Yogic Meditation
Yogic meditation is systematic, meaning that there is a well-defined process of “going inward” that works for the majority of people. While all of us would like to simply sit down and be lost in a blissful meditative state, our busy lives usually keep us wrapped up in our 3-D reality. Shifting to the single-pointed expansion of deep meditation isn’t quite so easy as we’d like… but by “working our way” through the dimensions of and layers of being we can learn to do so reliably.
In our “normal” experience, we are living through our sense with our attention turned out into the world. This temporal, sensual space is our 3-D reality and here our yoga practice consists of living according to hyper-values, such as non-violence, service, and harmonious relationships. In addition, we pay attention to our senses, engage in physical exercises, and practice remaining aware of our breath, like in Eight Brocades and Unifying Mind. As we “refine” our normal experience, the 2-D practices become more readily available.
In 2-D practice we still the body and enter into seated meditation, turning our attention to the process of sensing and being aware of sensations instead of the content of what is sensed . We also turn inward to examine the experience happening on the inside of our bodies, such as the composition of our experience and the movement of the breath within the body. As these practices become more refined and stable, it becomes easier to explore the 1-D practices. Practice this with Divine Posture.
In 1-dimension practice attention withdraws from the sensory experience and becomes engrossed in the interior energetic experience of the breath circulating up and down the body. This is when we start to notice what is known as “kundalini” energy and begin working with intentionally raising it via attention to the chakras. As this experience becomes increasingly full and familiar, the 0-dimension practices are more accessible. Check out Jhanic Adept.
Once we are able to come to this level of energetic sensation and fix our attention on a single point, it becomes possible to enter into samadhi, or a state of absorption that leads to direct and intimate knowledge. In the case of the yogi, the still points are the energetic centers (chakras) leading to union with the sublime and the enlightenment experience. This fixed attention, boring a hole through the self to expand into the Self – entrance into Truth-Consciousness-Bliss, is the 0-dimensional practice.
(For an interesting read on how 0 and Infinity are interchangeable, check out: Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea.)
Levels and Dimensions of Consciousness
credit: https://www.swamij.com/yoga-meditation-what-levels.htm
This diagram may take some time to unpack, but it is an excellent and concise way to understand the different layers of experience that we must traverse on the mystical journey. The Mortal self is our 3-D realm, Partially Immortal Self is our 2-D and 1-D realm, and the Immortal Self is the 0-D realm.
The YourTurn take…
Part of the yoga sciences is to explore each of these realms and the way between them. Eventually, through this higher knowledge, we are able to stay connected to the Absolute, witnessing the interplay of consciousness in the various dimensions with curious, compassionate non-attachment. This general framework of mystical experience is a key component of unlocking our potential, as illuminating the process of being dramatically increases our capacity to to maximize our growth in this lifetime.
Where to go for more…
SwamiJ.com Is an excellent resource for clear, technical information around Kriya Yoga. This formulation for expressing the teachings is primarily a compilation from the following pages:
https://www.swamij.com/systematic.htm
https://www.swamij.com/yoga-meditation-what-levels.htm
https://www.swamij.com/levelsdimensions.htm#consciousness
https://www.swamij.com/beyond.htm