Date:09/28/2024 09/29/2024
Location: Star Ocean Meditation Center
Teacher: Sara
Sitting Meditation
Illusory Phenomena Arising in Meditation
Lights, visions, unusual sensations, and symbolic images may appear during meditation. Without right understanding, these can be mistaken for attainment. Recognizing their illusory nature safeguards correct practice.
1. Basic Recognition: Phenomena Are Experiences
All visions are experiential content.
Whether extraordinary or ordinary, they are known.
What is known is not ultimate.
2. Causal Understanding: Products of Mind and Body
Such phenomena arise from concentration, fatigue, emotion, or subconscious activity.
They do not indicate special powers.
They depend on conditions.
3. Criterion of Impermanence: Lack of Stability
They change quickly and cannot be sustained.
They lack consistency and reliability.
This marks their illusory nature.
4. Guiding Principle: Neither Pursue nor Reject
Do not seek repetition.
Do not suppress or deny.
Remain with clear knowing.
5. Protection: Awareness Prevents Immersion
When awareness is present, phenomena lose weight.
Immersion leads to loss of stability.
Clarity matters more than experience.
6. Life Integration Test: Beyond the Cushion
If an experience cannot integrate into daily life,
it is likely a transient mental event.
True practice increases steadiness and clarity.
7. Reference: Rely on Teachings, Not Self-Judgment
Personal experiences are not measures of attainment.
Teachings and right view provide correction.
This prevents inflation.
8. Conclusion: Let Go of All Phenomena
No phenomenon is the goal.
Release fascination with states.
Practice returns to the right path.
Summary
Illusory phenomena are common in meditation and neither errors nor achievements. With awareness, non-grasping, and right view, practice remains balanced and oriented toward genuine liberation.
