Categories: Third Eye: Practical Meditation
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
Welcome. In this article, we continue our series on practical spiritual development, focusing on the ninth part of our program on the Third Eye. You have seen the topic, and today, I hope to explain how those who have opened their Third Eye can spiritually visit the sacred site of Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak. This ability to see with a developed mind is a profound aspect of third eye meditation, sometimes called Dibba Cakkhu, or the ‘divine eye’.
In previous teachings, we have explored how to use this inner vision to perceive the relic chamber of the great Ruwanwelisaya stupa, and many of you have shared your wonderful experiences with me. We have also explored the ancient citadel of Sigiriya and even journeyed to the sacred sites in India, from the Buddha’s birthplace to the place of His final passing, or Parinibbāna.
Many of you are already using these techniques to visit places of your choosing, which is excellent. This is precisely how you should practice and grow. Today, we will focus our collective practice on Sri Pada, learning how to journey there through a mind-made form and see with the clarity of third eye meditation.
It is very important to understand that the practice we are about to explore is intended only for those whose Third Eye is already open. If you are still developing your practice, please do not feel discouraged, sad, or frustrated. Your journey is unfolding as it should. Continue to cultivate your meditation with diligence and patience. This particular exercise is for those who have reached a specific stage, but the path to get there is open to everyone who makes an effort. Your time will come.
Distinguishing Inner Vision from Hallucination
Some may hear of these experiences and dismiss them as mental fantasies or hallucinations, which in our tradition we might call mano vikāra. It is essential to distinguish between the two. A hallucination is one thing, but the visions seen through a cultivated mind, a mind sharpened by meditation, where the neural pathways in the brain have been developed are entirely different. These are forms of insight-knowledge, or ñāṇa dassana. They are not the same as mental aberrations.
In a future teaching, I will explain the difference between hallucinations and the insights gained from a developed mind, as some today mistakenly equate third eye meditation with fantasy. For now, let us return to our main topic: the spiritual journey to Sri Pada.
Preparing for Your Spiritual Journey to Sri Pada
For those of you whose Third Eye is open and who have been practicing with the light signs, you will recall the contemplation object we last worked with: ‘Ahāsa’, which means ‘sky‘. As you sit for your meditation, you can begin by contemplating this word. For some, whose minds are already very concentrated and whose third eye meditation practice is strong, this step may not be necessary. The mere intention to visit Sri Pada might be enough to transport you there. The mind becomes so attuned that the thought and the experience become one.
For everyone, the process begins like this: Find your usual meditation spot in your home. Close your eyes, settle into your posture, and then make a firm, clear intention, a practice we call adhiṭṭhāna. Resolve in your mind: ‘May I be able to journey to Sri Pada. May I travel there through the mind-made body. May I see it clearly with my Third Eye.‘
As you hold this intention, you may begin to feel yourself moving. It might feel like you are floating upwards, journeying towards the central highlands of Sri Lanka. For others, the transition may be instantaneous; you will simply find yourself there. This journey is made possible through what is known as manomaya riddhi, or psychic travel using a body created by the mind.
Seeking Permission: Encountering the Guardian of the Peak
As you arrive in the sacred region of Sri Pada, also known as Samanala Kanda (Butterfly Mountain), it is vital to remember that this area is protected by a guardian deity. We all know him from our history, mentioned in chronicles like the Mahavamsa and Deepavamsa: the divine king, Sumana Saman Divya Rājā. He is the revered protector of this sacred ground.
