The Earthen Lamp Meditation : The ancient practice of Sadhana

The Symbolism

The art of visualization and metaphorical meditation plays a pivotal role in nurturing a tranquil and focused mind. During the early stages, students are introduced to profound techniques aimed at cultivating inner stability and spiritual growth. I have a poignant memory of my teacher gifting me an earthen lamp, symbolizing the essence of illumination emanating from within, which still resonates as a great means of concentration deep within me.

Delving into the mystical symbolism of the earthen oil lamp, we unravel a tapestry of metaphorical significance. The lamp made out of earth represents the physical body that holds infinite potential, serving as a means to self-discovery and a vehicle to explore the different dimensions of our inner being.

The Body

The body has the power to create, travel, and open various chambers of secrets to this Universal truth, provided it is set in an ideal condition of steadiness and one-pointed focus. Unfortunately, most of the time the body is only used to exhaust desires in the world of objects and sense gratifications. If the body is amplified towards higher truth, it has the capacity to hold the experience of a higher realm. It has to be hard, steady, and strong vitally like the earthen lamp because anything solid alone has the power to contain a greater manifestation of energy.

In the ancient method of meditation, teachers first emphasize the control of the body in a perfect sitting. Sitting with complete erectness conduits a great energy that has the power to ignite our higher mind.

Our Thoughts

The oil within the lamp embodies the ceaseless flow of continuous thoughts that permeate our consciousness. Oil contains fuel that has the power to burn and to manifest fire. Similarly, the same thoughts that we use to manifest our desires also have the power to eradicate all limiting preconceived notions and to create a space that harnesses peace and quietness. By merely having oil in the lamp will not generate an illumining agent. Similarly, by merely swimming in a sea of thoughts will not get us anywhere productively. A thick wick needs to be set within the pool of oil for the Amber to manifest through the oil. The wick needs to be kindled with fire. The fire is the willpower within, and the wick is the vertebra column that connects the various energy coils within our body.

In the process, the oil will slowly disappear together burning the wick into ashes. As the mind sits in the illumination of its own willpower in complete one-pointedness without any expectation, thoughts will cease, and the body will finally disintegrate in the space of pure consciousness. What more can the human mind ask for than a state of bliss and pure tranquillity? This meditation, which immolates the individual self into the supreme self, is certainly a method that can bring a simple means to self-illumination.

The journey

Remember, through introspection and visualization, we can bridge the realms of imagination and actuality, nurturing a transformative process that leads to heightened awareness and spiritual growth. This journey empowers us to transcend mere existence and embrace our true identity as conscious beings imbued with limitless potential.

Embracing the intrinsic power within us, we embark on a path of self-discovery and enlightenment. The meditative practice involving the earthen lamp serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a state of heightened awareness and self-realization. As we harness our inherent willpower and engage in deep introspection, we awaken to the boundless possibilities that lie within us, transforming us into living lights of awareness and possibility.