I've never seen anyone break down Meditation like this before. I used to meditate nearly every day at one point, many years ago. I think I might have dipped into Phase 3 a few times. Unfortunately since I started meditating again recently I'm mostly in Phase 1 & 2. I like how you've explained it and it's actually motivating me to continue meditating and take it a bit more seriously.
I too have been intermittently trying to meditate. I find the moments of 'emptiness' but they are fleeting with my inner voice barging in excitedly stating the obvious, "Hey, that was perfect calm!" Then I'm back to knocking back the voice and intrusive thoughts like a firefighter with ADD. This video actually makes me want to embrace more patience in my journey, instead of constantly seeking 'progress'. Good luck to you.
Thankyou Ben, so glad to have found your channel. My Dad taught me to meditate in my early 20's. It waxed & waned due to going out raving in the 90s. Some years back I was on a silent retreat with Dad in the mountains in Wales. Was on a solo walk after the 4th sit of the day. I experienced what i can only describe as, being welcomed by the forest spirits/forces. It was winter, the further I walked, the more the forest gently lit up. I felt plugged in and connected everything living. I approached a small waterfall, I could see the water running down, but I couldn't hear anything but like a soft reassuring hum surrounding my body. I was hugged by beautiful forces in that forest. I felt just wide open, was accepting of and loved every living being. I believe this is were we need to get back to. Our true essence. Im 53 and still on my path. I'm looking forward to going through your videos. With gratitude Ben 🙏 🌱
I started out on phase 3 myself. It freaked me out for the longest time because I couldn't find anyone to explain what I was going through in meditation. I wish I had had your videos 3 years ago. It would have made things so much easier. Thank you for your videos, Ben❤🙏
I was only saying to my spirit team last night that I have become disillusioned with meditation, that I must be doing something wrong but didn't know how to fix it. Then your video pops up on my RUclips feed. Now I understand that I'm in 'phase 4' and just need to be patient and keep going with it. Thank you for this video. 😊
I have found that Phase 4 is like a paradox... It seems as though nothing is happening, but something is indeed happening. At that stage, the effects of meditation continue outside of meditation. Spiritual growth and a knowing spontaneously happens while going about your regular life. This growth automatically changes one from the person they used to be into something more beautiful, loving and peaceful. Try to not be discouraged. It is working.
Been trying to meditate for 2 years, (ADHD) had a few good experiences but for weeks it's been radio silence. I just finished the 45 minute meditation and ended in complete frustration and tears. After I was speaking out loud asking for help. Come downstairs and your video was on my phone. So beyond grateful - it gave me hope and strength to keep going!! Thank you! 💜🧘♀️💜 and thank you universe for answering my prayers! 💫🙏👼
But what is your endgoal of meditating? I like meditating, but what is your purpose in it? I really want to know why people get so frustrated and what they want to achieve.
@@solidagold115 They want to see or feel a ray of God. And if the God-touch is there, nothing can hold you back in your journey to Self-/God-Realisation.
Thank you. I can so relate to this as phase one, two and four were as you described. I had little activity in phase three but I was not deterred and phase four is a real quietening of the mind and I feel that comes with its own rewards. Your video reminds me to have faith, be humble and keep going and for that I am very grateful. I wish you well.
Omg, thank you so much for this video!!! I have been in phase 4 and I felt discouraged and I didn’t know what was happening. I felt like I went backwards and I even gave up for a while because I thought there was something blocking me. I just got excited again 🎉😊
You're an amazing teacher! I had no idea about these levels when I first started to meditate, but started out in phase 3. Eventually when I started to improve my focus, I got to phase 4 and even touched phase 5. Even though it was clear how restorative phase 4 was, unfortunately I got too attached to experiences in phase 3 and fell off with my practice. I was meditating more out of curiosity than focus or self-improvement. This time around, I'll be proud to get back to phase 4. Patience!
I'm a very spiritual person and I've had many spiritual experiences, as well as psychic and paranormal experiences. But none of them have been in meditation. I've only started meditating and have done it only three times so far. My physical life is unstable and hectic, and I have a lot of obstacles so I can't keep up a daily routine. I used to see ghosts regularly, see UFOs daily, have precogntive dreams every night, and I had a voice in my head that instantly answered any question. Most of that is gone now though, or at least died down a lot. I've been trying to get it back, and move beyond it. I want to be more connected than I've ever been.
@@ChadKingOfficial Yeah, delusions can't be seen by multiple people, nor can they move physical objects, throw things at people, get caught on camera, etc. But I'd know the difference anyway. This stuff is all perfectly normal and just a normal part of life.
@Kanan08pl Well, in a lot of my experiences, I wasn't alone. In some cases, a whole group of people witnessed it. And also in a lot of my poltergeist/shadow figure encounters, physical objects were moved, floated, thrown, knocked over, etc. For example, both I and my brother watched as a cloaked entity "walked" out of the kitchen and put its hand on one of the balls on the pool table, then rolled the ball along the table in front of us, before backing into the kitchen and disappearing. Obviously, delusions wouldn't be seen by multiple people, and wouldn't move physical objects or leave physical evidence (they also left handprints on the walls, among other things). I also had many witnesses to my UFO sightings, though not every time of course. When you're alone though, I suppose you just have to trust yourself and your intuition.
Buddha said that “the experiences” are hindrances to meditation. Meditation is about realising that you are what is aware of everything; including what you normally think of as you.
They’re hindrances if you become attached to them, crave or expect them. But it’s not true to say that all experiences are hindrances. Often times they are a great sign of progress. But yes, to dwell or attach yourself to them is certainly an issue.
only goal in meditation is to have no experience so es long as someone is looking for "experience" in meditation he has not even begun the spiritual journey. he just keeps shopping in the mall of experiences.
This was an unexpected and very timely video! I’ve been at stage 4 after having a stage 5 experience and seem to have lost interest in my practice. Thinking, what’s next? But I know I need to work harder on patience, persistence and intention in this lifetime. The 3 things you pointed out. This has brought it all together for me. Thank you so much!
recently was working on my root chakra, and experienced phases 1-3, and then I will experience phase 4 the for the longest time until phase 3 hits again. I love the way you explained this. Very helpful.
I am so grateful to have found your video as this explains some of my experience and gives me a better understanding of what to look forward to. Thank you!
So glad this video came up as a suggestion. Every time I try to meditate I get stuck at phase 1, but if I just close my eyes in a quiet place and relax, according to this video, I quickly go to phase 3. Sometimes it’s like looking at clouds of various shades of green moving on a black background. Often faces will appear in those clouds, morphing from one face to another. Sometimes I get visions of streets. These are black and white, like old film, but these streets are modern and places I don’t recognise. I find this very relaxing and enjoyable. I suppose the thing I take from this video is stop trying to meditate and just close my eyes and meditate.
Thank you so much for this video. I've been stuck in phase 4 for years and years! Almost made me give up on meditation for a spell. Since I've never had a teacher I had no idea this was a normal phase. Now I know what to do.
Oh that’s good to hear. I started meditating 7 years ago, and started with ‘travelling through the universe’ and then downloading a big ball of static energy (not quite sure what it was) and now I’m at stage 4! Love your teachings, it’s so easy to understand - thank you! xx
ive meditaded for years. The best way i can describe my is if you look at trees outside. They rock back and forth playing with the wind. That is my body in a room. Or also like seaweed on the ocean floor rocking back and forth with the current. Where i am im not going to go into but its my happy place, its just peace. Sometimes you get thoughts that just expand your mind, its almost as if it just grows with more space. You just understand something without knowing it.
