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True
vs. False Visions
From Awaken
to Superconsciousness by Swami Kriyananda
It is possible
to see hallucinations, which rise from the subconscious. Don't mistake
those images for true visions. Hallucinations are an obstacle on
the spiritual path. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that they
represent guidance from above.
How to distinguish
between the two? The first and most important way is to see the
effect of your inner experience on your everyday life. Has there
been a definite change for the better? Superconscious experience,
which includes true visions, will do that for you; hallucinations
will not. Be honest with yourself: Don't look only at the short-range
effects: Look at the long range. People naturally want to believe
that their visions were true; they may affirm changes in themselves
that seem real to them, temporarily. Time, then, will tell whether
the change has proved lasting and real.
Another way is to observe your underlying consciousness during
the experience. Is it intensely peaceful? Is it in fact superconscious?
Or is it more or less commonplace? Is the light brilliant within
which the vision appears, or is it clouded and dull? If a person
in your vision speaks to you, do the words inspire you with a more
expanded consciousness, or do they draw your mind downward to your
ego?
A vitally important test also is this: Is the teaching you've received
in harmony with the highest spiritual traditions of the ages? Or
does it challenge them? Does it support and respect those teachings,
or does it, in referring to them, speak with condescension or familiarity?
For, beyond hallucinations, there are also delusive (because false)
manifestations of lower astral entities that can masquerade as angels
or great masters, but that have no other aim than to trick you into
taking a downward path. Such entities may look beautiful, and may
inspire you because of your very desire for a true vision. They
will tend, however, to flatter you and make you feel that you are
on equal standing with the greatest souls, even if, in your outer
life, you are still prone to such human emotions as selfishness,
anger, and desire.
Don't be discouraged by such manifestations. Their very coming signifies
a certain degree of spiritual progress on your part—even as,
if a con man shows interest in you, it probably means you've enough
wealth to attract his interest. Confidence tricks, however, work
only on people who have the failing of avarice to be worked on.
A person who is not interested in quick money-making schemes can't
be conned. And a meditator who has no interest in having his ego
flattered cannot be fooled by lower astral entities, whose only
interest is in drawing people back to ego-consciousness.
Above all, don't
be attached to the idea of having visions. Don't seek them. If they
come to you, and if you believe them to be true, be divinely grateful
for them, but remember that they, as well as any other experience
you receive, belong to God; they are not your possessions.
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