Categories: Third Eye: Practical Meditation
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
In our continuing spiritual journey together, today we will explore the eleventh practical meditation on the Third Eye: the sublime state known as Consciousness is Infinite (Viññāṇa-anantāyatana). This is the meditative dimension of infinite consciousness. This teaching will guide you on how to enter this state, how to cultivate it, and the path that leads to its arising. This article builds directly upon our previous discussion, the tenth practical meditation, which focused on the dimension of infinite space, or Ākāsānañcāyatana.
Crucial Prerequisites: Is This Practice for You?
Before we proceed, it is crucial to understand who this practice is for. This is not a meditation for beginners. The guidance offered here is specifically intended for those who have already made significant progress on their path.
This technique is a kind of ‘shortcut’ available only to those whose Third Eye, also known as the Dibba-cakkhu or ‘divine eye,’ is already awakened. While there is a more gradual path to these states, which I have taught separately as the ‘Practical Meditation Method to the Brahma Worlds,’ this particular method is an accelerated path for those with an awakened spiritual sight.
To be absolutely clear, you can only undertake this practice if you meet the following conditions:
- Your Third Eye is fully awakened. You are not at the stage of merely seeing lights or fleeting images.
- You have moved past seeing images and can now perceive a vast, clear, stable space or sky within your meditation.
- You have successfully practiced and established yourself in the previous meditation state, the dimension of infinite space (Ākāsānañcāyatana).
You must have perceived that infinite space and cultivated the feeling of its boundlessness. Without this foundation, you cannot proceed to the next step. These experiences cannot be forced or imagined; they must arise naturally from your practice.
Please do not feel discouraged if you are not yet at this stage. Spiritual development is unique to each person, depending on the habits and efforts cultivated over many lifetimes. There is no need to feel sad or think you lack merit. Everyone can progress with patient and consistent effort.
Understanding the Meaning of Consciousness is Infinite (Viññāṇa-anantāyatana)
So, what exactly do we mean by ‘infinite consciousness‘ or Viññāṇa-anantāyatana?
In the Buddhist teachings, particularly in the Abhidhamma, the term viññāṇa (consciousness) can also refer to ‘beings.’ It encompasses all forms of life across all realms of existence, the thirty-one planes. This includes humans, gods (devas), animals, ghosts, demons, and even the sublime beings of the Brahma worlds. It also includes beings on other worlds, whether they are gods, Brahmas, or animals in realms of suffering.
Therefore, the phrase Viññāṇa-anantāyatana literally means ‘infinite beings.’ The meditation is a direct perception of the boundlessness of life itself. The number of beings in existence is immeasurable, without limit or end, it is infinite. You may already be familiar with the concept of ‘infinite’ from our previous practice with space. Here, we apply that same sense of boundless perception not to space, but to the beings dwelling within it. I have used the Pali term in the title so you can connect with its vibrational essence, but the meaning is simply ‘all beings are infinite.’
The Vision: From Infinite Space to Infinite Beings
How do you move into this state?
The practice begins where the last one ended. As you recall, in the meditation on infinite space, you were instructed to focus on the stable, clear sky that appears through your Third Eye, a beautiful blue sky, a purple twilight sky, or a sky with soft white clouds, just as you would see with your physical eyes. While holding that vision, you repeated the phrase, ‘Infinite space, infinite space.’
As you deepen your concentration on that infinite sky, a new vision may begin to emerge. Out of the vastness of space, you may start to perceive a group of beings. These are not ordinary people or even devas; they are Brahmas, sublime, celestial beings. They will appear dressed in simple white garments, without much adornment, engaged in meditation. You may see them seated in the full lotus posture (Padmasana) or with legs interlocked (Baddha Paryankasana).
You might also see another group of Brahmas meditating while standing, appearing like stone statues in their stillness. They may be in rows or scattered in different places. Some may even be meditating while lying down on their right side in the ‘lion’s posture,’ similar to how the Buddha is depicted in rest. Though they are lying down, they are in a deep state of Jhana (meditative absorption).
At first, you may only see a few. But as you continue to watch, their numbers will grow until you perceive a countless, unimaginable multitude of these serene, meditating beings. This is the gateway to the dimension of infinite consciousness.