I started in phase 3 and experienced everything you mentioned and now I’m in 4. Your videos are so damn helpful I wish I could have found your channel years ago. Thank you
I have been intermittently trying to meditate. I find the moments of 'emptiness' but they are fleeting with my inner voice barging in excitedly stating the obvious, "Hey, that was perfect calm!" Then I'm back to knocking back the voice and intrusive thoughts like a firefighter with ADD. This video actually makes me want to embrace more patience in my journey, instead of constantly seeking 'progress'. It's also very reassuring to know that I'm not simply incompetent in the meditation skill!
Thank you so much Ben. There are times when the RUclips algorithm behaves with uncanny synchronicity. Honestly it is spooky how spot on the timing of me finding this video is. My meditation life began 20 odd years ago, after some mindfulness sessions to help me understand the ramifications of a very difficult relationship breakdown. I think I started at phase 3 and then got to phase 4 relatively quickly. And then I got a bit disenchanted and, after 7 years of looking for answers (and finding some quite marvelous ones like realising that the human spirit doesn't die), boring things like earning a living became an urgent priority. Fast forward 20 years and, two years in to becoming a counsellor, I find myself really wanting to understand what empathy is. So I've started meditating again. I would say that I'm pretty much back to phase 4 and, thanks to you, I now know what that is. Incidentally, I found a very interesting piece about breathwork, which included a (Tibetan, I think) technique which involves laughter starting as the abdomen initiates the exhale. It is really enjoyable and I absolutely love doing it. For one thing the inhale that follows is wonderfully deep and relaxed and for another, sheer joy is not something that hitherto I have associated with meditation.
This is a nice comprehensive layering of recognising nothingness. The biggest misunderstood aspect of meditation is people think you have to block out all your thoughts which is completely inaccurate. You are just the witness to sensations, sounds, feelings and images that come and go. In the same way you cannot "try" and relax, it's an allowance. Over ten years ago I participated in levels 1-3 of reiki attunements and it was a HUGE difference in mind clutter! 🥰🕉🧘♂
I am so glad you made this video. I have been in phase 4 for years and years and hadn't ever done any research into what to expect from meditation I just kind of figured it out. I thought that a clear mind was the end goal and I was routinely practicing something that never went beyond what I was already doing. I always had the thought 'but what from here' and now because of your video I know there is somewhere to progress to.
I still have phases 1 and 2 from time to time, but I can almost always get into the “void”. The void for me is having a completely asleep body and my mind just sits in nothingness. I lose all sense of being. It’s a beautiful place to be. I’ve now started getting the phase 3 images. So I went to phase 4 /5 first then to phase 3. With every meditation I do I feel closer and closer to source. My awareness heightens and gnosis seems to reign down.
Wow, I 've been stuck at level 4 for about 1 year. I wanted the experience from level 3 so bad that I would stop meditating for a few days just so I can regress myself back to the experience from level 3. It worked sometimes but then, the next meditation I was thrown back into the void & the nothingness & it felt uncomfortable at times so I would stop again & I would repeat this pattern over & over again! OMG! Thank you so much for sharing!
I had the fase 3 many many times, and I interpreted as the inner thought of the subconscious mind, fase 4 as the deep dive to unconscious, and 5 a small peek into the unconscious.
I can't tell you how grateful I am that I have found you and your channel I have had my spiritual awakening completely by myself No one that answer questions or to talk to you about it I immediately phase 3 that's where I began I almost gave up thank you for the bottom of my heart
Finally! someone telling me that is normal. I'm in phase 4 for a quit a few years now just blank nothing happpens always thinking "well maybe this is not for me" or "that's it?" and I never found a video or a person who can explain it. I think what you say about "patience, persistence and Intention" is a key for me from now on. Thank you Ben! I really appreciate it
Phase 5 as you say may be unlocking an ability. I've heard a good amount of people on their youtube channels saying that they started progressively channeling after meditating for a while.
Yes, you can leave your body. I scared myself as a kid doing that. I was doing a lying down meditation a few weeks ago and had a premonition of a newsworthy event. Came so fast I couldn’t block it. 😢. Kinda like flossing, hard to start, but the results are undeniable 🎉
@@thesjkexperience That would be astral projection ability(or maybe skill, not sure). Children strongly tend to have an easier access to the spiritual side since they are not yet tainted by ego and society conditioning. Other abilities could be remote view, premonition as you said, telekinesis, third eye vision, etc
Beautiful! How amazing you explained this. So easy to understand. As for me, I face 4 and I'm so happy with that. No expectations. Keep up the good work, and thank you! ❤🎉
Thank you for this great video. I’ve only just started practicing meditation and am currently around the phase 2 stage. Excited to see where my journey takes me.
I experience Phase 5 - Out of Body Experiences and Astral Travel and Lucid Dreams without meditation, but what I do 24/7 is belly breathing and rather than Quiet Mind I’m focused on Pure Mind, only absorbing positive thoughts and experiences. So I don’t watch news, negative movies or listen to music with negative lyrics. I’m fascinated by Hinduism 🕉️ so I watch RUclips videos about Santana Dharma and it keeps me high vibe all day. Hopefully this helps others (belly breathing + pure mind).
I'm on meditation for almost 4 months now. It is BLANK since my first day. Now it is still BLANK but I had learned a lot. Mostly on breathing and controlling the Prana/Qi/Enegy movement. Move it from Ajna to Crown and moving downwards to Root. Then, scanning and moving it to nose, to chin and to all areas of the body scanning through. Still the hardest part is to move the qi from the backbone and up back to the neck. Waiting for breakthrough in the near future. I learn it all from RUclips. I WISH all humans can be AWAKEN as soon as possible so this society will CHANGE ❤ Namaste 🙏🏻 🧘🏻🧘🏻♀️🧘🏻
I am so glad I found your channel! I’ve been meditating so much this year and wondering if I’m doing it right. Recently I’ve felt that “void,” and I end my meditation thinking I wasn’t tapping in like I should’ve been. I started seeing faces and it actually scared me for quite some time and deterred me from continuing. I’ve held myself back for years because I know I can be extremely sensitive and one experience left me so traumatized. After seeing faces during my meditation, it was especially eerie because the experience seeped into my dreams as I started to have more visitation dreams. The first time I saw the faces, I went to bed and had a dream that I had opened my door and let all these strangers in after feeling an energy and hearing an annoyed voice of what I presume was a spirit trying to tell me a name. Eventually I got back to it but I started to doubt the faces.. I still think my mind creates these things out of boredom but the “coincidences” have been hard to ignore. I met my spirit guide for the first time and asked for confirmation irl that I wasn’t imagining it.. when I received it, I was in shock. Now I’ve started to feel energy. I feel the energy in my palms circulating and sometimes I see nothing but I FEEL like there’s an energy trying to come through because my head starts to feel tight… I got a name and found out that I was probably channeling a man who used to live in my same apartment as me but he passed away this year (not in the apt). When I was done with that meditation, I felt so faint for the first time. Often times my meditation ends abruptly now because I get the startling feeling that someone just walked in on me. I wrote a lot because I just needed a space to share those experiences. No one in my circle meditates and I’ve been considering getting some spiritual coaching for my experiences and my dreams. Anyway, this was so helpful!
