TRANCE: An Alternated State Beyond the Mind
- Prem Chaitanya
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
Q&A with Swamiji | Narrated by Prem Chaitanya in Rishikesh, 2015
Learn what trance really is, the rare state of Avesham, and how inner devotion leads to true spiritual connection and freedom.
Q: Swamiji, what exactly is trance? Is it real? Or is it just an emotional state?
Swamiji: Trance is indeed real, but not always in the way people think. It is an altered state of consciousness where the boundaries of the ego begin to dissolve. In some cases, a person in a trance may express qualities they associate with a deity. But it’s not always a divine possession. Often, it’s the mind resonating deeply with a particular energy or form it loves and visualises intensely.
Q: So what triggers trance states? Is it something external or internal?
Swamiji: We are constantly surrounded by subtle energies. Our bodies, minds, and emotions respond to these vibrations. Just like how a song can move you deeply, certain frequencies resonate more strongly depending on your emotional state. Trance is often triggered when a devotee reaches a heightened emotional connection with a divine form. The body, mind, and breath tune in, just like a speaker catching the same radio frequency — but the quality of expression varies from person to person.
Q: Is it true that dancing or speaking like a deity means the deity has entered someone?
Swamiji: Not necessarily. Many people mistake outer behaviour for divine possession. Just because someone imitates a deity—climbs trees like Hanuman, dances like Kali, or uses a different voice—doesn’t mean the deity has taken over. More often, it is the mind echoing the image of the deity it holds dear. That doesn’t make the experience false—but it doesn’t confirm divine descent either.
Q: Then what truly defines a genuine connection with the deity?
Swamiji: It lies in the depth of the bhāva—the feeling, not the performance. Connection is internal. It doesn’t need noise. A silent tear may carry more devotion than a loud cry. When the heart is tuned, even stillness becomes sacred.
Q: What about people who can predict the future or give spiritual solutions during trance?
Swamiji: Now that’s something different. It’s called Avesham — a state of genuine spiritual possession. In rare cases, the divine intelligence flows through a person. In that state, they may speak unknown languages, reveal hidden truths, or guide others in ways that seem impossible through logic alone.
But this state is extremely rare. It comes from lifetimes of tapasya, or sometimes through hereditary spiritual lineages. And even then, it happens discreetly—not for public display.
"Aavesham" in the context of trance, particularly translates to "possession" or "being overtaken"; it signifies a state of intense emotional or spiritual immersion, often associated with a feeling of being completely consumed by a particular force or idea.
Q: So how can we recognise if someone is truly in Avesham or just acting?
Swamiji (smiling): You’ll feel it. True Avesham carries a powerful stillness. It doesn’t entertain. It penetrates. There is no confusion in its presence—only clarity and awe. And most of the time, the person in that state doesn’t even care if anyone believes them.
Q: Can the deity choose to manifest in anyone, even unexpectedly?
Swamiji: Yes, of course. The deity can reveal itself through anyone, at any time. But not everything people call divine is truly divine. There’s a difference between resonating with a divine idea and embodying divine consciousness.
Some things are better left unspoken. The mystery is sacred. The deity will always remain partly hidden—especially to those who want proof. For those with faith, it’s enough to feel the presence in silence.
Q: Is there a higher form of trance than all these experiences?
Swamiji: Absolutely. The highest trance is not loud, not ecstatic, not dramatic. It is the deep realisation that this entire world is a dream — even while you are awake.
Imagine living among pain, loss, and chaos, yet knowing it’s all passing. When you realise that nothing binds your soul, that is the ultimate-altered state. And it doesn’t go away after an hour of dancing. It stays with you.
Q: This reminds me of Sri Ramakrishna’s deep trances with Ma Kali. Was that the same?
Swamiji: Yes. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa lived in divine ecstasy. But even he had to go beyond his personal vision of Kali to enter the formless reality. His guru, Totapuri, helped him break that attachment.
Because even the most beautiful trance is still a bridge, liberation lies beyond the form, beyond emotion, beyond self.
Q: But what if someone has no outer signs — no dance, no words — but feels deeply connected inside?
Swamiji: That is often the purest form of trance. It’s quiet. It’s inward. The deity may whisper in dreams, offer comfort in a moment of stillness, or appear in silence. Not all experiences require outward display. The deeper the connection, the less you need to express it.
Q: So, what is the true purpose of trance? Is it to feel closer to the divine?
Swamiji: Yes — but it’s more than that. Trance can be a stepping stone. It stirs devotion, refines emotion, and opens the inner eye. But don’t mistake the spark for the fire.
The final goal is absorption, not excitement. When you are truly immersed, only one truth remains:
“It is You alone that remains, and everything else is a reflection of my fleeting soul.”
That is the trance worth seeking.
At Soul Search Malaysia, we see trance as a doorway to deeper awareness, not the final destination. Our Path of Light Programmes offer guided practices to help you experience inner stillness, clarity, and spiritual awakening in a safe and nurturing space. If you’re seeking a way to reconnect with your true self and walk a path of light, begin your journey with us today.
Comments