THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 34. DEEP MEDITATIVE ABSORPTION: The Unity with Cosmic Consciousness - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book. 

Characteristics of Deep Meditative Absorption
Deep Meditative Absorption occurs when the mind becomes fully engrossed in a single object of meditation, dissolving the distinctions between the meditator, the act of meditation, and the object meditated upon. This state represents the ultimate union, where individuality vanishes, and only the essence of existence remains. The meditator transcends personal identity, becoming an instrument of the Divine. Speech flows effortlessly, guided by intuition, and actions resonate with the power of the Infinite. In this profound state, physical and mental consciousness cease to exist; only spiritual awareness prevails. This is one’s essential nature, a state of pure being. Just as the reflection of the sun disappears when the water in a pool evaporates, the mind’s dissolution into Brahman, the Supreme Cosmic Spirit, leads to the vanishing of individual consciousness. What remains is Existence, the unchanging reality. The transcendental state of pure consciousness is a realm beyond mental activity. Known as the “fourth dimension,” it is characterized by infinite bliss and liberation. Unlike dreamless sleep, which is often unconscious or near-death-like, this state involves perfect awareness and complete rest. Few achieve this state without rigorous training, but those who do experience unparalleled peace and refreshment. Contrary to misconceptions, Deep Meditative Absorption is not an inert or annihilative state. It represents the highest form of life—a state of spiritual enrichment, cosmic expansion, and supra-cosmic awareness.
Different Kinds of Deep Meditative Absorption

1. Raja Yoga: Attained by restraining thought waves and mental modifications.
2. Devotion Yoga: Achieved through intense love and surrender to the Divine.
3. Knowledge Yoga: Realized by discerning the illusory nature of reality and focusing on absolute Existence, Consciousness, and Bliss.

For the Raja Yogi, Deep Meditative Absorption requires annihilating thought waves. Conversely, the Knowledge Yogi recognizes Brahman in all objects and does not seek abstraction. The Devotion Yogi sees God in everything and transforms mental attitudes to perceive bliss in all aspects of life. Interestingly, external stimuli can sometimes bring Yogis out of absorption. For example, Chudalai brought her husband Sikhidhvaja back to normal consciousness by shaking his body, while Lord Hari used the sound of His conch to awaken Prahlada.
Deep Meditative Absorption Through Hatha Yoga
A Hatha Yogi attains Deep Meditative Absorption by channeling vital energy (Prana) to the Crown Chakra. This process is achieved through specific techniques such as:

• Khechari Mudra (tongue-lock)
• Throat Lock (Jalandhara Bandha)
• Root Lock (Moola Bandha)
• Abdominal Lift (Uddiyana Bandha)

These techniques drive the Prana energy into the central spinal channel (Sushumna Nadi), enabling the ascent of Kundalini energy. During this journey, the three knots—Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra—must be overcome through intense effort and practices like Bhastrika Pranayama. As Kundalini energy ascends, the mind withdraws from external consciousness, and the Yogi experiences visions and movements in ethereal realms.
Deep Meditative Absorption Through Raja Yoga
For a Raja Yogi, meditation evolves into absorption through a systematic process:

• Ten seconds of steady focus constitute Concentration.
• Ten such concentrations form Meditation.
• Ten meditations culminate in Deep Meditative Absorption.

In this state, the mind becomes one with the Atman (Self) or God, akin to a salt doll dissolving in the ocean. Trained Yogis transition seamlessly into Deep Meditative Absorption, while beginners require gradual progression through abstraction, concentration, and meditation.
Yogic vs. Vedantic Deep Meditative Absorption

• Yogic Absorption: Retains the object of meditation and focuses on the mind.
• Vedantic Absorption: Transcends all distinctions, leaving only pure existence.

Formful and Formless Meditative Absorption

1. Formful Absorption: Involves thoughts and distinctions, symbolized by the movement of a bullock cart.
2. Formless Absorption: Represents pure awareness and cessation of mental activity, like a cart at rest.
3. Effortless Being: The liberated state, where individuality merges with the Infinite.

Formless meditation is the gateway to complete freedom. While formful meditation brings bliss (Rasasvada), it is an obstacle to higher spiritual progress. True liberation lies in transcending all forms and achieving the Absolute state.
Advantages of Devotion Yoga
Devotion Yoga is more accessible to most people compared to Hatha or Raja Yoga. By focusing on divine names, songs, and worship, practitioners purify the mind and cultivate dispassion. Devotion ripens into knowledge, leading effortlessly to Brahman-realization. Historical examples include:

• Dhruva’s vision of Lord Hari through mantra repetition.
• Prahlada’s realization of Mahavishnu.
• Valmiki’s transformation through chanting "Mara-Mara."

Contemplation, Filling, and Identification
Meditation involves three sequential processes:

1. Contemplation: Focusing on the Atman (Self).
2. Filling: Immersing the mind in the Self.
3. Identification: Becoming one with Brahman.

Through deep reflection, worldly consciousness fades, and pure thought arises. Philosophical study combined with mental purity can lead to a meditative absorption characterized by causal body consciousness, as seen in saints like Tukaram and Tulasidas.
Attaining Absorption Through Vedantic Literature
To achieve Deep Meditative Absorption, purify the mind through:

• Mantra repetition
• Pranayama
• Association with the wise
• Selfless service

Ego-dissolution is key. Vedantic methods include:

• Negative Method: Rejecting the body and mind, affirming Brahman as the only reality.
• Positive Method: Seeing everything as Brahman.

Intelligent Moderation in Practice
Balance is essential for successful meditation. Swami Sivananda emphasizes avoiding extremes and maintaining steady progress. Just as a bee carefully approaches a flower to extract its nectar, a seeker must practice with wisdom and perseverance. When communion with Brahman is achieved, doubts vanish, karmic bonds dissolve, and the seeker attains liberation, free from the cycles of birth and death. By following these principles, practitioners can unlock the mysteries of the mind and experience the bliss of Deep Meditative Absorption, the ultimate goal of all spiritual endeavors.  

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