Ok i will share my odyssey here I think i started directly with phase 3 i saw white lights had immense pleasure and many more such experiences. After this i had a lot of thoughts while meditation i watched too much philosophy i asked people some random questions like what’s the purpose of life, why should i live and how are they living. My mind wandered a lot i had all day night thoughts and i had sleepless nights thinking and thinking what people are doing what i am doing what is right what is wrong how things should be done. I was seeking experiences while meditation but after few months i had realisations a lot of realisations i came out of all delusions and perceptions i created in my mind (religion,philosophy,people near me,etc). Then i stopped thinking at all my thoughts began to cease i was more happy I partially renunciated some sorts of worldy things like eating tasty food, living without fans in summers, no entertainment but still i was addicted to youtube and philosophical kind of videos, i pondered a lot but this time with less delusions and less ego. Ego was the important part i tried to shatter my ego in my own ways. Currently when i meditate i am in a void type of state I don’t create any type of perceptions but some thoughts still come. I try to be more conscious and compassionate , i sometimes seek experiences but ya i not reallly care much and try to realise more and more and become purer than ever. I tried to rise above the common psychology of mind. You know the urge to prove yourself i had a lot but now it is way too less. I now think i am dumb😂 but i am happy. I meditate daily and try to leave all sorts of recreations. I am in 12th standard and i love my existential crisis for me now it is a mystery which I don’t know when it will be unravelled. compassion, shattering of ego, coming out of delusions, renunciation of all sorts of fundamentalism or fanaticism is they KEY for fast progress. Thank you And thank you. Yoi were so calm and composed throughout the videos you were soothing and charming the way you explained was mesmerising
the reason is กรรม. gam. or Kharma, if you prefer. Kharma is the lesson. you are the facilitator of that lesson. The other being inside you, asleep, unborn, is the object for whom the lesson is directed. To realise this there are two different meditations to learn and MASTER. the first is samathi, or concentration meditation. this is single point focus, and it's practiced until the concentration flows. you will feel it flow, and doesn't require you 'see' anything. it's the most common taught and understood meditation techniques, but it has limited use, and is 'designed' primarily as an adjunct tool to wipasana, which is awareness meditation. thus, samathi is used to stay in wipasana. wipasana is the observance of motion. motion of the body - walking, motion of sound and sight, and mind. it is done off the cushion in daily life. the results come quickly if done for prolonged periods. it is s subtle, and it will take a while to get it. Try it. Stand up. walk 10 paces bare foot. with each step observe the motion of the foot as it's lifted up, over and down. if it helps, say in your mind, left foot rising, left foot moving, left foot landing. Take your time. go into the practice 100%. Right foot rising... etc. examine with your mind each sensory input as they come in. pressure on the toes, hot, cold, soft, hard - so much to look at. Listen for the bones as you take a step. continue this mediation as you shower, drive, etc. Begin to observe thought as it arises. examine. It is a most beautiful practice and the true genius of Buddha as any fool can stop the mind, but it's what you do with it that's important. and i encourage you to try. the results are spectacular. Movement and Repose. EC.
Wow. Thanks for explaining. I've been in Phase 4 for 20 years! Very little experience. I only continue because meditation is still the greatest restfulness and, like you, I need to remember the whole truth.
I began meditating with guided audios, so my visions were always inducted by what I was hearing. Eventually I decided to try and meditate on my own and almost immediately went to phase 4. The world felt like it condensed in a small sphere in front of me, I felt a gigantic expansion, but then I was in a void of absolute calmness and stillness. And you’re right, I stopped there bc that went on about many months and didn’t feel like progress. Back then I didn’t know anything about meditation other than mind is supposed to stand still, so this feeling of exiting existence into a void was completely unexpected.
I do really appreciate for this video. Before watching this clip. I thought my meditation wasn’t improving and now I know that I am in the void stage. Thank you for letting us know.
Im self taught with a few videos and articles to assist. Feels good to know that I’ve gone through the phases and often reach phase 4. Reassuring. Thank you
Thank you so much for this! I started meditating a few years ago and learned quickly. I entered phase 3 easily. I had a really short time in phase 4 and experienced a breakthrough that blew my mind. Since then I’ve thought I was doing something wrong, as I didn’t understand how I got there or how to get there again and would always be so disappointed by the “nothing”. This makes me feel so happy and relieved that my experience is normal and I have hope again ❤
Dear Ben, thank you so much. you explained so well, I got a clear picture for my meditation. I hope someday I can jump into stage 5. I will let you know. ❤❤❤
i love meditation so very much and although i’ve never gone passed phase 1 i love how peaceful and beautiful it feels, to be still and to just be its just such a beautiful feeling and honestly i’m okay with only seeing and feeling that for the rest of my life
Thanks so much for the breakdown! I've always wondered how meditation is structured-if it is structured at all. I find that many times I'll traverse between stages 3 and 4 at any given time. So looking forward to stage 5!!
I am in my phase 4 now, it is just deep darkness, fully emptiness and it is amazing to experience, i love doing whenever i get time in my day for 40 to 50 mints by sitting still. It is such a great feeling to be in that darkness to see nothing. Even I forgot if it is really me doing that meditation. But i have gone through all other phases aswell in my last 18 month of meditation practice. Step by step i feel i am progressing and getting connected to real me.
I found the more relaxed my body and breath slowly and deeply in the beginning and just allow and thoughts like Ben explained. Have had visceral feeling, open chakras with out visionary experiences. Never heard this info about phases in meditation thank you Ben
I’m on phase 2 after just more than 3 years meditating. I have been diagnosed with PTSD from childhood. I think that’s what has caused my slow progress 🫤 I have never been discouraged though and I love meditating. I do hours of it some days.
This is a VERY common western misunderstanding. The "purpose" of meditation is more accurately to focus the mind, to become it's master, in order to be able to move past it into higher states of consciousness where so much is available to discover. This is often achieved by giving the mind a single point of focus (in the beginning at least), like the breath and putting all your focus on that one thing to the exclusion of everything else. While this seems simple, sit and follow your breath with your attention and see how long it takes for your mind to, quite without your permission, go elsewhere. Most of us are truly incapable of holding our attention fixed on our breath for even 60 seconds without becoming distracted by other thoughts or unintentionally shifting our attention elsewhere. While western modalities like Mindfullness meditation can teach you to become an astute observer of your thoughts -- and ultimately to let them move through you like images on a screen that you do not need to engage with -- which absolutely has physiological and psychological benefits, especially to the over-busy, over-stimulated and overworked western mind. This is not the Meditation that the ancients, yogi's and masters of the east were pointing toward when they taught both yoga and meditation. The "point of meditation" as you say, has never been to experience "nothing"... And many long-time practitioners would argue that the point would be more accurately be described as the experience, or more precisely the becoming of "everything".
Well, meditation is a paradox that can’t be understood or explained with the thinking mind. You are all right, yet all wrong. Meditation is the becoming of everything and nothing all at once.
I’m so impatient, i struggle with meditation but what I can say is that none of my experiences have ever been due to meditating. I was on my treadmill when I popped out of my body (I had laser focus trying to concentrate like an athlete lol), I was driving when my heart chakra decided to open up and let me feel another plane of ‘there is no wrong or right per se - everything just is’, and i felt complete serenity, no need to take action on anything, no desire to either. There is a reason why I believe this happened but I’m already writing a novel here. Another time I was walking when for a moment I could sense God in the rustling trees. I’ve also experienced 3 times now on my back in my heart chakra area, the sensation of tingling, like tiny crystals shimmering or something. This has only ever happened in the morning when I’m barely conscious of my waking state. Oh what a lovely feeling it is! I wish I could feel that feeling all the time.
