Meditation Visions: Do Meditators See Things?

Many people report having visions during meditation. These visions can be profoundly inspiring, upsetting, or confusing. They are usually visual, but can also include perceptions of sound or scent. Visions occur when the frequency of neural activity in the brain changes, creating a bridge between the conscious and subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is more visual and symbolic than everyday thought, so visions can often look very real. They are not the goal of meditation, which is to achieve awareness, presence, and serenity. If visions do occur, the advice is to let them come and go without judgement or interpretation.

The third eye and the subconscious

The third eye is an energy centre located between the eyebrows. It is believed to be the "Seat of the Soul" and is associated with clairvoyance and the capacity to perceive a subtle dimension beyond the material world. The third eye is not a concept based on scientific evidence but has existed throughout history in spiritual and religious traditions such as Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It is believed to be tied to a person's intuition, and activating it can lead to a heightened sense of intuition, clarity of thought, and an increased awareness of one's surroundings.

When people meditate, they may experience visions or mental images. These visions are not a goal of meditation but can be a byproduct of the practice. They tend to occur when meditation takes one to a zone between sleep and wakefulness. The frequency of neural activity in the brain, or brain waves, changes during meditation, creating a bridge between the conscious and subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is more visual and symbolic, and the visions that arise from it can be vivid and seem very real.

The third eye is believed to be connected to the subconscious mind. When the third eye is activated, it can lead to a heightened sense of intuition and an increased awareness of one's surroundings. It is said to provide access to a deep sense of inner wisdom and a connection to the divine energy that flows through all things. This can result in a profound sense of spiritual connection and a greater understanding of one's place in the universe.

While the third eye and the subconscious are separate concepts, they are both related to intuition and the ability to access information beyond our conscious awareness. The third eye is believed to be a gateway to the spiritual realm, providing access to knowledge and insights that may be hidden from our conscious minds. Similarly, the subconscious mind is thought to contain deep-seated impressions, memories, and feelings that influence our behaviour and thoughts without us being fully aware of them.

In conclusion, the third eye and the subconscious are both integral aspects of the human experience, and their interplay can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. Meditation can be a tool to explore and activate the third eye, providing access to the subconscious mind and its hidden knowledge. However, it is important to approach the process with caution and respect, as the opening of the third eye can also bring about challenges and adjustments in one's life.

Visual thoughts and mental images

When people meditate, they often report having visions or seeing things. These visions can be profound and inspiring, but they can also be upsetting or confusing. They are usually visual thoughts and mental images that occur when your mind enters a state between sleep and wakefulness or between conscious and subconscious awareness. This state is characterised by a change in neural activity, with brain waves falling into the alpha frequency band, which acts as a bridge between the conscious and subconscious mind.

The subconscious mind tends to be more visual and symbolic than everyday thinking, which is typically more verbal. As a result, the visions that arise from the subconscious can be vivid and realistic. They may include visual thoughts, lights, and forms from the inner world. These visions are not a goal of meditation but rather a byproduct that may occur as you deepen your practice.

Types of Visual Thoughts and Mental Images

During meditation, people may experience various types of visual thoughts and mental images. Some common types include:

• Faces: You may see a progression of different faces, including your own, morphing into one another. These faces may belong to people you know or don't recognise.
• Moving geometrical shapes and patterns: These may appear as endless ornaments, fractals, or mandalas, sometimes associated with a flow of energy in the body.
• Light and colours: Visions of bright light may accompany a state of bliss.
• Eyes: Eyes are a common symbol in the subconscious and may represent witnessing awareness.
• Landscapes: You may experience flying over calm lakes, mountain ridges, or deep forests.
• Flowers: Flowers, such as the lotus, symbolise spiritual growth and may appear as unfolding in your vision.
• Spiritual guides: In very profound meditations, you may meet a spiritual guide, often shaped by your personal beliefs (e.g., Jesus, Buddha, or a yogi master).

Interpreting Visual Thoughts and Mental Images

The interpretation of visual thoughts and mental images during meditation varies. Some people consider these visions as mere distractions or illusions, labelling them as "mara" in Zen meditation. Others view them as gifts from a Divine Presence, offering important guidance and insights. It's important to note that these visions are not a sign of obtaining supernatural powers but rather a natural part of the meditation experience.

While some people may be tempted to interpret their visions as secret messages, it's essential to maintain a nonjudgmental and observational attitude. Treat these images like any other thought—don't judge, interpret, or cling to them, but also don't push them away. They are a reflection of your subconscious mind and can provide insights into your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences.

