Hour 64 Meditation – Space Meditation – Expanding Consciousness

Space Meditation – Expanding Consciousness

Introduction to Space Meditation

Space Meditation, or Akasha Dhyan, is based on the concept of Akasha, the ether or space element (Akasha Tattva) of the Indian yogic system. Akasha is the subtlest of the five elements, beyond physical awareness, and may be perceived as the expansive, limitless space that pervades all existence. It is the “container” for the other elements—earth, water, fire, and air—and is the basis for the universe.

In the practice of Space Meditation, we seek to embrace the vastness of consciousness, beyond the bounds of our physical body and mind. As space contains the universe within its arms, this meditation enables the practitioner to expand his awareness so that he can feel an intense sense of oneness with the universe and all living things.

The main intention of Space Meditation is to assist us in understanding our own expansive nature, to break free from the boundaries of personal ego, and feel ourselves as infinite and universal. It encourages us to transcend our consciousness and appreciate the infinite, boundless nature of existence, where there is no division between “self” and “other.”

The Essence of Space Meditation

Space Meditation is based on the fact that consciousness is not confined to the body or mind; it goes out into the entire universe. The practice of Space Meditation invites the practitioner to become aware of their limitless nature and the limitless space that envelops everything.

Key Elements of Space Meditation:

Space and Boundlessness: Space is boundless, and through Space Meditation, the practitioners start to feel connected to that boundless space. This meditation asks us to go beyond the confines of our physical world and understand our real nature as boundless consciousness.

Expanding Awareness: Space is not only a physical space; it also symbolizes the spaciousness of our mind. This meditation serves to expand the awareness, making space for new views, insights, and understanding.

Interconnectedness: In the vast universe of space, all is interconnected. Space Meditation teaches us that all beings, events, and occurrences are part of an inclusive, one large whole. This awareness creates a sense of deep union and oneness with the universe.

Transcending the Ego: Space is formless and not identified with anything, and therefore a potent symbol of transcending the ego. Space Meditation enables practitioners to release the conditioned self and enter into a state of non-attachment, liberation, and pure consciousness.

Silence and Stillness: As the space itself is quiet and at stillness, so does Space Meditation welcome us to inner stillness. It promotes the releasing of mind noises and distractions in order for us to blend into universe stillness. 

The Science of Space (Akasha)

In Indian philosophy, Akasha is the fifth element (following earth, water, fire, and air) and is the medium by which sound, light, and energy move. It is not visible, but its existence is the basis for the operation of the entire cosmos.

The term Akasha is also most directly associated with the concept of “ether” in contemporary physics, as it refers to a pervasive medium that electromagnetic waves can pass through. In yogic philosophy, Akasha is both physical and metaphysical space wherein everything exists, and by tuning into Akasha, practitioners may become aware of an elevated state of consciousness and spiritual transcendence.

Practical Guide to Space Meditation

Space Meditation is a technique that assists in the unlocking of higher states of consciousness and the development of a profound sense of inner peace and expanded awareness. Following is a step-by-step guide to practicing Space Meditation:

Steps to Practice Space Meditation:

Preparation of the Space:

Select a peaceful, comfortable location where you won’t be interrupted. You can practice outdoors to feel the openness of the sky, or in an interior area where you can visualize the vastness of space.

If you would like to add some extra profundity to your practice, light incense or a candle to represent the light and expansive energy of space.

Posture and Relaxation:

Sit in a comfortable, upright posture with your spine straight. You can sit on the floor in a cross-legged position or on a chair, but ensure that your back is supported.

Rest your hands gently on your knees or in your lap, palms facing upward to invite the flow of energy.

Close your eyes and breathe a few deep breaths. Breathe in slowly through the nose, hold for a moment, and breathe out through the mouth. With each breath out, allow your body to let go of tension and relax even more.

Concentrate on the Idea of Space:

Start to bring your consciousness to the idea of space. Visualize the enormity of the sky, the endless universe, and the limitless ether that contains all things.

Imagine yourself becoming one with this enormous space. Suppose you were not limited by the physical form but rather going outward, unbecoming a part of the unlimited space all around you.

Expand Your Awareness:

Keeping the breathing going deeply, spread out your awareness outside of your bodily structure. Feel your awareness opening up to match the enormity of the sky, reaching across time and space.