I don't know how it happens, but every time I need help and guidance you always appear with exactly what I need to hear. You explain things so clearly and sincerely. Thank you ❤🙏
Hang in there. It’s worth it. Really focus on breath work. Listen to it like it’s music. Start seeing colored orb like lights behind your eyelids? This is good. Start seeing symbols, objects, faces etc almost like a reverse etchasketch? This is good keep going. Start feeling like you’re in between awake/falling asleep having mini visions with sounds/messages? This is good keep going. Now. If you see yourself levitating above your bed but you know and can still feel your bed? Idk happened once n my arm moved into Maduras on its own i didn’t like it.
I was seeing things when actively practicing, but I've been working with sound frequencies. I may just be more relaxed with a blank mind. I was noticing more bliss, like removing the shackles of everyday life.
i have had many things happen lights, faces, feelings , and emotions talking to other beings not from earth. all bc i chose to have an open mind about what god was. and simply look for truth. you sir are one of the angels i talk about that are flesh and blood and care to just care bc your heart knows the truth. life has nothing to do with you but how u effect others u meet....in my opinion
@@gribwitchwe talked about divinity and one's God being sacred bc each and every one of us form our own view of what god is. that right and wrong are subjective to the culture place time person and belief. love is all that is real. the rest is an energy made by this realm n human thoughts. this is short version though. time is different i say talked it was more of sitting with each other and knowing. there was no words just thoughts and feelings download if u will of knowing's and truths.
I was able to experience colors and vision my first time meditating. I also see written short messages (usually in unknown languages ) when I say my intention at the beginning or ask a question. Grateful for that.
in proper buddhist meditation the craving of experiences & jhanas is attachment and will keep one from attaining any sort of experience. If you’re meditating just to feel something you’re in it for the wrong reasons and probably won’t reap many benefits.
Thank you, Thank you, Ben! You answer my questions. I was desperately wondering why everything suddenly disappeared after seeing faces, symbolic animals, colors, and even a voice (that I believe is my spiritual guide). I try to relax more, raise my vibration, and clean my chakras and nothing. I have no idea why, after having experienced synchronicities and seeing with my third eye, suddenly I have emptiness and darkness; I thought I was doing something wrong; now, with your video, I know that the best is still to come and that I have to be patience, persistence and be disciplined.
Been thinking about trying meditation again since I never got a clear process on meditation and stopped a decade ago, but this broke things down in a way I can comprehend what is usually where. Definitely a good meditation guide! Quick and understandable. I'm a very patient and calm person most of the time if trauma responses don't kick in. So, it leaves me interested and curious what my progress will be like.
1 question isnt phase 4 in itself great? The calmness? Isnt that part of the gift of meditation. Especially if you have a background of anxiety etc that seems like enough reason for me to meditate forever
@@TheRobel101 Im sick of being stuck. Ive been meditating for over 20yrs. At the start i saw colours and even faces of ppl i didnt know. Also black and white photos. One i remember was of a man from around the 30s 40s leaning on a car like he was proud of it. Another was like a school photo of a girl. I couldn't believe it. Tbh it made me nervous. Maybe thats why it stopped because it scared me. But now years later id like to see things again. But nothing.
@@TheRobel101 Sorry. Not for me personally. I've been searching for a type of meditation that feels right for me. Im useless at guided meditations and with just the music my mind wonders. Recently ive been trying Sunny Shammas meditations and i think theyre right for me.
@@juliataylor4385 ok i think you should keep looking for what works for you but just maybe its your desire for past stage 4 thats stopping you. Maybe you just try some acceptance mantras? Idk im new to this. One more question do you suffer from anxiety / depression? Because im wondering if youre at stage 4 you must not since stage 4 is a calmness.
I started meditating off and on about 5 years ago. 4 months ago, I was still at stage 1. 3 months into this meditation journey being taken seriously, I find myself at stage 4. I am so grateful to have found this video because I was becoming disheartened, thinking I was making no progress. Interestingly, I have no recollection of a 3rd stage. I went from 50 years of an extremely noisy mind to stage 4 in what now feels like a blink of an eye. I feel so much better about this journey. Thank you!
I went through phase 4 right away I started at phase one and for me I just was more into your silent meditation quietness I love it emptiness is what you say Deliverance of the mind amazing everything everybody here is okay you are okay I am okay we're all doing great
Thank you for those explainations. I have not experienced phase 5 yet. A few times i experienced phase 4, and for me, this emptiness and total peace were a pure bliss! Made me feel sooo good! But it was always short live: after a few seconds my mind would come back and interupt this calm with toughts saying something like: "I want this to continue longer"... then of course I would loose that peaceful emptiness. Also, in phase 4, I often experiment something like waves of energy shivering throughout my entire body, and intense tickling on top of my head. Don't know much about chakras but i suppose it has something to do with the energy moving through my energetic body and out (or in... I don't know!) of my crown chakra. Finally, I would say that most of the time, my meditations stay stuck in phase 2, but sometimes i can go further and experience phases 3 and 4.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Looking for guidance and support with meditation and your spiritual path? Check out my online school: www.skool.com/inner-journey-school/about
I've never seen anyone break down Meditation like this before. I used to meditate nearly every day at one point, many years ago. I think I might have dipped into Phase 3 a few times. Unfortunately since I started meditating again recently I'm mostly in Phase 1 & 2. I like how you've explained it and it's actually motivating me to continue meditating and take it a bit more seriously.
I too have been intermittently trying to meditate. I find the moments of 'emptiness' but they are fleeting with my inner voice barging in excitedly stating the obvious, "Hey, that was perfect calm!" Then I'm back to knocking back the voice and intrusive thoughts like a firefighter with ADD. This video actually makes me want to embrace more patience in my journey, instead of constantly seeking 'progress'. Good luck to you.
The book the mind illuminated also breaks it down with plenty of details
Look up the wim hoff method and meditate right after
Thankyou Ben, so glad to have found your channel.
My Dad taught me to meditate in my early 20's. It waxed & waned due to going out raving in the 90s.
Some years back I was on a silent retreat with Dad in the mountains in Wales.
Was on a solo walk after the 4th sit of the day.
I experienced what i can only describe as, being welcomed by the forest spirits/forces. It was winter, the further I walked, the more the forest gently lit up.
I felt plugged in and connected everything living.
I approached a small waterfall, I could see the water running down, but I couldn't hear anything but like a soft reassuring hum surrounding my body.
I was hugged by beautiful forces in that forest.
I felt just wide open, was accepting of and loved every living being.
I believe this is were we need to get back to.
Our true essence.
Im 53 and still on my path.
I'm looking forward to going through your videos.
With gratitude Ben 🙏 🌱
Yes, the woods speak to us if only we listen. Thanks for sharing your story about the mountains
Wow, amazing experience, something I'm sure you'll never forget?
Someone once said to me: try to fall in love with what is between the thoughts, cause what you love you hold on to
Patience and persistence are very hard to find when you are in constant pain. On another level, what a gentle soul you are, Ben.
