THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES & CONTROL - 33. EXPERIENCES & OBSTACLES IN MEDITATION - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control -- HQ Full Book.

What Happens During Meditation
In meditation, the mind undergoes profound transformation, forming new grooves in the brain that direct it towards spiritual realms. As the mind becomes steady, the physical body also reflects this stability: the eyeballs remain motionless, and the breath slows considerably. A Yogi with a calm mind exhibits a steady gaze, and their eyes shine with purity, often appearing lustrous, red, or white. In deep meditation, the breath ceases to flow noticeably from the nostrils, with only subtle movements in the lungs and abdomen. This reduction in breath corresponds to the degree of mental concentration, gradually diminishing from its usual rhythm to a state of near stillness. Meditation enables the grasp of the abstract, which arises through spiritual purification and sustained contemplation of the Brahman, the Supreme Cosmic Spirit. Initially, abstract forms or images may manifest in the purified mind. These forms later dissolve into deeper states of meditation, leaving only pure consciousness or existence. As one advances, even the thought “I am Brahman” fades, culminating in absolute absorption and a natural steadiness in non-duality. Just as salt dissolves in water, the purified mind merges silently into the Brahman, embodying peace and divine blessings. 

Experiences in Meditation
Meditative experiences differ widely among individuals, shaped by temperament, spiritual practice, and focus. Some may hear melodious sounds or perceive lights, while others experience profound spiritual bliss or a combination of illumination and joy. Certain aspirants feel sensations of rising or flying during meditation. 

Lights
The Divine Light manifests uniquely for each seeker. It may appear as a ray penetrating narrow slits, akin to sunlight streaming into a dark room. This sudden illumination overwhelms the senses, evoking awe and ecstasy. The brightness may dazzle and bewilder, similar to Arjuna’s vision of Lord Krishna’s universal form in the Bhagavad Gita. The colors of these lights can vary depending on the prevailing elemental essence:

• Fire Element: Red lights
• Ether Element: Blue lights
• Water Element: White lights
• Earth Element: Yellow lights
• Wind Element: Black lights

Through focused thought, one can influence these essences. By consciously shifting mental focus, the aspirant can transform the flow of one element into another.

Rapture
Meditative ecstasy manifests in five forms:

1. Lesser Thrill: Produces goosebumps.
2. Momentary Rapture: Resembles fleeting lightning flashes.
3. Flooding Rapture: Descends rapidly like waves.
4. Transporting Rapture: Lifts the body, evoking sensations of levitation.
5. All-Pervading Rapture: Fully saturates the body, creating an experience of boundless expansion.

Crossing the Body-Consciousness
Many aspirants face fear upon transcending body-consciousness. This apprehension arises from the sudden loss of familiar physical limitations, leaving one feeling ungrounded. However, courage is essential in overcoming these fears. Ancient scriptures affirm that the Atman (Self) cannot be realized by the timid. Fearless perseverance allows the aspirant to navigate novel experiences and challenges. Historical examples like the transformation of dacoit Ratnakara into Sage Valmiki illustrate the power of divine love and courage in spiritual evolution. 

Visions of Spirits
During meditation, encounters with spirits or visions can occur. Some spirits may appear menacing, but they are harmless to the sincere seeker. With a firm command, such entities can be dismissed. Courage and reliance on the inner Atman are crucial in these situations. Beneficial spirits may also appear, aiding the aspirant’s progress. However, it is important to distinguish between subjective materialized thoughts and objective visions. 

Breaking Veil After Veil
Spiritual practice often reveals layers of illusion and hidden barriers. Experiences such as glimpses of the Self, dazzling lights, or visions of divine beings are milestones, not final goals. Aspirants must persevere, seeking guidance from realized souls to correct errors and continue progressing. Signs of genuine progress include mental calmness, physical vitality, spiritual bliss, and growing willpower. By breaking through successive veils of delusion, one eventually attains the transcendental state of pure consciousness. 

Obstacles to Meditation
Obstacles to meditation primarily arise from within. These include:

• Sleepiness: The mind, when withdrawn from external objects, may drift into sleep.
• Passions and Desires: Hidden cravings disrupt focus.
• Wandering Thoughts: Mental restlessness prevents one-pointed concentration.
• Building Castles in the Air: Daydreaming and fanciful imagination waste mental energy.

These distractions stem from unresolved impressions in the subconscious. Overcoming them requires vigilance, self-inquiry, and steady practice.

Specific Obstacles and Remedies

1. Sleep and Drowsiness:
   • Stand up, wash your face with cold water, or practice breath control (pranayama).
   • Engage in physical postures such as headstand or shoulder stand to invigorate the mind.
2. Restlessness:
   • Avoid stimulants like excessive salt or sweets.
   • Maintain a light, pure diet and simplify daily activities.
3. Hidden Desires:
   • Practice constant self-inquiry to eradicate subtle attachments.
4. Dreams in Meditation:
   • These indicate lingering mental impressions. Purity and intense concentration reduce their occurrence.
5. Depression:
   • Combat this with cheerful thoughts, brisk walks, singing, and prayer.

Meditation and Work
A balanced life integrates both meditation and action. Exclusive focus on either disrupts harmony. The aspirant must learn to merge spiritual awareness with worldly duties, ensuring equanimity in all endeavors. 

The State of Quietness
A neutral state of quietness in the waking mind, free from attraction or repulsion, may mimic meditative stillness but is an obstacle. True meditation transcends this transient calm, reaching deeper into the essence of pure consciousness. 

Meditation Beyond Active Thought
Even the happiness derived from active meditative thought can be a hindrance, as it fosters false contentment. The goal is to dissolve all distinctions, entering a state of absolute thoughtlessness and unity with the Brahman. 

Conclusion
Meditation is a journey of consistent effort, overcoming inner obstacles and dissolving illusions. Through vigilance, self-discipline, and unwavering focus on the Brahman, the aspirant progresses towards the ultimate realization of the non-dual, blissful state of pure consciousness. By aligning meditation with a life of balanced action, one attains spiritual liberation while remaining grounded in worldly existence.  

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