Immersion in a state of merging with the infinite eternal from contemplation begins with a sharp break in the internal dialogue, when the flow of spontaneous thoughts suddenly dries up, giving way to echoing silence. It is in this microscopic interval, when the old thought has already left and the new one has not yet been born, that the first, subtle contact with what we call absolute presence. Many seekers mistakenly believe that this requires years of asceticism, but the key lies in the ability to stop identifying with mental noise right now.
Unlike ordinary concentration, which requires willpower, this process is based on radical relaxation and letting go of control over what is perceived. When attention stops clinging to objects of the external world or images of the internal screen, it begins to flow into its own, revealing the unchanging basis of being beyond the boundaries of time and space. This is not a departure from reality, but, on the contrary, the deepest inclusion in the fabric of the universe, where the boundary between the observer and the observed disappears.
The feeling of dissolution of personal boundaries is often accompanied by a feeling of lightness, expansion of consciousness and loss of support in the usual self. It is important not to be afraid of this state of loss of control, since it is the fear of the unknown that causes the psyche to frantically cling to old thinking patterns. Correct practice allows you to gently overcome this barrier, turning fear into delight from the discovery of your own boundless nature.
Mechanics of the process of contemplation and stopping the mind
Contemplation is a fundamental tool for accessing the eternal state, since it works not through the addition of new experience, but through the elimination of the superfluous. Unlike object meditation, where attention is focused on a mantra, breath or visual image, here we practice meditation without object. The essence of the method is to simply remain in a state of “knowing” presence, without naming or classifying what appears in the field of perception.
When the mind tries to grasp the present moment and label it, it falls out of eternity and into linear time. The mechanics of the process requires the practitioner to develop the skill of a “soft gaze”, in which objects are seen, but not recorded by consciousness as separate entities. This creates the effect of transparency of reality, through which begins to appear fundamental unity of everything that exists.
Use the "open eye" technique: look in front of you, defocused, so that your peripheral vision covers the maximum area, which helps the brain switch from focus mode to global perception mode.
A critical aspect is working with the so-called "observer". In the initial stages there appears to be a "I" who is observing the flow of thoughts, but deep contemplation reveals that the observer himself is also part of the process. The dissolution of this last illusion of separateness leads to the experience of merging with the infinite.
- 🌀 Refusal to analyze: forbid yourself to evaluate the quality of meditation or look for the “right” sensations.
- 👁️ Global attention: direct your gaze not to a point, but to the space between objects.
- 🤲 Acceptance of silence: allow inner silence to be louder than any sounds of the outside world.
- 🌊 Letting go of anchors: don’t hold on to pleasant states, let them come and go.
Stages of ego dissolution and expansion of consciousness
The process of merging with the eternal does not happen instantly for most people, passing through several discernible stages of transformation of consciousness. The first stage is always the awareness of the illusory nature of one’s own “I”, when a person begins to notice that his personality is just a set of conditioned reactions and social masks. At this phase ego begins to resist, giving rise to doubts, fears or, conversely, a feeling of false spiritual significance, which requires special vigilance.
The next step is the experience of emptiness, which is often mistaken for depression or apathy. This is the state sunyata or spiritual emptiness must be passed through in order to be cleared of the debris of past identifications. It is in this emptiness that a new quality of perception begins to form, free from projections and expectations.
The final stage, accessible within one practice or requiring years of training, is characterized by a stable stay in the “here and now” state. The boundaries of the body become permeable, and the sense of the individual observer completely disappears, giving way to the pure experience of being. In this state, time loses its linear character, and the past and future collapse into the eternal present.
⚠️ Warning: Intense ego dissolution practices may cause temporary disorientation or emotional instability. If you feel yourself losing touch with reality, stop the practice immediately and ground yourself through physical activity or communication.
Techniques for entering a flow state
For those looking for practical methods to achieve the states described, there are several proven techniques to speed up the process of immersion. One of the most effective is the “Self-Inquiry” (Atma-vichara) technique proposed by Ramana Maharshi, which is based on the constant questioning “Who am I?” This question does not require an intellectual answer, but serves as a tool for directing attention back to the source of consciousness.