I started out on phase 3 myself. It freaked me out for the longest time because I couldn't find anyone to explain what I was going through in meditation. I wish I had had your videos 3 years ago. It would have made things so much easier. Thank you for your videos, Ben❤🙏
Sometimes the people around you won't understand your journey. They don't need to ,it's not for them🎉
Yeah but we should stop creating perceptions about them. Only thing we can do is love and compassion
Thank you this is so reassuring as I had given up as figured I just couldn’t do it. 🙏
I was only saying to my spirit team last night that I have become disillusioned with meditation, that I must be doing something wrong but didn't know how to fix it. Then your video pops up on my RUclips feed. Now I understand that I'm in 'phase 4' and just need to be patient and keep going with it. Thank you for this video. 😊
You and I both. Tired of recurrent visions in Phase 4 but will continue to meditate.
@@gribwitch Sad to me that you have to react this way. Perhaps with time you will come to see more light.
@@teresal5553 how to progress is the question?
@@pug7053 No, the patience to wait for the right timing.
I have found that Phase 4 is like a paradox... It seems as though nothing is happening, but something is indeed happening. At that stage, the effects of meditation continue outside of meditation. Spiritual growth and a knowing spontaneously happens while going about your regular life. This growth automatically changes one from the person they used to be into something more beautiful, loving and peaceful. Try to not be discouraged. It is working.
This video is brilliant. Never heard someone put it this way and break it down like this. Thank you. 👊🏼😊
Been trying to meditate for 2 years, (ADHD) had a few good experiences but for weeks it's been radio silence. I just finished the 45 minute meditation and ended in complete frustration and tears. After I was speaking out loud asking for help. Come downstairs and your video was on my phone. So beyond grateful - it gave me hope and strength to keep going!! Thank you! 💜🧘♀️💜 and thank you universe for answering my prayers! 💫🙏👼
But what is your endgoal of meditating? I like meditating, but what is your purpose in it? I really want to know why people get so frustrated and what they want to achieve.
@@solidagold115 They want to see or feel a ray of God. And if the God-touch is there, nothing can hold you back in your journey to Self-/God-Realisation.
Thank you. I can so relate to this as phase one, two and four were as you described. I had little activity in phase three but I was not deterred and phase four is a real quietening of the mind and I feel that comes with its own rewards. Your video reminds me to have faith, be humble and keep going and for that I am very grateful. I wish you well.
Omg, thank you so much for this video!!! I have been in phase 4 and I felt discouraged and I didn’t know what was happening. I felt like I went backwards and I even gave up for a while because I thought there was something blocking me. I just got excited again 🎉😊
Thank you! I'm so grateful for this video 💚 I believe I'm in stage 4 and feeling kinda stuck. Now I understand why
You're an amazing teacher!
I had no idea about these levels when I first started to meditate, but started out in phase 3. Eventually when I started to improve my focus, I got to phase 4 and even touched phase 5. Even though it was clear how restorative phase 4 was, unfortunately I got too attached to experiences in phase 3 and fell off with my practice. I was meditating more out of curiosity than focus or self-improvement.
This time around, I'll be proud to get back to phase 4. Patience!
I am on Phase 4 now and I was wondering why I stop growing, your video helped me realized there are further phases and I shouldn't stop meditation.
I'm a very spiritual person and I've had many spiritual experiences, as well as psychic and paranormal experiences. But none of them have been in meditation. I've only started meditating and have done it only three times so far. My physical life is unstable and hectic, and I have a lot of obstacles so I can't keep up a daily routine.
I used to see ghosts regularly, see UFOs daily, have precogntive dreams every night, and I had a voice in my head that instantly answered any question. Most of that is gone now though, or at least died down a lot. I've been trying to get it back, and move beyond it. I want to be more connected than I've ever been.
Are you sure you aren't experiencing delusions?
@@ChadKingOfficial Yeah, delusions can't be seen by multiple people, nor can they move physical objects, throw things at people, get caught on camera, etc. But I'd know the difference anyway. This stuff is all perfectly normal and just a normal part of life.
How do you know thoes are real and not just delusion? Asking to be able to diffrentiate when I have something like that
@Kanan08pl Well, in a lot of my experiences, I wasn't alone. In some cases, a whole group of people witnessed it. And also in a lot of my poltergeist/shadow figure encounters, physical objects were moved, floated, thrown, knocked over, etc. For example, both I and my brother watched as a cloaked entity "walked" out of the kitchen and put its hand on one of the balls on the pool table, then rolled the ball along the table in front of us, before backing into the kitchen and disappearing. Obviously, delusions wouldn't be seen by multiple people, and wouldn't move physical objects or leave physical evidence (they also left handprints on the walls, among other things). I also had many witnesses to my UFO sightings, though not every time of course. When you're alone though, I suppose you just have to trust yourself and your intuition.
@@ShizuruNakatsu okay, thanks!
Buddha said that “the experiences” are hindrances to meditation. Meditation is about realising that you are what is aware of everything; including what you normally think of as you.
Yup
Buddhist monk here, yup 👍
They’re hindrances if you become attached to them, crave or expect them. But it’s not true to say that all experiences are hindrances. Often times they are a great sign of progress. But yes, to dwell or attach yourself to them is certainly an issue.
I think it would be more of a hindrance for me to try to stop my experiences. Just observe them and feel amazing.
@@SleepingTiger-vlog I agree. What I believe Buddha was saying was not to get fascinated by them or want to hold onto them.
Im so glad someone finally explains this so the rest of us that don’t get mediation can understand! Thank you!
only goal in meditation is to have no experience so es long as someone is looking for "experience" in meditation he has not even begun the spiritual journey. he just keeps shopping in the mall of experiences.
Amazing video brother 🙏
Thank you all you do!!!
This was an unexpected and very timely video! I’ve been at stage 4 after having a stage 5 experience and seem to have lost interest in my practice. Thinking, what’s next? But I know I need to work harder on patience, persistence and intention in this lifetime. The 3 things you pointed out. This has brought it all together for me. Thank you so much!
Well done! Just don't give up! Everyone's mission is different.
recently was working on my root chakra, and experienced phases 1-3, and then I will experience phase 4 the for the longest time until phase 3 hits again. I love the way you explained this. Very helpful.
I am so grateful to have found your video as this explains some of my experience and gives me a better understanding of what to look forward to. Thank you!
Brilliant teaching. I love how practical and real your teaching style is. Your experience shines through ☀️ thanks Ben!
So glad this video came up as a suggestion. Every time I try to meditate I get stuck at phase 1, but if I just close my eyes in a quiet place and relax, according to this video, I quickly go to phase 3. Sometimes it’s like looking at clouds of various shades of green moving on a black background. Often faces will appear in those clouds, morphing from one face to another. Sometimes I get visions of streets. These are black and white, like old film, but these streets are modern and places I don’t recognise. I find this very relaxing and enjoyable. I suppose the thing I take from this video is stop trying to meditate and just close my eyes and meditate.
Thank you so much for this video. I've been stuck in phase 4 for years and years! Almost made me give up on meditation for a spell. Since I've never had a teacher I had no idea this was a normal phase. Now I know what to do.
Today, flashing light and colors
Yes😊
Oh that’s good to hear. I started meditating 7 years ago, and started with ‘travelling through the universe’ and then downloading a big ball of static energy (not quite sure what it was) and now I’m at stage 4! Love your teachings, it’s so easy to understand - thank you! xx
ive meditaded for years. The best way i can describe my is if you look at trees outside. They rock back and forth playing with the wind. That is my body in a room. Or also like seaweed on the ocean floor rocking back and forth with the current. Where i am im not going to go into but its my happy place, its just peace.
Sometimes you get thoughts that just expand your mind, its almost as if it just grows with more space. You just understand something without knowing it.
