Categories: Cosmic Spiritual Practice
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
Today, through our spiritual teachings, I wish to explain a topic that some of you may already be familiar with: the phenomenon known as Universal Spiritual Exercises. What exactly are these exercises? You can think of them as a gift from the universe, a form of cosmic energy, or what we might call Vishwa Shakthiya (Universal Energy). This energy manifests within us as a natural, spontaneous type of physical movement. This is what we refer to as Universal Spiritual Exercises.
These experiences are not something we force; they come to us naturally. Their appearance is often connected to our past merits. the positive actions, or pina, we have accumulated throughout our long journey in Saṃsāra, the cycle of birth and rebirth. They can also arise from our habitual meditation practice, particularly if we have engaged in Samatha Bhāvanā, which is a form of meditation aimed at developing deep tranquility and concentration. These energies begin to flow into our bodies, and it is important for us to understand what is happening.
Why Do These Movements Occur and Who Experiences Them?
Among those who practice meditation with us, there is a wide range of experiences. Some have opened their Third Eye, some perceive signs of light, or āloka saññā, and others see clear images. At the same time, many practice without their Third Eye being open. Some individuals, without these specific signs, may still attain states of deep concentration (samādhi) or meditative absorption (dhyāna) and develop various other abilities.
We have heard from many practitioners, through messages and calls, that these spontaneous movements occur regardless of their specific meditation path. This confirms that the Universal Spiritual Exercises can be received by anyone. It is a gift that arrives according to one’s karmic merit from past lives. It’s crucial to understand that there is no rule that one must receive this. It happens for some, and we should simply acknowledge this reality with understanding.
The True Purpose: Preparing the Body for Deeper Practice
So, what is the purpose of this phenomenon?
The primary function of these Universal Spiritual Exercises is to prepare our physical body for deeper spiritual work. The movements help our body align itself, making it possible to sit with a straight spine for meditation and to advance our spiritual energies. The nerves in our body and the neural pathways in our brain are naturally adjusted and prepared by us, through this process.
This preparation allows the universal energy to flow and operate freely throughout the entire body. Our own energy system becomes activated and organized. This is the main outcome of these exercises. Based on nearly a decade of direct, practical experience with this phenomenon, we know this to be a natural and beneficial process.
We ourselves experienced these things in the early stages of our practice, and our teachings come from this direct, personal understanding.
Is This a Spirit Possession? Debunking a Common Fear
When these movements begin, a common question arises: is this the work of a non-human / un-seen entity?
People call us and describe their experiences: ‘Venerable Sir, when I meditate, my neck starts turning on its own.‘ Others say their hands and feet lift up, their spine bends forward, or their whole body sways.
They often ask, ‘Is this a non-human problem. a ghost or spirit?’
The answer is unequivocally no. This is not a non-human issue. Consider this: when these movements were happening to us years ago, we were always in a state of complete mindfulness, or sihiya. As people who cultivate mental energy, who identify our mental defilements (klēśa) and follow the Buddha’s path of insight meditation (Vipassanā), we remain fully conscious throughout this process. How could a non-human entity possess us when we are grounded in mindfulness?
Furthermore, when we engage in practices like Maitrī Bhāvanā (loving-kindness meditation), make offerings to the Buddha (Buddha Pūjā), and recite protective chants (pirit), we create a field of protective energy. In such a state, where is the room for a non-human to enter?
It simply does not happen. So, is it a god? A Brahma? An extraterrestrial being?
No. It is the pure energy of the universe entering your body.
Activating the Energy: The Power of Three Intentions
How does this universal energy become active?
It is triggered by the three powerful intentions, or adhiṣṭhāna, that we have taught. We consciously make these resolutions:
- “May all the subtle energies of the universe be available to me.”
- “May all the skills and abilities I have cultivated throughout my many past lives be reawakened within me.”
- “May all the dormant spiritual energies resting within me become fully active.”
It is these very intentions that are being put into action. During this entire process, you remain fully mindful. So, you must understand and realize with certainty: this is not a non-human, a god, a Brahma, an alien, or any other unseen force. We say this with 100% conviction from our own direct experience.
In the beginning, we too had such thoughts, but over time, we understood the true nature of this process.
The Spectrum of Experiences: From Martial Arts to Ancient Mantras
When this energy is active, a vast range of experiences can occur, unique to each individual’s past karmic imprints. We have seen people spontaneously perform movements from Aṅgampora, a traditional Sri Lankan martial art. If you practiced karate or another martial art in a past life, those movements could re-emerge.
