Bodhimind's Blog

[bodhimind]

Just like realizing a dream is a dream within a dream, hence becoming 'lucider' in a dream, I have realized that in lucid-dreaming we are not really becoming 'lucid', but switching identities from that of the 'dream-body' to the memory of the 'flesh-body'. Therefore, when we wake up, we come back to this identity of the flesh-body and believe that the dream-body was fake, unreal and an illusion.

However, when we are dreaming, the dream-body does feel like the dream-body and there seems to be no other reality. In the same way, I feel that perhaps the idea is to lose the sense of self in both the dream-body or the flesh-body, and hence go into 'lucid-living' where no identity is attached to.

I have a question that I was wondering about.

The Buddha described humans as being inside the Desire realm (kama-loka).

Then he also described the Material realm (rupa-loka).

Lastly he described the Immaterial realm (arupa-loka).

I know that the jhanas correspond to the Material realm, as referenced to this sutta. This is all the way to fourth jhana, as seen in the same sutta.

Then we have the Immaterial realm, which is supposedly corresponding to the Ayatanas. I would also assume that this overlaps with the dream-space as well.

My question is - We humans have a body. So why is it that we can have a flesh-body that is composed of form, which is supposedly rupa? And also we experience great psychological joy and bodily blissfulness that corresponds with rupa.

If this is so, then why is it that humans are inside the kama-loka and not the rupa-loka? Is there a different meaning for the word rupa other than the simplistic meaning of form?

Also, when we sleep, we can also have a 'dream-body'. We can also have an astral body when we project out of body with the manomaya. This is obviously immaterial, so why is it that humans are not in the arupa-loka either? What is the hidden meaning of these three classifications that I do not see? Or is it just confusion?

[Jhanananda]

My question is - We humans have a body. So why is it that we can have a flesh-body that is composed of form, which is supposedly rupa? And also we experience great psychological joy and bodily blissfulness that corresponds with rupa.

Because we are both matter (rupa) and spirit (arupa).

If this is so, then why is it that humans are inside the kama-loka and not the rupa-loka? Is there a different meaning for the word rupa other than the simplistic meaning of form?

Because, when we are in the material body, then we are in the rupa-loka.  When we are driven by action and reaction, then we are in the kama-loka; whether we are in body or spirit.

Also, when we sleep, we can also have a 'dream-body'. We can also have an astral body when we project out of body with the manomaya. This is obviously immaterial, so why is it that humans are not in the arupa-loka either? What is the hidden meaning of these three classifications that I do not see? Or is it just confusion?

When we are out of body we can still be moving on the material plane (rupa-loca), or we can be moving in the immaterial domain (arupa loca).

[bodhimind]

Having researched more, it seems that there are two kinds of path for Kundalini:

Water path & Fire path.

Fire path rises, starting from the latent energy in the coccyx, moving upwards to the crown. Water path on the other hand, descends from cosmic-energy downwards into the crown and moves all the way down, awakening the kundalini.

I chanced upon Sri Aurobindo's synthesis of yoga here: https://auromere.wordpress.com/transformation/descent-experience/ It's a pretty good article in my opinion.

Also, his full book here: http://surasa.net/aurobindo/synthesis/

I realised that I did experience an electrifying jolt coming upwards through the entire spine. However, the one that started it all and brought me my second 'dark night' was when bright light descended from the crown and seemed to wipe my sense of body 'clean', if that's a good analogy to use.

I have also had the chance of finding this other mystic who regularly goes out of body, awakens kundalini through fire-path and teaches the jhanas - however, he hails from a  different tradition. He claims to be from a tantric teaching similar to Kashmir Shaivisim, influenced by Mishra and directly related to the lineage of Shivananda-natha.

I was indeed wondering if Jhanananda would like to meet this accomplished mystic as well haha, that would be pretty interesting.

[Jhanananda]

I do not make such a dist9inction in the "kundalini" experience, but it would be interesting to meet any genuine mystic.

