Waves of Thought and the Journey Within
In the human mind, the waves of information from the cosmos convert into thoughts. Just as when you throw a stone into a still pond, it creates circular waves, in the same manner, waves of thought are formed when cosmic informational energy enters the mind.
When we observe our daily routine, it becomes clear that as soon as we wake up, thoughts of work or school rush into our mind. Under the influence of these thoughts, we begin our day by getting dressed and heading out. On the way, we see hundreds—sometimes thousands—of images flashing before our eyes. At the same time, we hear various sounds and voices. Certain images capture our attention—like a car wreck on the freeway, which leaves a lasting impression on the mind. Similarly, we can’t help but read whatever is written on a new billboard. But once we arrive at work or school, our tasks immediately take over our attention.
After a day at school or work, we return home, and domestic issues fill our minds. Once we finish some chores, we turn to entertainment: watching TV, listening to music, going out for dinner or a movie, or hanging out with friends until late. Finally, we go to bed—and the next day unfolds much the same way.
If we look at any given period of the day, we’ll notice that our attention rarely stays on one matter for long. It moves with the flow of incoming thoughts. Troubling thoughts can trap us in endless worry. On the other hand, a happy thought brings a wave of emotional joy. Similarly, when we remember an unpleasant event, the mind dives into every detail of that incident.
By analyzing our daily mental routine, it becomes evident that our mind is constantly absorbed in matters of the external environment. Our waking hours are consumed by this mental hustle and bustle. We are continuously bombarded by thoughts related to our surroundings, and hardly any time is spent away from this stream of thinking. This overwhelming flood of thoughts becomes a barrier for the deeper consciousness—and as a result, it pays no attention to the esoteric or inner life. Just as it’s hard to see beneath the surface of a pond when there are waves on it, the mind too cannot perceive its inner reflections when it’s disturbed by thought-waves.
The reflections that fall on the mind are either strong or light, depending on the depth of their impression. Strong impressions can be perceived by the conscious mind. However, lighter impressions often remain unnoticed. As long as the focus of the mind stays on these thought-waves, inner perception remains blocked. But when our focus shifts away from these surface-level thoughts, the mental vision begins to function in the inner realm—and those lighter, subtle reflections become visible, which are otherwise ignored or unseen.
The central idea of this explanation is that in order to acquire spiritual knowledge and awaken paranormal abilities, the most fundamental requirement is mental concentration. The first and foremost lesson in the science of spiritual awakening is the state of mental emptiness. This is the gateway to spiritual insight. Through this practice, a person becomes capable of observing the spiritual realm—free from worldly thoughts.
This does not mean that no thoughts at all will enter the mind. Rather, mental emptiness is a state in which concentration is directed so fully toward a single idea or point that no other thoughts are allowed to enter. In other words, the mind becomes so deeply focused on a single thought that all other distractions lose their importance and eventually fade away. In the beginning, practicing mental emptiness is difficult because we are not accustomed to it. However, with continued effort, it becomes attainable.
The term used for mental emptiness in spiritual practice is Muraqaba (or meditation). Interestingly, we can already find glimpses of this mental state in everyday life.
Examples:
When we sit down to write an essay or a story, we pick up a pen or start typing. The mind begins processing thoughts, choosing words, and constructing sentences. Even though our surroundings may contain distractions, we remain focused on the task of writing. Our thoughts and actions circle around the subject at hand.
The same applies when we drive. While driving, our full attention is on the road and the mechanics of driving. Because of this mental focus, our body responds accordingly. We try our best to concentrate on traffic, and even though we may chat with passengers, listen to music, or entertain passing thoughts, our primary focus remains on driving.
A similar state of mind is needed to perform Muraqaba. For 10–15 minutes, or even an hour, the person meditating tries to stay focused on a single thought or idea while mentally detaching from all other activities and distractions. In essence, Muraqaba is becoming thoughtless within a thought.
During Muraqaba, all the inner faculties are directed inward, allowing the mind to detach from external stimuli and become absorbed in one idea. When the flood of external thoughts is suspended, then the hidden sources of spiritual information begin to emerge. It is through these that a person sees, hears, feels, and experiences realities that are commonly referred to as paranormal or spiritual abilities.
As Rumi beautifully described this state in his verse:
EYES ARE SHUT
SO ARE EARS
AND LIPS ARE SEALED
YET SIGHT STILL BEHOLDS