I started in phase 3 and experienced everything you mentioned and now I’m in 4. Your videos are so damn helpful I wish I could have found your channel years ago. Thank you
I have been intermittently trying to meditate. I find the moments of 'emptiness' but they are fleeting with my inner voice barging in excitedly stating the obvious, "Hey, that was perfect calm!" Then I'm back to knocking back the voice and intrusive thoughts like a firefighter with ADD. This video actually makes me want to embrace more patience in my journey, instead of constantly seeking 'progress'. It's also very reassuring to know that I'm not simply incompetent in the meditation skill!
Thank you so much Ben.
There are times when the RUclips algorithm behaves with uncanny synchronicity. Honestly it is spooky how spot on the timing of me finding this video is.
My meditation life began 20 odd years ago, after some mindfulness sessions to help me understand the ramifications of a very difficult relationship breakdown. I think I started at phase 3 and then got to phase 4 relatively quickly. And then I got a bit disenchanted and, after 7 years of looking for answers (and finding some quite marvelous ones like realising that the human spirit doesn't die), boring things like earning a living became an urgent priority.
Fast forward 20 years and, two years in to becoming a counsellor, I find myself really wanting to understand what empathy is. So I've started meditating again. I would say that I'm pretty much back to phase 4 and, thanks to you, I now know what that is.
Incidentally, I found a very interesting piece about breathwork, which included a (Tibetan, I think) technique which involves laughter starting as the abdomen initiates the exhale. It is really enjoyable and I absolutely love doing it. For one thing the inhale that follows is wonderfully deep and relaxed and for another, sheer joy is not something that hitherto I have associated with meditation.
This is a nice comprehensive layering of recognising nothingness. The biggest misunderstood aspect of meditation is
people think you have to block out all your thoughts which is completely inaccurate. You are just the witness to sensations, sounds, feelings and images that come and go. In the same way you cannot "try" and relax, it's an allowance.
Over ten years ago I participated in levels 1-3 of reiki attunements and it was a HUGE difference in mind clutter! 🥰🕉🧘♂
I am so glad you made this video. I have been in phase 4 for years and years and hadn't ever done any research into what to expect from meditation I just kind of figured it out. I thought that a clear mind was the end goal and I was routinely practicing something that never went beyond what I was already doing. I always had the thought 'but what from here' and now because of your video I know there is somewhere to progress to.
I'm stuck in phase 4 for a couple months now. This video is exactly what I needed to see right now. My gratitude.🙏
I still have phases 1 and 2 from time to time, but I can almost always get into the “void”. The void for me is having a completely asleep body and my mind just sits in nothingness. I lose all sense of being. It’s a beautiful place to be. I’ve now started getting the phase 3 images. So I went to phase 4 /5 first then to phase 3. With every meditation I do I feel closer and closer to source. My awareness heightens and gnosis seems to reign down.
Wow, I 've been stuck at level 4 for about 1 year. I wanted the experience from level 3 so bad that I would stop meditating for a few days just so I can regress myself back to the experience from level 3. It worked sometimes but then, the next meditation I was thrown back into the void & the nothingness & it felt uncomfortable at times so I would stop again & I would repeat this pattern over & over again! OMG! Thank you so much for sharing!
Hi Ben, so pleased I found you here today. Looking forward to catching on up all your other clips. Have a wonderful day 🌟🙏🌈
Thank you for all your encouragement ❤
Great video. I'm new to this but learn new stuff daily. I think I touched phase 3 today... saw a face and some lines of colors.
I had the fase 3 many many times, and I interpreted as the inner thought of the subconscious mind, fase 4 as the deep dive to unconscious, and 5 a small peek into the unconscious.
I can't tell you how grateful I am that I have found you and your channel I have had my spiritual awakening completely by myself No one that answer questions or to talk to you about it I immediately phase 3 that's where I began I almost gave up thank you for the bottom of my heart
nice love this thank you :)
Finally! someone telling me that is normal. I'm in phase 4 for a quit a few years now just blank nothing happpens always thinking "well maybe this is not for me" or "that's it?" and I never found a video or a person who can explain it. I think what you say about "patience, persistence and Intention" is a key for me from now on. Thank you Ben! I really appreciate it
Phase 5 as you say may be unlocking an ability. I've heard a good amount of people on their youtube channels saying that they started progressively channeling after meditating for a while.
Yes, you can leave your body. I scared myself as a kid doing that. I was doing a lying down meditation a few weeks ago and had a premonition of a newsworthy event. Came so fast I couldn’t block it. 😢. Kinda like flossing, hard to start, but the results are undeniable 🎉
@@thesjkexperience That would be astral projection ability(or maybe skill, not sure). Children strongly tend to have an easier access to the spiritual side since they are not yet tainted by ego and society conditioning. Other abilities could be remote view, premonition as you said, telekinesis, third eye vision, etc
Great teaching! Thanks for sharing!❤️👍🏻🙌🏻🙏
Beautiful! How amazing you explained this. So easy to understand. As for me, I face 4 and I'm so happy with that. No expectations. Keep up the good work, and thank you! ❤🎉
Thank you this is exactly what I needed to hear today 🙏🏼
Such a great insight … thank you so much! Please keep doing videos like this, I learned so much! 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for this great video. I’ve only just started practicing meditation and am currently around the phase 2 stage. Excited to see where my journey takes me.
I experience Phase 5 - Out of Body Experiences and Astral Travel and Lucid Dreams without meditation, but what I do 24/7 is belly breathing and rather than Quiet Mind I’m focused on Pure Mind, only absorbing positive thoughts and experiences. So I don’t watch news, negative movies or listen to music with negative lyrics. I’m fascinated by Hinduism 🕉️ so I watch RUclips videos about Santana Dharma and it keeps me high vibe all day. Hopefully this helps others (belly breathing + pure mind).
dont focus on more positive thoughts, focus on less negative thoughts. You dont want more of anything, just less of everything.
I'm on meditation for almost 4 months now. It is BLANK since my first day.
Now it is still BLANK but I had learned a lot. Mostly on breathing and controlling the Prana/Qi/Enegy movement. Move it from Ajna to Crown and moving downwards to Root. Then, scanning and moving it to nose, to chin and to all areas of the body scanning through.
Still the hardest part is to move the qi from the backbone and up back to the neck.
Waiting for breakthrough in the near future. I learn it all from RUclips.
I WISH all humans can be AWAKEN as soon as possible so this society will CHANGE ❤
Namaste 🙏🏻 🧘🏻🧘🏻♀️🧘🏻
Thank you for the motivation. This is why it is so important and helpful to have a teacher.
I am so glad I found your channel! I’ve been meditating so much this year and wondering if I’m doing it right. Recently I’ve felt that “void,” and I end my meditation thinking I wasn’t tapping in like I should’ve been.
I started seeing faces and it actually scared me for quite some time and deterred me from continuing. I’ve held myself back for years because I know I can be extremely sensitive and one experience left me so traumatized. After seeing faces during my meditation, it was especially eerie because the experience seeped into my dreams as I started to have more visitation dreams.
The first time I saw the faces, I went to bed and had a dream that I had opened my door and let all these strangers in after feeling an energy and hearing an annoyed voice of what I presume was a spirit trying to tell me a name.
Eventually I got back to it but I started to doubt the faces.. I still think my mind creates these things out of boredom but the “coincidences” have been hard to ignore.
I met my spirit guide for the first time and asked for confirmation irl that I wasn’t imagining it.. when I received it, I was in shock.