[bodhimind]

After much experimentation with various methods, I realized that the fastest way is really still through the auditory jhana-nimitta, aka the sound of the ocean of chi, of silence, or the Divine. I realized the esoteric basis of this is discussed about within Taoist and Chan Buddhism texts, where they say that the listening faculty is turned inwards and because the ear-sense is linked to the "ocean of chi". Sight is linked to the spirit, which I take to be the luminous screen and lights that surface in jhana.

[Jhanananda]

In my experience, it does not matter which charism (jhana-nimitta) one attends to; however, attending to a charism definitely aides in depth in meditation.

[bodhimind]

In my experience, it does not matter which charism (jhana-nimitta) one attends to; however, attending to a charism definitely aides in depth in meditation.

Thank you as always for elucidating my points, I always appreciate it. I have also found that these charisms move towards a 'single field', so the light-field increases when the ringing increases, and so on. Typically the 'meditation technique' does not make much of a difference, as long as it gets one to that 'state of mind' conducive for arising joy.

I am still struggling with sustaining deep states of jhana, but there is at no point where my whole body does not feel bliss. I have found the blissfulness to increase while doing certain chi-gong exercises, with tribute to dearly-missed Sam (a year since October 14, 2016). I do not know exactly how it works, but it seems to me that certain postures/choreographies can induce a certain state of mind that gives rise to this peacefulness.

The charisms are a wonderful support, and I find that continuously returning to them releases the neuroticism, addictions and compulsions, and instead provides a rich source of loving-kindness and compassion for others. It is almost like the Divine is loving through me, oh wonderful, wonderful Mother!

[Jhanananda]

The charisms are a wonderful support, and I find that continuously returning to them releases the neuroticism, addictions and compulsions, and instead provides a rich source of loving-kindness and compassion for others. It is almost like the Divine is loving through me, oh wonderful, wonderful Mother!

Yes, I fully agree with your summary, and have found it to be true.

[bodhimind]

I've been finding my way back and am increasing my contemplative practice again from the spare time I have. It is increasingly clear that contemplative practice is highly dependent on how much time is put into practice. Exploring around within Buddhist circles, Dzogchen and Mahamudra seem to only teach "Right Understanding", similar to Advaita, whereas Right Samadhi/absorption becomes a question. So far, the least-distorted one that I've seen is a particular Ch'an practice which heavily emphasizes the development of Samma-Samadhi leading straight into liberation.

The non-dual mind of the third jhana is taken to be the ultimate by many people out there, they become so stuck in this that they cannot fathom a non-duality beyond that. Another problem is that hallucinations from psychedelics have become an increasing trend in the world, with even some monks choosing to embrace them. What a worrying trend. While it does start people on the seeking journey, it also becomes problematic rehab. The clarity is what should be embraced, the divine charisms, not the neurosis.

When they start speaking of non-dual mind, immediately they cannot hide their samadhi attainments, it reveals them, and Jhanananda's quote comes to mind... "A tree is known by its fruit." I take a look at a lot of 'academic' monks out there in videos and immediately see how fidgety they are. They philosophize so much on the ultimate nature of mind but their attainments do not seem to reflect them. Their lotus position is not seasoned enough and their knee stays way up there. It seems to be very true that this is a dharma-ending age, and that the true dharma has been covered up by so much noise and new-age rubbish.

[Jhanananda]

I've been finding my way back and am increasing my contemplative practice again from the spare time I have. It is increasingly clear that contemplative practice is highly dependent on how much time is put into practice. Exploring around within Buddhist circles, Dzogchen and Mahamudra seem to only teach "Right Understanding", similar to Advaita, whereas Right Samadhi/absorption becomes a question. So far, the least-distorted one that I've seen is a particular Ch'an practice which heavily emphasizes the development of Samma-Samadhi leading straight into liberation.

It is good to hear from you again, bodhimind.  I am glad to read that you are turning up your practice.  I would like to know more about the particular Ch'an practice that you mentioned.  Do you have a source for it?