Light and colour

The colours people see during meditation can have different meanings. Some people believe that the colours are linked to the body's energy centres, or chakras, with each chakra associated with a different colour. For example, the third eye chakra, located between the eyebrows, is associated with the colour purple, while the throat chakra is associated with blue. The crown chakra, located at the top of the head, is connected to white light.

The colours seen during meditation can also be related to the person's culture, age, and personal experiences. For some, the colours may be a sign of progress or healing.

While the colours seen during meditation can be intriguing, meditation teachers such as Deepak Chopra recommend not getting too distracted or attached to them. Instead, it is suggested that one should let the colours come and go, focusing more on the feelings and sensations that arise during meditation rather than the colours themselves.

Common types of visions

Visions during meditation are not uncommon. They occur when one reaches a zone between conscious awareness and sleep. They can be unconscious images, visual thoughts, or lights and forms of the inner world. Visions are considered a by-product of meditation and not the goal. Here are some of the most common types of visions experienced during meditation:

Faces

It is common to see faces during meditation, which may be of people you know or strangers. These faces may also morph from one to another, and your face may blend with others.

Geometrical Shapes and Patterns

Meditators often report seeing moving geometrical shapes and patterns, such as endless ornaments, fractals, or mandalas. These visions are sometimes associated with a flow of energy felt in the body.

Light and Colours

Experiencing bright light or colours is another common vision during meditation. This may be accompanied by a state of bliss or a sense of peace and comfort.

Eyes

The image of eyes is a common motif when the subconscious opens up. It symbolises witnessing awareness, which is fundamental to all experiences.

Landscapes

Meditators may visualise themselves flying over beautiful scenery, such as calm lakes, mountain ridges, or deep forests. These visions often reflect the state of the mind, with calm waters representing a peaceful mind.

Flowers

Flowers, such as lotuses, are common visions during meditation. They symbolise spiritual growth and transformation, with the unfolding of a flower representing the overcoming of difficulties.

Spiritual Guides

In very profound meditations, some people report meeting spiritual guides. These guides may take various forms, often influenced by the individual's personal beliefs. For example, Christians may meet Jesus, while Buddhists may encounter the Buddha. These guides may offer teachings or gifts that appear to merge with the meditator's body, leading to transformative and healing experiences.

How to react to visions

Visions during meditation are a perplexing phenomenon, and while they may be intriguing, they are not the goal of meditation. Here are some guidelines on how to react to these visions:

Don't Get Attached or Distracted:

• It is important not to get sucked into the visions. While it can be fascinating to observe the evolution of these mental images, your goal during meditation should be to focus on the present moment and cultivate awareness. Allow the visions to come and go without clinging to them.
• If you find yourself getting distracted by the visions, gently bring your attention back to your breath or the present moment.

Treat Them as Thoughts:

• Approach the visions with a sense of nonjudgmental observation. Treat them like any other thought that arises during meditation—acknowledge them, but don't judge or interpret them.
• Just as you would observe a thought and let it pass without getting attached, do the same with the visions. They are a form of mental imagery that can be intriguing but don't need to be analysed or replicated.

Maintain Your Practice:

• Don't abandon your meditation practice because of the visions. They are a byproduct of the state of mind that your meditation technique has led you to.
• Continue with your regular practice, and over time, you will develop the skill of letting go of distractions, whether they are thoughts, emotions, sensations, or visions.

Reflect and Journal:

• If you feel that the visions had a deep meaning or left you with a particular sensation, take some time to reflect on them after your meditation practice.
• Journaling about your visions can help you process and make sense of them. It can also provide valuable insights to discuss with your meditation coach or spiritual guide.

Don't Seek Them as a Goal:

• Whether you are a skeptic or a believer in the divine nature of visions, most meditation coaches advise against making them your goal.
• Instead, focus on cultivating calmness, reducing desires, and learning to accept whatever arises in your meditation practice without attachment.

Be Mindful of Your State:

• Visions during meditation occur when you reach a zone between conscious awareness and sleep. They are a sign that you have entered an altered state of consciousness.
• If the visions scare or overwhelm you, adopt a meditative attitude of observation without judgment. This will help calm your mind and allow you to process the visions without getting caught up in fear or anxiety.

Remember, the ultimate goal of meditation is to cultivate awareness, presence, and serenity. While visions may be intriguing, they are not the primary objective of your practice. By following these guidelines, you can navigate visions during meditation in a way that aligns with your meditative journey towards inner peace and clarity.

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