Glimpses of the Self

Glimpses of the Self

By experiences, pleasant and painful, man gathers materials and builds them into mental and moral faculties.

As a merchant closing the year’s ledger and opening a new one does not enter in the new one all the items of the old but only its balances, so does the spirit hand over to the new brain his judgments on the experiences of a life that is closed, the conclusion to which he has come, the decisions to which he has arrived. This is the stock handed over to the new life, the mental furniture for the new dwelling, a real memory.

The mind which ever rises and falls with the ebb of desires, fancies this illusory universe to be true through its ignorance; but it should be informed of the real nature of this world, then it will cognise it to be Brahman itself.

During meditation you may experience that you are rising from your seat. Some experience that they fly in the air.

Various persons get various spiritual experiences. There cannot be a common experience for all. It depends upon the temperament, mode of Sadhana, place of concentration, and various other factors. Some hear melodious sounds in the ears. Some see lights. Some get Ananda (spiritual bliss). Some get both Prakasha and Ananda.

If there is any error in Sadhana (meditation), at once consult the senior Sannyasins or realised souls and remove the mistake. If your general health is sound, if you are cheerful, happy and strong physically and mentally, if the mind is peaceful and unruffled, if you get Ananda in meditation and if your will is growing strong, pure and irresistible, think that you are improving in meditation and everything is going on all right.

The Divine Light comes not through open doors but only through narrow slits. The aspirant sees the ray as a sunbeam passing through a chink into a dark room. It is like a “flash of lightning.” This sudden illumination chokes all sounds of words. The aspirant is spellbound in ecstasy and awe. He trembles with love and awe, just as Arjuna did when he had the Visvarupa Darshan of Lord Krishna. So bright and glorious is the Light environing the Divine that the initiate is dazzled and bewildered.

This is a kind of vision one occasionally gets during meditation. You may behold a dazzling light with abrupt motion. You may behold a head of marvellous form, of the colour of a flame, red as fire, and very awful to look at. It has three wings of marvellous length and breadth, white as a dazzling cloud. At times they would beat terribly and again would be still. The head never utters a word, but remains altogether still. Now and again there is beating with its extended wings.

During meditation the colour of lights that you see varies according to the nature of Tattva that flows through the nostrils. If there is Agni Tattva you will see red-coloured lights. If Akasa Tattva flows you will have blue-coloured lights. If Apas Tattva (water) prevails you will see white-coloured lights. If there is Prithivi Tattva you will have yellow lights. If there is Vayu Tattva you will see black colour. You can change the Tattva by various ways. But the best way is by thought. “As you think, so you also become.” When the Agni Tattva flows, think intensely of Apas Tattva. Apas Tattva will begin to flow soon.

If you get experiences of the glimpses of Self during intense meditation, if you see a blazing light during meditation, and if you get spiritual visions of angels, archangels, Rishis, Munis, Devatas and any other extraordinary spiritual experiences, do not fall back in terror. Do not mistake them for phantoms. Do not give up the Sadhana. Plod on diligently. Break veil after veil.

March on boldly. Do not look back. Cross the intense void and darkness. Pierce the layer of Moha. Melt the subtle Ahamkara now. Svarupa will shine by itself. You will experience the Turiya (Arudha state).

Sometimes bad spirits will trouble you. They may have ugly fierce faces with long teeth. Drive them with your strong will. Give the word of command “Get out.” They will go away. They are vampires. They are elementals. They will not do any harm to the Sadhakas. Your courage will be tested here. If you are timid you cannot march further. Draw power and courage from Atman within, the inexhaustible source (Avyaya). You will come across very good spirits also. They will help you a lot in your onward march. These are all Vighnas or obstacles in the way.Aspirants are eager to get spiritual experience soon. As soon as they get them, they are afraid. They are awfully alarmed when they go above body-consciousness. They entertain a passing wonder whether they will come back again or not. Why should they be afraid at all? It does not matter much whether they return to body-consciousness or not. All our attempts are mainly directed towards getting over this body- consciousness and being one with the higher spiritual consciousness. We are used to certain limitations. When these limitations suddenly drop away we feel that there is no definite base left to stand upon. That is the reason why we are afraid when we go above the body-consciousness. That is a novel experience. Courage is needed. Courage is an indispensable requisite. Sruti says: “Nayamatma Balahinena Labhyah.” This Atman can hardly be attained by weak (timid) persons. All sorts of forces have to be encountered on the way. A dacoit or an anarchist can easily realise God because he is fearless. A push in the right direction is only necessary for him. How Jagai and Madhai, rogues of the first water, became very good saints? They pelted stones at Nityananda, the disciple of Lord Gauranga. Nityananda won them by pure divine love. Dacoit Ratnakara became sage Valmiki.

Discovering the Inner Light: Glimpses of the Self

Every spiritual journey begins with a quiet longing to understand who we truly are beyond the changing experiences of life. Glimpses of the Self are those precious moments when the mind becomes still and the deeper reality within reveals itself. These experiences may be brief, yet they leave a lasting impression on the heart and inspire seekers to continue their quest for truth.

The path toward Glimpses of the Self is not limited to saints, sages, or spiritual scholars. Every individual carries within a divine essence that waits to be recognized. Through prayer, meditation, selfless service, and sincere introspection, one gradually learns to look beyond external appearances and connect with the inner source of peace. Such moments of realization are often described as Glimpses of the Self, where a person feels unity, clarity, and freedom from worldly concerns.

Spiritual traditions across the world teach that true happiness does not come from possessions or achievements alone. Instead, it arises from discovering the eternal presence that resides within. The teachings shared through Devotional India frequently emphasize the importance of inner awareness and self-discovery. By reflecting on sacred wisdom and practicing spiritual disciplines, seekers become more receptive to the subtle experiences that reveal their true nature.

Many people encounter Glimpses of the Self during moments of silence, while others experience them through acts of compassion and love. When the heart is filled with kindness and the mind is free from negativity, the inner light naturally shines forth. These moments remind us that our real identity is far greater than our roles, titles, or temporary circumstances.

The journey is not always easy. Distractions, desires, and doubts often cloud our perception. Yet every sincere effort toward self-understanding brings us closer to deeper awareness. The spiritual resources offered by Devotional India encourage seekers to cultivate patience and faith, recognizing that inner growth unfolds gradually. Even a brief experience of peace can become a guiding force on the path toward greater realization.

As awareness deepens, Glimpses of the Self begin to appear more frequently. A person may notice a sense of calm amidst challenges, greater compassion toward others, and a clearer understanding of life’s purpose. These signs indicate that the inner journey is progressing. Rather than seeking fulfillment solely in the external world, one begins to draw strength from the divine presence within.

The wisdom shared through Devotional India reminds us that self-discovery is not about acquiring something new but uncovering what has always existed within us. The truth of our being remains constant, even as thoughts and emotions come and go. Through regular spiritual practice, seekers learn to recognize this timeless reality.

Ultimately, Glimpses of the Self serve as gentle reminders of our divine origin and destiny. They inspire humility, gratitude, and a deeper connection with all life. The guidance available through Devotional India helps seekers nurture these experiences and transform them into lasting spiritual understanding. As one continues the inward journey, Glimpses of the Self become stepping stones toward enduring peace, wisdom, and fulfillment. Through sincere effort and faith, Glimpses of the Self reveal the eternal truth that resides in every heart, and Glimpses of the Self become a source of inspiration for a life rooted in love, harmony, and spiritual awakening.