The non-dual mind of the third jhana is taken to be the ultimate by many people out there, they become so stuck in this that they cannot fathom a non-duality beyond that. Another problem is that hallucinations from psychedelics have become an increasing trend in the world, with even some monks choosing to embrace them. What a worrying trend. While it does start people on the seeking journey, it also becomes problematic rehab. The clarity is what should be embraced, the divine charisms, not the neurosis..

people often stop a short distance along the Samadhi path, thinking there is no more, but, as we have seen here, there is much, much more to be realized.

When they start speaking of non-dual mind, immediately they cannot hide their samadhi attainments, it reveals them, and Jhanananda's quote comes to mind... "A tree is known by its fruit." I take a look at a lot of 'academic' monks out there in videos and immediately see how fidgety they are. They philosophize so much on the ultimate nature of mind but their attainments do not seem to reflect them. Their lotus position is not seasoned enough and their knee stays way up there. It seems to be very true that this is a dharma-ending age, and that the true dharma has been covered up by so much noise and new-age rubbish.

Yes, I agree with you.  So, it is up to us all to revive the true dhamma.

[bodhimind]

Hi Jhanananda, apologize for the late reply - I'm not too concerned about that Ch'an practice, it's not that accurate imo. Hope you are well.

Currently dwelling in that non-dualistic single field beyond concepts, 24/7 when possible. Just so much tingling and bliss, so much love. Requiring almost a complete letting go of any resistance, complete releasing and leap of faith. I see how the deceptive mind is like a shape-shifter, jumping into things, interpreting things at a frightening level - I almost see how the 'fearfulness' I had which prevented me from going further (which you described as a toe dipping into ice cold water) was nothing real.

[Jhanananda]

It sounds like you are doing very well.  Keep up letting go, and going deeper.  The bliss and the tingles say you are going deeper.  Very good.

[bodhimind]

Yesterday night, I spontaneously woke up half-lucid and experienced the strangest thing:

My sense of "me" was not anywhere. Almost felt like it was one big field where everything was just 'me'. No matter how I searched, from the top of my body to the bottom, to my sight, to the sounds I heard (with the ringing charism), it was like one completely vibrating symphony. I could not find my sense of self anywhere, but yet it was as if me was everywhere. However, this only lasted while my body was immobile - when I started to move, I felt the 'conceptualizations' arise again and start to discern the self-vs-outside. Therefore I stopped moving and simply stayed in this hyper-aware state.

That was really weird and reminded me of a recent experience where I felt my heart burst forth light and merge with the entire universe around me, such that it was just one entire expanse of white light - again usually a dream experience in sleep straight after meditation. Which is weird, because I always get these experiences during sleep, instead of while I am in meditation (where I do experience charisms).

[rougeleader115]

Very good to hear about your progress bodhimind! It seems we are at similar experiences during meditation and dreaming. Wishing you the best. I have been trying to get a moment to update with my new experiences, but after starting a new job 2 months ago, it has been very difficult to even manage typing everything up. Very exhausted, but the charisms blast so strong all day i feel like i am being blessed by god. I feel like an angel just feeling this much love and bliss. But enough of that, i just wanted to say im glad that you have gotten this far and continue to share your experiences.

Best Wishes
Rougeleader

[Jhanananda]

Yesterday night, I spontaneously woke up half-lucid and experienced the strangest thing:

My sense of "me" was not anywhere. Almost felt like it was one big field where everything was just 'me'. No matter how I searched, from the top of my body to the bottom, to my sight, to the sounds I heard (with the ringing charism), it was like one completely vibrating symphony. I could not find my sense of self anywhere, but yet it was as if me was everywhere. However, this only lasted while my body was immobile - when I started to move, I felt the 'conceptualizations' arise again and start to discern the self-vs-outside. Therefore I stopped moving and simply stayed in this hyper-aware state.

You and rougeleader115 are doing very well.  Now the challenge is to see if you can keep the charisms and the loss of self throughout the day.

That was really weird and reminded me of a recent experience where I felt my heart burst forth light and merge with the entire universe around me, such that it was just one entire expanse of white light - again usually a dream experience in sleep straight after meditation. Which is weird, because I always get these experiences during sleep, instead of while I am in meditation (where I do experience charisms).

This is an excellent description of the opening of the heart chakra.  Now move up to opening the throat chakra.