Categories: Third Eye: Practical Meditation
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
Welcome. In this teaching, we will explore a profound practical meditation for those who have opened their Third Eye: the Journey to the Giri Dūpata. This is the fourteenth practice in our series on the Third Eye, and it offers a chance to perceive something truly extraordinary, a hidden island known as Giri Dūpata, or ‘Rock Island’.
It has been some time since we explored such a tangible spiritual target, and for many, this may be the first time you have ever heard of such a place. This teaching will explain what it is and guide you on how to witness it for yourself.
For those unfamiliar with Buddhist history, the name might mean nothing, but for those who have read the commentaries on the Buddha’s teachings, known as the Atuva, the name itself reveals the profound story we are about to explore.
A Teaching from Direct Experience
Before we begin the practical steps of the Giri Dūpata meditation, it is important to understand the context. This is not a theoretical discussion. I am sharing something I have personally experienced and seen through spiritual practice, as have my close spiritual companions. We have an ongoing connection with this place. I am sharing this with you because it can be a valuable tool for those whose Third Eye is open.
For those who have not yet developed this faculty, this teaching may be difficult to grasp, but it can serve as an inspiration for your path. I know this topic is controversial.
In today’s world, many hold the view that such a place does not exist. I have always taught from a place of direct, practical experience, without being swayed by popular opinion, and this teaching is no different. This is a truth of the spiritual world, and it is my wish to reveal it to you.
Navigating Skepticism with a Neutral Mind
When sharing spiritual truths, we often encounter skepticism. Some may call this a delusion or an attempt to spread superstition. There are various groups who might object: some radical thinkers, some who hold fringe beliefs that the Buddha was born in Sri Lanka, others who dismiss anything supernatural as ‘lies,’ and even certain meditation practitioners who focus solely on insight (Vipassanā) and reject the powers that can arise from deep concentration (Samatha). It is a common human tendency to deny what one has not personally seen.
I fully expect that some may criticize this teaching. However, I am not sharing a superstition. I am sharing something seen, experienced, and utilized on the spiritual path. The most important advice I can offer is to cultivate neutrality (madhyastha). If someone says, ‘Those were human tribes, not demons,‘ simply respect their viewpoint and remain silent.
If another says, ‘This is all nonsense,‘ honor their perspective and step aside. We cannot prove these things to others. This teaching is for those who are walking the path and can verify it for themselves. In fact, those with any genuine practical experience, even without a fully opened Third Eye will not attack this teaching, because they have tasted a glimpse of deeper realities and know that more is possible.
The Ancient Story of Giri Dūpata
So, what is Giri Dūpata?
According to the ancient commentaries (Atuva) of Buddhist history, when the Lord Buddha first visited Sri Lanka at a place called Mahiyangana, the island was inhabited by a fierce group of non-human beings known as Yakkhas. These weren’t simply a human tribe, as some now claim, but powerful, non-human entities. From my own spiritual sight, I can confirm that while human tribes like the Yaksha and Naga did exist, so did these other beings, and the ones banished by the Buddha were exceptionally dangerous, so powerful they could have set the entire island ablaze.
Using his profound psychic powers (iddhi), the Buddha miraculously created an island to the southeast of Sri Lanka. He then banished this entire host of dangerous Yakkhas to that island and, with his power, pushed it far away. There are folk tales, passed down by our ancestors, that say the Yakkhas begged to see the human world through a hole as large as an axe-head, but the Buddha only granted them a view through a tiny needle’s eye, protecting humanity from their gaze. While this is a folk story, the account of their banishment is recorded in our historical texts.
How to Begin the Giri Dūpata Meditation
This practice is intended only for those whose Third Eye is already awakened. To begin, find your usual meditation space and settle into your posture, whether it is a full-lotus (padmāsana) or another comfortable, stable position. Close your eyes and allow your mind to settle, letting go of thoughts until you feel a sense of calm and concentration (samādhi).
Once your mind is still, you will make a powerful resolution, known in Pali as an adhiṭṭhāna. This is a firm, unwavering intention that directs the mind. Repeat the following resolution in your mind two or three times with focused intent:
- ‘May I see the island, known as Giri Dūpata, where the Buddha is said to have banished the Yakkhas. May I see it clearly, along with its direction.’
- ‘May I be able to journey to this island.’
The Journey and the Vision
As you hold this intention, you will begin to perceive the island’s direction, southeast of Sri Lanka. You may feel a sensation of being pulled towards it, or you may experience traveling through the sky. Those with developed mind-made psychic travel (manomaya iddhi) will understand this process. For others, the island may simply appear in your vision.
This island is not visible to the ordinary eye or to technology like radar. It was created by the Buddha’s will and exists on a different plane, visible only to those with developed spiritual sight, such as enlightened beings or those who have cultivated the Divine Eye (dibba-cakkhu).
Like modern mysteries such as the Bermuda Triangle, which defy simple scientific explanation, some realities exist beyond our current instruments of perception. The Buddha’s resolution keeps it hidden to protect ordinary humans.
