A Psychic Symbol, sometimes called and Ishta Devata, is a
tool for meditation. It is a symbol or
image of your choice that you use as an ‘anchor’ in your meditation.
When you meditate you can become carried away by the vast
depths of the subconscious mind or the inner self. It can be difficult to bring yourself out of
this state. By having an anchor point
for the mind you give yourself something to focus on in order to ‘bring you
back’ into the physical reality and the external world.
When choosing a psychic symbol it has to be something that has
relevance or meaning to you. It also has
to be something that you can visualize with reasonable clarity. It is important once you have chosen a symbol
that you don’t change it. If you change your symbol it can become confusing for
your mind and distracts you from the purpose of the symbol. It doesn’t have to be fancy or
elaborate. Something as simple as a
still candle flame or an inverted triangle, or a shining star is
sufficient. The image of a guru or deity
can also be used. Choose a symbol that
feels right for you. And keep it
secret! It will have a stronger
resonance within you if it is something that is kept to yourself.
An Ishta Devata is
more of a spiritual symbol. When your
psychic symbol has a deep spiritual relevance it is an ishta devata. An aspect of divinity, such as a God or Goddess
or spiritual leader or guru can be an Ishta Devata. You can choose your own Ishta Devata or it
can be given to you by a guru, either in person or in a dream.
Both the Ishta Devata and/or the psychic symbol are very
important tools in your meditation practice.
If you are regularly and sincerely practicing meditation you may like to
spend some time choosing one. You may
find that there is a very obvious symbol for you to choose, or that there has
been one appear in your dreams that you know is right for you. Or it may be a bit of a challenge to uncover
the right one. If so, don’t over think
it, and just let it emerge from your subconscious as it will.
It may be useful to sit quietly in meditation posture, close
your eyes and gaze within. Direct your
gaze either into the dark space behind your forehead (Chidakasha) or into your
heart space. Practice visualizing a still candle flame,
then some other symbols of your choice.
See each one as clearly as you are able.
See if there is one that stands out or just sits well with you. Then hold your inner gaze on that symbol for
as long as you are able. To finish,
allow your symbol to melt back into the darkness of your inner space. Once you have your symbol, you can practice
visualizing it as a short meditation on its own, and then you can use it at the
end of each meditation practice, to bring you back to the physical reality and
present moment.
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