You might find yourself reciting mantras (sacred verses) or ślokas (poetic stanzas), sometimes in languages you do not know. Knowledge of Nāḍi Śāstra (the science of the body’s energy channels) can arise, giving you the ability to feel and read pulses. Your body might naturally move into complex yoga postures.
Please understand, I am speaking in general terms. I cannot say with certainty that these specific things will happen to you. Do not assume that all of these experiences will occur. You might experience something else entirely, not mentioned here. Or you might experience all of them, or just one or two. Memories of a past life, or pera bhavaya, may also surface. For those whose Third Eye is open, the experiences can be even more diverse.
This is simply a process of your own past skills and knowledge from Saṃsāra reawakening.
A Practical Guide: How to Practice Safely and Effectively
There is a specific way to engage with these exercises. If you live alone, it is very simple; you just need to close the doors and windows. If you live with family, you will need to find a private time and space. It’s important not to confuse this practice with your formal meditation.
CRITICAL ADVICE: Do not try to initiate these exercises during your sitting meditation sessions, whether you are practicing Third Eye meditation, loving-kindness meditation, or any other formal technique. During meditation, your focus should be solely on developing the mind. If the energy arises and your neck starts to turn, gently ignore it and bring your focus back to the meditation object. You have the power to stop it, so do not mix the two practices.
Instead, follow this method:
- Go into your room and close the door and windows.
- Stand up, close your eyes, and let your arms hang loosely at your sides.
- Mentally repeat the three intentions (adhiṣṭhāna) I mentioned earlier.
- If any fear arises, radiate thoughts of loving-kindness (mettā), wishing ‘May all beings be well and happy.‘
- Remain mindful. Allow the movements to happen naturally.
Practice for as long as you need. Sometimes the process can take a long time to complete three months, even a year. Practice until you break a sweat, feel tired, or sense that the session is complete for now. Your body might lie on the floor performing yoga, you might chant mantras, or many other things could happen. Trust the process.
You Are Always in Control: The Power of Mindfulness
The key to this practice is mindfulness (sihiya). You are never unconscious. Let me give you an example from our own experience. If we were in our room doing these exercises and someone knocked on the door, we could mindfully stop the movements, walk to the door, open it, have a conversation, and then return to the practice.
This proves that you are in full control. You will remember everything that happens from beginning to end. The only time it would be a problem is if you were to lose consciousness, but that does not happen in this process. You must remain mindful, using the same present-moment awareness we have discussed in other teachings.
Through this mindful process, your body becomes like its own massage center. You will find your own hands pressing on your head, adjusting your nerves, and re-aligning your energy system. Your body heals and prepares itself for the spiritual journey ahead.
The Body’s Message: What Happens If You Ignore the Urge?
What happens if you feel the urge for these exercises but you suppress them?
You may start to experience physical discomfort. Your body might feel heavy and sore, you could get a neck ache or a headache, or your limbs and fingers might feel weighed down. These symptoms are a message from the universe, a signal that you need to perform the exercises.
Think of it like charging a phone. After you charge your phone to 100%, you use that energy until the battery runs down. In the same way, when the universe gives you this cosmic energy and radiance, you must use it until it is expended. After you complete a session, you will notice a wonderful sense of freedom and lightness in your body. This is the natural cycle of receiving and expressing this energy.
Final Guidance: Who Should Practice and Is It Necessary?
Let me offer some final advice to ensure there is no confusion. These Universal Spiritual Exercises do not happen to everyone. They can happen to someone whose Third Eye is open, and they can happen to someone whose is not. Please do not feel sad or disappointed if they do not happen to you. It is not a requirement.
To develop your mind, awaken Kundalini energy, cultivate meditative states (dhyāna), or gain various abilities, you do not need to experience these physical exercises. There is no such rule.
You might also wonder, ‘If I don’t do these exercises, will my universal energy, my Kundalini energy, and my chakras not awaken?‘
That is not true. Whether these exercises happen or not, from the very first day you begin meditating according to the practices we teach, these processes of awakening start within you. Your mind develops, often without you even realizing it.
Therefore, this guidance is specifically for those who are already experiencing the spontaneous signs, the neck turning, the swaying, and other involuntary movements. Only these individuals should set aside time for this practice. Others should not try to force it. Please understand this distinction clearly.
I hope this brief teaching has brought you clarity. If you have further questions, please feel free to put them forward so we can address them in a future teaching for the benefit of all. Now, I will conclude this article.
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 section 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!
