The experience of celestial visions, astral travel, various Samadhis etc. are
common to all yoga paths. These are
more or less a function of spiritual practices initiated by the aspirant. Loss
of body consciousness, while
remaining aware is typical of these experiences. Mental consciousness is
retained in order to have the experiences.
>From a nondual perspective such spiritual and psychic experiences are not given
undue importance, but the subtle
attentional effort remains introverted falling back upon itself. When through
Grace, the intent, the attention, and
the effort along with the mental consciousness are absorbed, Self is Recognized
by It Self as Pure Awareness
without any support what so ever. Self is Always Complete and Whole transcending
experiences of every type
including all celestial and super natural experiences. Therefore the aspirant
who has no other goal then Self
Realization remains utterly indifferent to the glamor associated with
spirituality and seeks absolutely nothing and
remains aware of the Eternal Eye within the "I".

Love
Harsha

james bean wrote:

> From: "james bean" <spiritualawakening@...>
>
> From: James spiritualawakening@...
>
> The following comes from the book "Radhasoami Reality," by Mark
> Juergensmeyer, Princeton University Press, from a chapter titled, "The
> Journey of Light and Sound." The focus is spiritual experience during
> meditation practice (Surat Shabda Yoga, meditation upon the inner Light and
> Sound of God). Visions of the heavens or higher planes, of course, have been
> reported throughout all recorded history, and reported by the mystics within
> each of the world religions.
>
> Beginning Out of Body Travel
>
> "At the outset, the object is to concentrate the soul's scattered
> energy and bring it to the Eye Center, the portal from which it can flee the
> physical form. Only when the soul is free from the body may the higher
> stages of meditation be accomplished. After a time, the soul returns to the
> body so that the initiate can go about his or her daily tasks; spiritual
> Masters, however, are thought to be constantly in the higher realms, no
> matter what activities they are externally pursuing."
>
> "The ideas of soul travel, and out-of-body experiences are
> fundamental to Radhasoami [Sant Mat], for they are related to Radhasoami's
> perception of the self as a fluid, malleable entity unbound by the physical
> limitations of time and space."
>
> "Hearing the Sound of a Bell is often said to be one of the first
> signs that the soul is moving out of the body. According to one Radhasoami
> Master, the cue comes when a rather ordinary metallic Sound begins to change
> into the pure tone of a Bell. The wife of Sant Darshan Singh tells a
> charming story about how, shortly after she was married but before she was
> formally initiated, she was in the presence of Master Kirpal Singh and heard
> the Sound of Bells without knowing where they came from or what they meant.
> Ordinarily, however, practitioners know what the Light and Bells mean
> because they have been looking and listening for them intently during
> meditation. The main activities of meditation are to sit quietly -- not
> necessarily in the familiar lotus position but in any comfortable posture --
> and listen for a Sound coming from the right and above, and to block out all
> thoughts."
>
> I'll post more excerpts from "Radhasoami Reality" in the near future.
>
> ***** ***** *****
>
> The techniques of Surat Shabda Yoga meditation are fully revealed to
> the spiritual seeker at the time of initiation.
>
> Hearing the Inner Sound Current or Heavenly Music during meditation
> is considered by this tradition to be The Way to reach the advanced levels
> of contemplative meditation where visions of the heavens become possible.
>
> Swami Ji Maharaj in his mystical poetry calls this Inner Heavenly
> Sound: "Shabd." Swami Ji:
>
> By the grace and compassion of the Teacher, grasp Shabd
> firmly. In the company of the Teacher, make Shabd your
> support.
>
> There are Shabds and Shabds. The Master will impart to you
> true knowledge of different Shabds.
>
> Fix your Attention at the Third Eye Center. You will then come
> in contact with Shabd, and anxieties will be removed.
>
> Shabd will take you out of the world. Apply yourself carefully
> to Shabd. ("Sar Bachan Poetry," Volume I, Soami Bagh, Agra)
>
> ***** ***** *****
>
> The mystical poems of Swami Ji are filled with visionary descriptions
> of various heavenly realms. You can expect more posts featuring the poetry
> of Swami Ji Maharaj.
>
> Peace,
>
> James