As Lankans with a deep culture and respect for tradition, we must act accordingly. Before proceeding, you must ask for permission. You are entering this realm through psychic means, so it is proper to request entry from its divine guardians. Formulate the intention: ‘May I receive the blessings and protection of all the deities of this sacred area. May the divine king Sumana Saman grant me permission to see and worship this holy place.‘ You can speak to him in your own words, from your heart: ‘Venerable Sumana Saman, please grant me permission to view this area with my Third Eye.‘
After making this request, it is very likely that King Sumana Saman himself, or one of his attendants, will appear before you. Do not be afraid. These beings, known as devas, are incredibly beautiful and radiant, unlike anything in the human world. Their appearance inspires a natural feeling of joy and reverence. You may receive a message telepathically, a clear thought in your mind identifying them. Or, if you have developed dibba sota (the divine ear), you may actually hear their voice as clearly as you hear mine now, saying, ‘I am Sumana Saman,’ or ‘I am an attendant of King Sumana Saman.’
An Invitation to a Divine Realm
Once contact is made, the divine being may ask you about your purpose. Simply answer with honesty from your heart. Often, they will then invite you to accompany them, saying, ‘Come with me.‘
They will almost certainly guide you first to their divine abode, the celestial palace or divya māligāva where they reside. You will be shown its breathtaking beauty, the divine assembly, and the celestial attendants. You might even be offered divine food and drink. Do not be surprised if you cannot taste or feel the substance of these offerings; your ability to perceive them depends on the level of your mental development in your third eye meditation practice.
For some, the taste and feeling of fullness will be very real. This is not a fairy tale; I am sharing this from my own experience and the experiences of those around me. The mind, when sufficiently developed, can interact with these subtle realms. Observe the palace’s art, its carvings, and how it has manifested from the power of merit and mind.
The Sacred Destination: Witnessing the True Sri Pada
After you have taken in the beauty of the divine palace, express your wish to Sumana Saman or his attendant: ‘I wish to worship at Sri Pada and also to see the sacred Dīva Guhāva (a cave where the Buddha is said to have meditated). Please grant me permission.‘
From there, they will guide you. You might travel in a celestial chariot, a divya ratha, or simply through the power of psychic travel. They will lead you directly to the sacred footprint itself. As history tells us, the true footprint of the Buddha is not the one we see today; Although the historical background is not described here, it is mentioned that various kings throughout history created replicas above it in order to protect the true sacred footprint. it lies protected beneath layers of history. Your guide will take you to this real, original sacred footprint. There, you will be able to see it, bow down, and worship it. This is a profound opportunity offered through advanced third eye meditation.
The Practice of Gratitude: Sharing Merits
Once you are there, in the presence of the true sacred footprint, you can spend as much time as you wish in meditation. You can work on developing deep states of concentration, known as the jhāna, or radiate boundless loving-kindness (mettā) to all ten directions. After you have completed your practice, there is one final, crucial step. Just as we discussed in the teaching about Ruwanwelisaya, you must share the merits you have gained. Offer these merits to King Sumana Saman, his attendants, and all the divine beings, the yakkhas, nāgas, and all protectors of the Sri Pada region. Extend this merit-sharing to the tree spirits, the devas of the Chātummahārājika realm, and every being, seen and unseen, who resides there. This act of gratitude is immensely important.
Deepening Your Practice Through Repetition
I encourage you to repeat this practice. Journey to Sri Pada again and again to meditate. Return to the relic chamber of Ruwanwelisaya. Visit Sigiriya, a place of immense cosmic and mental energy. Go to the sacred sites in India. Use this ability of third eye meditation and the mind-made body, or manokāya, to visit these powerful places and practice there. Each time you do this, you strengthen the neural pathways in your brain and develop your mind to higher and higher levels. Cultivate a joyful interest in this practice, and your mind will grow strong.
A Blessing for Your Path
With that, I have shared the essential steps for this ninth practical third eye meditation program focused on Sri Pada. For those of you whose Third Eye is open, may you see this clearly and use it to develop your mind. By the power of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha may you succeed in your spiritual endeavors.
And for those whose Third Eye is not yet open, may the power of the Triple Gem give you the strength to develop your mind to this level. Be inspired to practice meditation with great effort. Abandon laziness and sleepiness and cultivate a deep joy for meditation. May you succeed in opening your Third Eye.
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!