Another powerful practice is Dzogchen or “Great Perfection,” where the student is immediately pointed out the nature of the mind, bypassing the complex stages of visualization. The method of “direct introduction” is used here, when the master or instruction helps the student instantly recognize his true face. The key is not effort, but relaxation in a natural state.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for practice
You can also use the technique of contemplating space. Instead of watching your breath, direct your attention to the space in which sounds, thoughts and sensations occur. Space itself is not born and does not die, does not change and does not move, being an ideal metaphor and direct experience eternal.
Algorithm for the practice "Space of Consciousness":1. Close your eyes and notice the sounds around you.
2. Shift your focus from the sound to the silence in which it occurs.
3. Feel the space inside your head where thoughts arise.
4. Extend this sense of space to the boundaries of the universe.
5. Stay in this boundless space without clinging to anything.
Obstacles along the way and ways to overcome them
Despite its apparent simplicity, the path to merging with the infinite is full of internal obstacles, which are often perceived as failures. The most common barrier is “spiritual materialism”—the desire to gain experience, become enlightened, or achieve a special state. This desire itself is a form of ego that reinforces the illusion of separateness and blocks access to natural state.
Another common obstacle is boredom or a feeling of meaningless practice. The mind, deprived of its usual stimuli and drama, begins to rebel, demanding action and results. At this moment
The Hidden Traps of the Ego
The ego can masquerade as spiritual achievement, creating a sense of superiority over others or the illusion of being chosen. Watch for that subtle feeling of “I have achieved more than others.”
Physical discomfort and pain in the legs or back can also be a distraction, but with the right approach they become objects of contemplation. By observing pain without a reaction of rejection or acceptance, you discover that the pure awareness in which the pain arises is not itself suffering. This discovery is the key to freedom from suffering.
| Obstacle type | Symptom manifestation | Coping Method |
|---|---|---|
| Mind wandering | Constant flow of thoughts, planning | A gentle return to the question "Who hears this?" |
| Drowsiness | Dullness of consciousness, head nodding | Open your eyes, straighten your back, take a deep breath |
| Anxiety | Desire to jump up, irritation | Observe the energy of worry as a vibration in the body |
| Waiting | Searching for a "special" experience or light | Realize that the seeker is what is sought |
Integrating experience into everyday life
The true value of merging with the eternal is revealed not while sitting in meditation, but in the moments when we return to the turbulent flow of everyday life. The practitioner’s task is to maintain a thin thread of awareness and internal silence amidst the chaos of everyday tasks, work and communication. It requires constant training mindfulness about your true nature.
In everyday life, fusion manifests itself as a lack of reactivity. When events occur, they do not cause a chain reaction of emotional outbursts, but are perceived as the movement of waves on the surface of the ocean, without affecting the depths. You continue to act, but the action becomes spontaneous and without the tension of selfish planning.
The main sign of progress is not the number of hours spent in meditation, but the degree to which you are calm and present in stressful situations in real life.
Relationships with people are also transformed, as the rigid boundary between “I” and “other” disappears. You begin to see in others the same consciousness, the same life that you see in yourself, which creates natural compassion and love. This is not an emotional attachment, but a deep understanding of the unity of all things.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about contemplation
How long do you need to meditate to feel merging with the eternal?
Time is not a linear measure in this process. Some experience glimpses samadhi in the first minute of practice, others take years. What is more important is not the duration of sitting, but the depth and sincerity of your presence in the moment. Regularity is more important than duration: 15 minutes every day is better than two hours once a week.
Is it possible to achieve this state without a teacher?
Yes, it is possible, especially in the modern era where there are many quality instructions and recordings available. However, having an experienced mentor or sangha (community of practice) can greatly speed up the process and help avoid common pitfalls and ego traps. Self-inquiry requires a high degree of self-honesty.
What to do if frightening images arise during contemplation?
Don't resist them or try to analyze them. Just watch them as clouds passing across the sky of your consciousness. Acknowledge their presence, but don't get involved in the plot. Often these images are a release of suppressed psychic energy, and living them safely leads to purification.
Is merging with the eternal a form of escapism from reality?
On the contrary, this is maximum inclusion in reality. Escapism is precisely living in the illusions of the mind, in the past or future. Merging with the eternal returns you to the only existing reality - “here and now”, allowing you to see things as they are, without distortion.
Is it possible to lose this experience after gaining it?
Glimpses may come and go until the condition becomes stable. However, once you have tasted the true nature of your consciousness, you will not be able to completely forget it. Even if experience is temporarily clouded by life's circumstances, the inner knowing remains, serving as a compass for return.