With every breath in, sense your awareness extending even further. With every breath out, sense letting go of the constraints of mind and body. You are uniting with the space around you, effortlessly dissolving into the infinite.

Welcome the Stillness:

Next, start to pay attention to the stillness of space. As the universe is quiet and serene, allow yourself to feel an intense sense of peace and silence within.

Let go of every thought and distraction. Let yourself just “be” in the expanse of space, without effort to control or command the experience. Just be in the infinite stillness.

Transcendence of the Ego:

Here, there is no ego, no personal self, no feeling of separation. All limits disappear, and you become aware of yourself as part of the infinite consciousness of the universe.

Let yourself relax into this realization of oneness. You are more than one individual; you are the universe getting to know itself. You are the observer and the observed, one part of the infinite expanse of Akasha.

Integration:

Reside in this opened state as long as feels relaxed. Notice the peace, largeness, and oneness of all that is. Be certain that this enormous consciousness is yours to draw on at all times.

When you feel ready, slowly bring your awareness back to your body. Gradually start to deepen your breath, wiggle your fingers and toes, and open your eyes when ready.

Pause for a moment to consider your experience of expansive awareness. Bring the feeling of vastness and interconnectedness with you throughout the day.

The Benefits of Space Meditation

Practice Space Meditation yields several deep advantages that enhance mental clarity, emotional equilibrium, and spiritual evolution:

Enlarged Consciousness:

Space Meditation enables you to break free from the constraints of personal consciousness and enter a state of increased awareness.

Sense of Unity and Oneness:

It leads to a profound sense of unity with the universe, which breaks down the ego and allows you to feel unity with all living things.

Inner Peace and Stillness:

By listening to the silence of space, practitioners can develop a profound sense of inner peace, eliminating mental chatter and emotional turbulence.

Detachment from the Ego:

Space Meditation assists in going beyond the ego, resulting in a higher degree of freedom and non-attachment to individual identity.

Increased Clarity and Insight:

This practice can result in clearer thinking, improved intuition, and the capacity to perceive beyond the confines of the physical realm.

Spiritual Awareness:

By attuning with the etheric aspect of Akasha, practitioners feel more connected to the divine, the source, or universal consciousness.

Challenges and Obstacles in Space Meditation

Although Space Meditation can be profoundly transformative, it can also come with some challenges:

Difficulty Expanding Awareness:

Solution: If you find it difficult to expand your awareness past your physical body, concentrate on the image of the sky or the vastness of the universe. Practice regularly, and the feeling of expansion will come naturally.

Reflection: How does it feel to think of yourself as big as the sky? Are there any resistances or blockages that pop up when you attempt to expand your consciousness?

Overactive Mind

Solution: The mind can protest the quietness of space, resulting in distractions or thoughts. When this occurs, quietly refocus your awareness on the wide-openness of space, anchoring on the breath.

Reflection: How frequently does your mind wander during meditation? How can you work to let go of these distractions to feel the stillness?

Ego Resistance:

Solution: The ego generally does not like to give itself over to infinite space. Take time with yourself and keep up the practice of letting go of ego’s desire to control or identify.

Reflection: What feels you when you release your ego? How does the ego attempt to reattach, and how do you loosen it gently? 

Reflective Questions

How did you feel when, in the meditation, you started to open up your awareness to beyond your body? What kind of sensations or feelings came as you tapped into the vastness of space?

How does the idea of infinite space challenge your normal sense of self? What changes happen as you start to experience yourself as part of the larger whole?

In your life, where are you held back by the ego or by your own sense of self? How can you bring the feeling of openness from this meditation to those spaces?

Did you notice any moments of inner calm during the meditation? How can you nurture that calm in the midst of distractions in your daily life?

What did you learn or become aware of from the practice of Space Meditation? How can you integrate them into your life and spiritual path?

Conclusion:

Space Meditation provides a deep chance to move beyond the confines of the personal self and feel the depth of consciousness. Through the access to the etheric aspect of Akasha, we become greater, more at peace, and one with everything. This practice is an invitation to embody the full nature of being limitless and one with the cosmos. May space allow you to live more awake, at peace, and open to the boundless possibilities of life.