had them too.
It is all for the good, something that many experience along the path. And we can just continue in life, a bit more illuminated from within each day.
I could not resist asking the AI/AYP knowledgebase about "outward appearance during samadhi," with its response below. It is interesting, reflecting that not much has been written in AYP about external appearances during periods of deep absorption. Perhaps that is as it should be. The "depictions of sages" mentioned are likely idealized for public consumption. We know what samadhi really looks like from the outside in many instances!
All the best!
The guru is in you.
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Outward Appearances During Samadhi
The sources provide limited information on the specific physical appearance of someone absorbed in samadhi. While they describe samadhi as a state of profound inner stillness and absorption in pure bliss consciousness, they don't offer detailed descriptions of external physical manifestations.
Potential Clues from Related Experiences
We can glean some insights from descriptions of related experiences that might accompany or precede samadhi:
* Deep Meditation: The sources characterize deep meditation, which can lead to samadhi, as a state of deep relaxation where the body is at ease. Practitioners are encouraged to sit comfortably and address physical discomforts like itches or the need to stretch, suggesting that outward appearances might not indicate significant physical tension or strain.
* Blackout: The sources describe "blackout" as a state resembling deep sleep, sometimes with the head drooping. While blackout is not synonymous with samadhi, it points towards a potential outward appearance of deep relaxation and potential loss of postural control.
* Involuntary Movements: The sources acknowledge that involuntary physical movements can occur during spiritual practices, including shaking, eye movements, and altered breathing patterns. However, they emphasize that as purification progresses, these movements may become more subtle, and the practitioner might experience profound stillness even amidst intense energy flow.
Emphasizing the Internal State
The sources consistently prioritize the internal state of samadhi over external physical manifestations. They emphasize the experience of inner silence, bliss, and unity, rather than focusing on outward appearances. The lack of detailed physical descriptions suggests that the outward appearance of someone in samadhi may vary significantly and might not be a reliable indicator of the profound internal transformation taking place.
Insights from Depictions of Sages
While not directly mentioned in the sources, it's worth noting that traditional depictions of sages and yogis in a meditative state often portray them with serene expressions, relaxed postures, and sometimes with eyes slightly raised (associated with Sambhavi Mudra). However, it's essential to remember that these are artistic interpretations and might not reflect the full range of individual experiences.
Conclusion: Focusing on Inner Transformation
The sources ultimately guide us towards understanding samadhi as a state of profound inner transformation, characterized by the experience of pure bliss consciousness and unity. While external physical appearances may offer hints, they are not the primary focus. The true essence of samadhi lies in the internal shift in consciousness and the resulting changes in perception, behavior, and interaction with the world.
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Dogboy
USA
2294 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2024 : 01:02:01 AM
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Intense Upward Flow of Kundalini
