Why Do I See Purple during Shambhavi Mahamudra Meditation?
Introduction
When you embark on a spiritual journey, such as engaging in practices like Shambhavi Mahamudra meditation, the mind often becomes active, leading to intriguing and sometimes vivid experiences. One such phenomenon is the perception of the color purple. This article delves into why purple might appear during meditation and what this visual experience signifies within the context of spiritual practice.
Understanding Mind Projection
As you delve deeper into your meditation practice, you may encounter various sensory experiences, including the perception of colors like purple, indigo, or others. These visual encounters arise from the interface between the mind, memory, and meditation. The mind is a vast repository of our experiences, beliefs, and cultural influences, and it projects these elements onto our perception during meditation.
The Role of Culture and Upbringing
The colors and imagery perceived during meditation can vary widely depending on your cultural and life experiences. For some, these experiences may evoke images or sensations associated with their background, such as Shiva, Nandi, Moon, and Snake in Hindu culture, or even more whimsical entities like fairies or virgins. The cultural and personal filters through which you process these experiences can significantly influence what you see.
Meditation and the Subtle Self
Shambhavi Mahamudra is a form of advanced meditation that aims to direct the flow of energy and awareness through the central channel, known as Sushumna. During this practice, the mind's state of being can become highly active, leading to the manifestation of various images and colors. This heightened state of consciousness is often referred to as the subtle self, where the conscious and unconscious layers of the mind come to the fore.
Ignoring Perceived Images
It is important to note that these visual and sensory experiences are merely projections of the mind and are not necessarily tied to the state of meditation itself. When you are truly meditative, the true self—beyond the layers of thought—is revealed. In the deeper states of meditation, there are minimal or no perceptions of form or color. Therefore, the appearance of images like purple does not invalidate the practice or your meditative experience.
Strategies for Dealing with Visual Experiences
If you find that these images and colors are intrusive and disturbing, it is recommended to not engage with them but rather to ignore them. This approach is consistent with the teachings of many spiritual traditions. For instance, as Sadhguru advises, if you see Shiva or any other deity during meditation, just ignore the form. The key is to remain unattached and return your attention to the core essence of your breath, energy, or the underlying awareness.
Conclusion
The perception of purple or any other color during Shambhavi Mahamudra meditation is a natural part of the process and can be influenced by a range of factors including cultural, personal, and psychological influences. By understanding these factors and adopting the correct approach to meditation, one can integrate these experiences into a holistic and fulfilling spiritual journey.