Now I’ve started to feel energy. I feel the energy in my palms circulating and sometimes I see nothing but I FEEL like there’s an energy trying to come through because my head starts to feel tight… I got a name and found out that I was probably channeling a man who used to live in my same apartment as me but he passed away this year (not in the apt).
When I was done with that meditation, I felt so faint for the first time. Often times my meditation ends abruptly now because I get the startling feeling that someone just walked in on me.
I wrote a lot because I just needed a space to share those experiences. No one in my circle meditates and I’ve been considering getting some spiritual coaching for my experiences and my dreams. Anyway, this was so helpful!
Been stuck in phase 4 for years! Thank you for making things clearer.
Ok i will share my odyssey here
I think i started directly with phase 3 i saw white lights had immense pleasure and many more such experiences. After this i had a lot of thoughts while meditation i watched too much philosophy i asked people some random questions like what’s the purpose of life, why should i live and how are they living.
My mind wandered a lot i had all day night thoughts and i had sleepless nights thinking and thinking what people are doing what i am doing what is right what is wrong how things should be done. I was seeking experiences while meditation but after few months i had realisations a lot of realisations i came out of all delusions and perceptions i created in my mind (religion,philosophy,people near me,etc). Then i stopped thinking at all my thoughts began to cease i was more happy I partially renunciated some sorts of worldy things like eating tasty food, living without fans in summers, no entertainment but still i was addicted to youtube and philosophical kind of videos, i pondered a lot but this time with less delusions and less ego. Ego was the important part i tried to shatter my ego in my own ways.
Currently when i meditate i am in a void type of state I don’t create any type of perceptions but some thoughts still come. I try to be more conscious and compassionate , i sometimes seek experiences but ya i not reallly care much and try to realise more and more and become purer than ever. I tried to rise above the common psychology of mind. You know the urge to prove yourself i had a lot but now it is way too less. I now think i am dumb😂 but i am happy. I meditate daily and try to leave all sorts of recreations. I am in 12th standard and i love my existential crisis for me now it is a mystery which I don’t know when it will be unravelled.
compassion, shattering of ego, coming out of delusions, renunciation of all sorts of fundamentalism or fanaticism is they KEY for fast progress. Thank you
And thank you. Yoi were so calm and composed throughout the videos you were soothing and charming the way you explained was mesmerising
What you’ve explained is 100% spot on that is me.
the reason is กรรม. gam. or Kharma, if you prefer. Kharma is the lesson. you are the facilitator of that lesson. The other being inside you, asleep, unborn, is the object for whom the lesson is directed.
To realise this there are two different meditations to learn and MASTER. the first is samathi, or concentration meditation. this is single point focus, and it's practiced until the concentration flows. you will feel it flow, and doesn't require you 'see' anything. it's the most common taught and understood meditation techniques, but it has limited use, and is 'designed' primarily as an adjunct tool to wipasana, which is awareness meditation. thus, samathi is used to stay in wipasana. wipasana is the observance of motion. motion of the body - walking, motion of sound and sight, and mind. it is done off the cushion in daily life. the results come quickly if done for prolonged periods. it is s subtle, and it will take a while to get it. Try it.
Stand up. walk 10 paces bare foot. with each step observe the motion of the foot as it's lifted up, over and down. if it helps, say in your mind, left foot rising, left foot moving, left foot landing. Take your time. go into the practice 100%. Right foot rising... etc. examine with your mind each sensory input as they come in. pressure on the toes, hot, cold, soft, hard - so much to look at. Listen for the bones as you take a step. continue this mediation as you shower, drive, etc. Begin to observe thought as it arises. examine. It is a most beautiful practice and the true genius of Buddha as any fool can stop the mind, but it's what you do with it that's important. and i encourage you to try. the results are spectacular.
Movement and Repose. EC.
thanks for sharing, helps a ton!
Wow. Thanks for explaining. I've been in Phase 4 for 20 years! Very little experience. I only continue because meditation is still the greatest restfulness and, like you, I need to remember the whole truth.
Thank you, Ben. This makes me want to meditate right now.
Thnx this was just what I needed, now I now im in stage four and need to have patience. And just keep practicing
I began meditating with guided audios, so my visions were always inducted by what I was hearing. Eventually I decided to try and meditate on my own and almost immediately went to phase 4. The world felt like it condensed in a small sphere in front of me, I felt a gigantic expansion, but then I was in a void of absolute calmness and stillness. And you’re right, I stopped there bc that went on about many months and didn’t feel like progress. Back then I didn’t know anything about meditation other than mind is supposed to stand still, so this feeling of exiting existence into a void was completely unexpected.
I do really appreciate for this video. Before watching this clip. I thought my meditation wasn’t improving and now I know that I am in the void stage. Thank you for letting us know.
Im self taught with a few videos and articles to assist. Feels good to know that I’ve gone through the phases and often reach phase 4. Reassuring. Thank you
Thank you so much for this! I started meditating a few years ago and learned quickly. I entered phase 3 easily. I had a really short time in phase 4 and experienced a breakthrough that blew my mind. Since then I’ve thought I was doing something wrong, as I didn’t understand how I got there or how to get there again and would always be so disappointed by the “nothing”. This makes me feel so happy and relieved that my experience is normal and I have hope again ❤
Dear Ben, thank you so much. you explained so well, I got a clear picture for my meditation. I hope someday I can jump into stage 5. I will let you know. ❤❤❤
Great content! Exactly like that I'm in phase 3 after a long journey.
i love meditation so very much and although i’ve never gone passed phase 1 i love how peaceful and beautiful it feels, to be still and to just be its just such a beautiful feeling and honestly i’m okay with only seeing and feeling that for the rest of my life
Thanks so much for the breakdown! I've always wondered how meditation is structured-if it is structured at all. I find that many times I'll traverse between stages 3 and 4 at any given time. So looking forward to stage 5!!
I am in my phase 4 now, it is just deep darkness, fully emptiness and it is amazing to experience, i love doing whenever i get time in my day for 40 to 50 mints by sitting still. It is such a great feeling to be in that darkness to see nothing. Even I forgot if it is really me doing that meditation. But i have gone through all other phases aswell in my last 18 month of meditation practice. Step by step i feel i am progressing and getting connected to real me.
Thank you Ben!!!
It cleared up a lot of things for me.
I love your channel thanks for what you do for everyone :-)
I found the more relaxed my body and breath slowly and deeply in the beginning and just allow and thoughts like Ben explained. Have had visceral feeling, open chakras with out visionary experiences. Never heard this info about phases in meditation thank you Ben
I’m on phase 2 after just more than 3 years meditating. I have been diagnosed with PTSD from childhood. I think that’s what has caused my slow progress 🫤 I have never been discouraged though and I love meditating. I do hours of it some days.
I was under the impression that the point of meditation was precisely that, to experience a bit of 'nothing'
There is no nothing
This is a VERY common western misunderstanding. The "purpose" of meditation is more accurately to focus the mind, to become it's master, in order to be able to move past it into higher states of consciousness where so much is available to discover. This is often achieved by giving the mind a single point of focus (in the beginning at least), like the breath and putting all your focus on that one thing to the exclusion of everything else. While this seems simple, sit and follow your breath with your attention and see how long it takes for your mind to, quite without your permission, go elsewhere. Most of us are truly incapable of holding our attention fixed on our breath for even 60 seconds without becoming distracted by other thoughts or unintentionally shifting our attention elsewhere.