As you approach, you will see how breathtakingly beautiful it is, a truly enchanting and attractive place. However, you will also notice that it is surrounded by a protective, blue-glowing shield. At the very top, you will see a small, circular opening.
A Critical Warning: Observe, But Do Not Enter
I must state this with the utmost seriousness: never, ever attempt to go inside the island. I and my spiritual companions have never entered, and we never will. The beings inside are incredibly ferocious, far more powerful and dangerous than any non-human entities one might encounter in the ordinary world. Some can even breathe fire.
You can safely observe them from outside the shield, or by looking down through the opening at the top. This is safe because of the Buddha’s protection. However, entering is extremely risky. Unless you are a practitioner of immense spiritual power, you could be harmed.
If one were to explore it, it should only be done with a group of equally powerful practitioners who could offer protection. If you do not have absolute confidence in your spiritual strength, please, simply observe from a distance and then return.
A Lesson in Kamma: Understanding the Inhabitants
Observing these beings offers a deep lesson in the law of action and result, or Kamma. Birth in a non-human realm is the result of a past unwholesome action. Yet, some of these beings possess great power. How can this be? Think of the animal realm. Birth as an animal is considered an unfortunate rebirth. Yet, some dogs suffer starvation on the street, while others live in air-conditioned homes, eating fine food.
The Buddha taught that birth as a dog can be a result of arrogance, but the vast difference in their life experience is due to other Kamma. The pampered dog must have performed acts of merit in the past, like generosity.
Similarly, these Yakkhas were born into that state due to a grave past misdeed. However, their powers, like breathing fire or having psychic abilities are the result of past meritorious actions, such as observing moral precepts (sīla) or practicing generosity. It is a powerful reminder that Kamma is complex, and its results manifest in many layers.
The Buddha’s Compassion and the Shield of Protection
The Buddha’s action was not one of punishment, but of compassionate protection for all. The energy shield he created not only protects the human world from the Yakkhas but also prevents them from seeing our world, thus saving them from generating more anger and suffering.
Furthermore, with his psychic power, the Buddha manifested an abundance of food on the island (fruit trees and vegetables) so that its inhabitants would never go hungry. This is an act of supreme compassion.
This powerful resolution, made by a fully enlightened being free of all defilements, will remain in effect for the entire 5,000-year duration of this Buddha’s teaching (Sāsana). After that period, it will dissolve. So, when you observe this place, do not be afraid. The Buddha’s protection is absolute.
The Higher Purpose of the Giri Dūpata Meditation
You might wonder what the practical benefit of this meditation is. Beyond deepening your spiritual sight, this place serves a profound, compassionate purpose. In our world, people are sometimes troubled by negative non-human entities. Instead of using harmful practices like trapping them in bottles or using spells, a spiritually developed person can capture these entities and relocate them to Giri Dūpata.
There, they can no longer harm humans, and they will be provided for by the Buddha’s grace. This becomes a great act of merit, benefiting both the troubled humans and the relocated spirit.
In a future teaching, I will explain the exact method for doing this safely and compassionately, offering a true spiritual solution that avoids the theatrics and deceptions often found in modern exorcisms.
A Final Warning on Motivation
This is perhaps the most important advice in this teaching. Do not practice this meditation with the selfish desire to gain powers, catch spirits, or ‘help people.‘ That kind of goal-oriented craving will become the biggest obstacle to your progress. I was able to develop spiritually because my intention was my own purification, not to perform services for others.
First, work on yourself. Let go of the ego’s desire to be a helper. Practice with a pure mind. When your spiritual faculties mature naturally, the ability to help others will arise on its own. If you cling to the goal, you will not only fail to achieve it but may also invite mental frustration and imbalance. Please, take this as a solemn warning.
Returning, Blessing, and Moving Forward
After you have finished your observation of Giri Dūpata, gently guide your consciousness back to your physical body in your meditation space. Once you feel present, extend thoughts of goodwill to the beings on the island. Make an aspiration:
‘May all beings within that island be well and peaceful. May they one day understand the true nature of reality and find freedom from their suffering and the cycle of rebirth (saṃsāra). May they be liberated!’
Then, share the merits of your practice and any other good deeds you have done with all of them. After a few moments, make the intention for your concentration to gently fade, and slowly bring your meditation to a close.
Remember, what you see is for your own understanding. Do not waste your energy trying to prove it to others or engaging in arguments. It is a futile task. The Buddha himself only performed such ‘miracles‘ for those who were spiritually ripe to understand the teaching and attain liberation.
For everyone else, the path is one of personal practice. If any skeptic sincerely undertakes this path, they will eventually see for themselves. Until then, walk your path in silence and certainty.
A Final Blessing for Your Journey
Having understood these things, I hope you will undertake this meditation with the right intention. May you realize that such profound realities exist, and may this inspire you to deepen your own practice.
With the power and blessings of the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha may you successfully open your Third Eye. May you attain the deep states of meditation (jhāna), awaken your spiritual energies like Kuṇḍalinī, and master both the paths of tranquility (Samatha) and insight (Vipassanā). May the blessings of the Triple Gem guide you always.
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!
