Self-realization is not an accumulation of intellectual knowledge. Nor must we conform to a predetermined standard of behavior. Union with the Infinite comes when we simply remember who we really are. Patanjali, the great sage of yoga, defined union with God as smriti—memory. This kind of memory, however, is not experienced in lower states of consciousness. We must first calm the turbulence of the subconscious and conscious minds. Only then can we get in touch with our central reality, the superconsciousness. In this uplifted state the distorting filters of “mind stuff” drop away and we perceive reality through pure intuition.
Swami Kriyananda writes in Awaken to Superconsciousness:
“One often hears references to ‘altered states of consciousness.’ Implied in the expression is a suggestion that higher states of awareness are anomalies.
Actually, there is only one state of consciousness: superconsciousness. The conscious and subconscious minds are our ‘altered states,’ representing as they do the downward filtering of superconsciousness through the brain. Superconsciousness is, forever, the reality. It is our true and native state of being.”
The stages of relaxation and interiorization are necessary preparation for the final stage: expansion of awareness into superconsciousness. In order to experience our true self we must first relax, concentrate, and elevate our energy. Throughout this course, we have used the term “meditation” a little loosely, employing it to characterize the process rather than the actual state of meditation. Most of the time when we say we are meditating, we aren’t; we are struggling to quiet the restless mind sufficiently to be able to meditate. The actual state of meditation begins when we have deep concentration without a single disrupting thought.
The higher stages of meditation are comprised of three increasingly deep steps. In Sanskrit they are called dharana, dhyana, and samadhi, which roughly translate into English as concentration, meditation, and union. Dharana is the state of deep, undisturbed concentration. If, for instance, we see light at the spiritual eye (between the eyebrows) in the stage of dharana, we will have no thought other than the perception of light. If we can hold onto that state of complete concentration, in time we will become absorbed in the light, feeling it to be our true reality. This is the next stage of meditation, dhyana. We would no longer retain the slightest sense of separation needed to be an “observer” of the light. From absorption in the light, we enter the final stage of meditation, samadhi. Here, we realize that we are one with the light, completely losing our egoic sense of “I-ness.” Realizing that the “I” we cling to is only light, we become free of all limitation. In samadhi-bliss we lose all sense of separation and achieve union with the Infinite, the goal of meditation. While it is the quest of lifetimes to achieve samadhi, we can and should feel a sense of expansion every time we sit to meditate.
Expansion, then, is the third and final stage of meditation. It comes automatically once we have successfully completed the preceding two stages, relaxation and interiorization. Expansion is our true nature, a memory of bliss, waiting patiently for us to withdraw our attention from the world. The techniques you have learned so far are the pathway that leads to this expanded state. Relaxation techniques allow you to quiet your body and mind. Hong-Sau allows you to withdraw your prana from the senses and achieve deep concentration. The Energisation Exercises is a technique to give you greater control over the flow of prana in your body. With life-force control and deep, sincere effort, the higher states of meditation finally become possible.
Spend the last third of your meditation period trying to feel an expanded sense of self. When the mind is still you will feel an inherent peace and joy. This feeling, Yogananda said, is the sign that God is with you. Sensitively try to deepen this state. Expand whatever peace or joy you feel until it permeates your entire being. With sincere yearning, blow on the little ember of peace until it bursts into flame, consuming all remaining restlessness. From that state will come inner communion with God as your sympathies instinctively expand. No effort will be needed to love others. You will not be able to feel other than a deep connection to all life.
Once a saint was taking a bath in the Ganges. A man sitting on the bank watched as a scorpion climbed to the edge of a branch overhanging the river and fell into the water. The saint picked up the poor creature and put it back in its tree, but was stung as he did so. Again the scorpion crawled out and fell into the water, again the saint replaced it, and again was stung. This episode repeated itself yet a third time.
The observer of this scene could contain himself no longer. He called out, “Why do you keep putting the beast back in the tree when your only reward is getting stung?”
“Don’t be angry with it. To sting, you see, is the scorpion’s nature. It can’t help itself,” said the saint.
“But you know it is going to attack you. Why do you continue to pick it up?” asked the man.
“My nature is to befriend it, and I can’t help myself either,” replied the saint.