While western modalities like Mindfullness meditation can teach you to become an astute observer of your thoughts -- and ultimately to let them move through you like images on a screen that you do not need to engage with -- which absolutely has physiological and psychological benefits, especially to the over-busy, over-stimulated and overworked western mind. This is not the Meditation that the ancients, yogi's and masters of the east were pointing toward when they taught both yoga and meditation. The "point of meditation" as you say, has never been to experience "nothing"... And many long-time practitioners would argue that the point would be more accurately be described as the experience, or more precisely the becoming of "everything".
Well, meditation is a paradox that can’t be understood or explained with the thinking mind. You are all right, yet all wrong. Meditation is the becoming of everything and nothing all at once.
enlightenment cannot be described but also is described exactly like that (while not being contradicting) so some say
I’m so impatient, i struggle with meditation but what I can say is that none of my experiences have ever been due to meditating. I was on my treadmill when I popped out of my body (I had laser focus trying to concentrate like an athlete lol), I was driving when my heart chakra decided to open up and let me feel another plane of ‘there is no wrong or right per se - everything just is’, and i felt complete serenity, no need to take action on anything, no desire to either. There is a reason why I believe this happened but I’m already writing a novel here.
Another time I was walking when for a moment I could sense God in the rustling trees. I’ve also experienced 3 times now on my back in my heart chakra area, the sensation of tingling, like tiny crystals shimmering or something. This has only ever happened in the morning when I’m barely conscious of my waking state. Oh what a lovely feeling it is! I wish I could feel that feeling all the time.
Thank you so much. I am currently in stage 4 and have a tendency to stop. Now I know to keep going😊
I don't know how it happens, but every time I need help and guidance you always appear with exactly what I need to hear. You explain things so clearly and sincerely. Thank you ❤🙏
Thank you for this!
Regarding phase 3, it was my question that no one could answer, but you did. Wonderful explanation. Thanks a lot!
Thank you! definitely in phase 4 right now.
Hang in there. It’s worth it. Really focus on breath work. Listen to it like it’s music. Start seeing colored orb like lights behind your eyelids? This is good. Start seeing symbols, objects, faces etc almost like a reverse etchasketch? This is good keep going. Start feeling like you’re in between awake/falling asleep having mini visions with sounds/messages? This is good keep going. Now. If you see yourself levitating above your bed but you know and can still feel your bed? Idk happened once n my arm moved into Maduras on its own i didn’t like it.
I was seeing things when actively practicing, but I've been working with sound frequencies. I may just be more relaxed with a blank mind. I was noticing more bliss, like removing the shackles of everyday life.
i have had many things happen lights, faces, feelings , and emotions talking to other beings not from earth. all bc i chose to have an open mind about what god was. and simply look for truth. you sir are one of the angels i talk about that are flesh and blood and care to just care bc your heart knows the truth. life has nothing to do with you but how u effect others u meet....in my opinion
@@gribwitchwe talked about divinity and one's God being sacred bc each and every one of us form our own view of what god is. that right and wrong are subjective to the culture place time person and belief. love is all that is real. the rest is an energy made by this realm n human thoughts. this is short version though. time is different i say talked it was more of sitting with each other and knowing. there was no words just thoughts and feelings download if u will of knowing's and truths.
Thank you for sharing this teaching... it helps a lot to understand where I am in my meditation journey!!!
I was able to experience colors and vision my first time meditating.
I also see written short messages (usually in unknown languages ) when I say my intention at the beginning or ask a question. Grateful for that.
I am so glad I came across your video. You answered some questions I've been pondering on.
in proper buddhist meditation the craving of experiences & jhanas is attachment and will keep one from attaining any sort of experience.
If you’re meditating just to feel something you’re in it for the wrong reasons and probably won’t reap many benefits.
Thank you, Thank you, Ben! You answer my questions. I was desperately wondering why everything suddenly disappeared after seeing faces, symbolic animals, colors, and even a voice (that I believe is my spiritual guide). I try to relax more, raise my vibration, and clean my chakras and nothing. I have no idea why, after having experienced synchronicities and seeing with my third eye, suddenly I have emptiness and darkness; I thought I was doing something wrong; now, with your video, I know that the best is still to come and that I have to be patience, persistence and be disciplined.
This was great! Explains a lot! Thank you very much!
Subscribed
Thank you so much
This was very needed for me and I feel much better after seeing this teaching
You’re very welcome and I’m pleased to hear you feel
Better 🙏
Been thinking about trying meditation again since I never got a clear process on meditation and stopped a decade ago, but this broke things down in a way I can comprehend what is usually where. Definitely a good meditation guide! Quick and understandable.
I'm a very patient and calm person most of the time if trauma responses don't kick in. So, it leaves me interested and curious what my progress will be like.
I've been stuck in phase 4 for years and i really thought why am i wasting my time? After listening to this I've got some hope. Thanks x
1 question isnt phase 4 in itself great? The calmness? Isnt that part of the gift of meditation. Especially if you have a background of anxiety etc that seems like enough reason for me to meditate forever
@@TheRobel101 Im sick of being stuck. Ive been meditating for over 20yrs. At the start i saw colours and even faces of ppl i didnt know. Also black and white photos. One i remember was of a man from around the 30s 40s leaning on a car like he was proud of it. Another was like a school photo of a girl. I couldn't believe it. Tbh it made me nervous. Maybe thats why it stopped because it scared me. But now years later id like to see things again. But nothing.
@@juliataylor4385 not to be rude but you didnt answer my question. Isnt stage 4, on its own, a good thing?
@@TheRobel101 Sorry. Not for me personally. I've been searching for a type of meditation that feels right for me. Im useless at guided meditations and with just the music my mind wonders. Recently ive been trying Sunny Shammas meditations and i think theyre right for me.
@@juliataylor4385 ok i think you should keep looking for what works for you but just maybe its your desire for past stage 4 thats stopping you. Maybe you just try some acceptance mantras? Idk im new to this. One more question do you suffer from anxiety / depression? Because im wondering if youre at stage 4 you must not since stage 4 is a calmness.
I started meditating off and on about 5 years ago. 4 months ago, I was still at stage 1. 3 months into this meditation journey being taken seriously, I find myself at stage 4. I am so grateful to have found this video because I was becoming disheartened, thinking I was making no progress. Interestingly, I have no recollection of a 3rd stage. I went from 50 years of an extremely noisy mind to stage 4 in what now feels like a blink of an eye. I feel so much better about this journey. Thank you!
I went through phase 4 right away I started at phase one and for me I just was more into your silent meditation quietness I love it emptiness is what you say Deliverance of the mind amazing everything everybody here is okay you are okay I am okay we're all doing great
Thank you for those explainations. I have not experienced phase 5 yet. A few times i experienced phase 4, and for me, this emptiness and total peace were a pure bliss! Made me feel sooo good! But it was always short live: after a few seconds my mind would come back and interupt this calm with toughts saying something like: "I want this to continue longer"... then of course I would loose that peaceful emptiness. Also, in phase 4, I often experiment something like waves of energy shivering throughout my entire body, and intense tickling on top of my head. Don't know much about chakras but i suppose it has something to do with the energy moving through my energetic body and out (or in... I don't know!) of my crown chakra. Finally, I would say that most of the time, my meditations stay stuck in phase 2, but sometimes i can go further and experience phases 3 and 4.
Great description! When you do this together with God, it goes faster and easier, since He supports - when you honestly do it from your heart
Great video. Well broken down, thanks.