The Practice: How to Meditate on Infinite Consciousness
When this vision of countless Brahmas arises, your meditation object changes. You are no longer focusing on the sky. Your attention now rests on this assembly of infinite beings. At this moment, you stop repeating ‘Infinite space.’ Instead, you begin to mentally repeat, ‘Infinite consciousness, infinite consciousness.’
You can use the Pali phrase: ‘Viññāna Ananthayi.’ Or, if you prefer, you can use the direct meaning in your own language: ‘All beings are infinite.‘ Both are the same meditation word (kammaṭṭhāna). As you gaze upon these beings, you continue this repetition, allowing your mind to absorb the reality of their infinite number.
A critical point: You must not start this repetition before the vision appears. If you are still perceiving only the empty sky, continuing to chant ‘Infinite space’ but the vision of the Brahmas has not arisen, then repeating ‘Infinite consciousness‘ is fruitless. It becomes a mere mantra without the experiential basis. The perception must come first. The vision of these meditating beings is the necessary sign to transition to this Jhana.
Navigating the Experience: Warnings and Encouragement
As you enter these profound states, it is natural for some to feel fear. You may feel like you are traveling to the Brahma worlds, and some worry about getting lost or not being able to return. Please, put these fears aside. Such ideas are born from misunderstanding. You will not die. You will not be harmed. You will not get stuck in a Brahma realm. Your mind can easily be brought back to the human world. Do not let misguided beliefs hold you back.
If, during this practice, your experience deepens and other events begin to unfold, face them without fear. Your past wholesome actions (kusala kamma) and meditative skill may ripen, allowing you to progress very quickly, perhaps even into the next Jhana. Do not panic. Simply witness the experience.
Another warning: while you are focused on the vision of the Brahmas and the feeling of infinite consciousness, other images may arise. You might see beautiful waterfalls, rivers, or other pleasant sights. Do not get distracted. Your task is to focus only on the object relevant to this Jhana: the infinite beings. If you let your mind wander to these other visions, your concentration will break, the Jhana will collapse, and you will become lost. It would be a shame to waste your effort. Set aside a different time if you wish to explore such visions; for now, remain steadfast on the task at hand.
Benefits, Patience, and Preparing for the Next Step
For those who are not yet at this stage, please do not be discouraged or become overly eager. If you develop a strong desire or expectation for these visions, they will not come. This is a law of the mind. Simply return to your current practice with a quiet, patient mind. For those who have seen these visions before but perhaps did not understand them, you now have the knowledge. Return to your practice of ‘Infinite space’ without expectation. When, and only when, the vision of the Brahmas arises from within the space, you may then switch your focus and begin cultivating ‘Infinite consciousness.’
Practicing these Jhanas and maintaining mindfulness has a wonderful side effect: it purifies and sharpens the Third Eye, making your inner vision clearer and more stable. Just as eating certain herbs like Gotu Kola is said to improve physical eyesight, this practice of mindfulness clarifies your spiritual sight. This purity of mind also enhances all other spiritual abilities, whether it’s the development of psychic powers, the awakening of Kundalini energy, or the balancing of your chakras. A clear mind is the foundation for all spiritual growth.
So, for now, absorb these instructions. Understand the path and the prerequisites. For those who are ready, settle your mind into this state and experience the deep peace it offers. I will provide the teaching on the next stage of meditation very soon, so it is essential that you grasp this step correctly to avoid confusion.
Conclusion and Final Blessings
Today, we have thoroughly explored the eleventh practical meditation of the Third Eye: the Jhana of infinite consciousness, or ‘all beings are infinite.’ You should now have a clear understanding of this state, who is ready to practice it, and how to engage with it practically. Remember, this path is a shortcut for those with an awakened Third Eye, but pathways exist for everyone, and I will continue to teach these other methods as well. There is no need to rush or worry.
By the power and blessings of the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha may you be able to enter this Jhana, experience its profound bliss, and gain deep insight from the teachings you have explored here.
We invite you to walk this path with us. Read our teachings, and most importantly, apply them practically in your own life. as you practice, questions will naturally arise. Please feel free to share your experiences and questions in the comments below, via email or contact form. I will do my best to offer guidance in future talks based on your progress. For now, begin this practice with an open heart and a mind free from expectation. Cultivate it correctly, and may you find the clarity and peace you seek.
Thank you for joining us. We hope this blog will be of great benefit to your spiritual journey.
May you all be well and happy.
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
