Sometimes, when meditating, the awareness (or aura, prana, or energy) gathers at the Sahasrara chakra from the beginning. Other times, a little meditation is needed to raise the awareness (aura). In either case, even if the Sahasrara chakra is dominant, the awareness is sufficiently quiet, bringing a sense of peace and happiness. However, by further calming the conscious mind and entering a state of "mushin" (no-mind), the awareness of the higher self seems to begin to awaken.

The "mushin" I'm referring to is the ordinary conscious mind, which is equivalent to the "chitta" in yoga. By quieting the fluctuations (vritti) of the "chitta," which governs the conscious mind and memory, and essentially "stopping the chatter," not only are the thoughts stopped, but also intentional thoughts. When this is done, the awareness of the higher self seems to gradually emerge.

In reality, whether or not one is in a state of "mushin" is not necessarily related to the emergence of the higher self. The awareness of the higher self exists independently. However, if one is not familiar with it, it can be difficult to distinguish between the ordinary conscious mind and the awareness of the higher self, or to recognize it. Therefore, while "mushin" is not strictly necessary to awaken the awareness of the higher self, temporarily suppressing the mind ("chitta") can help one to grasp which aspects belong to the higher self. The mind ("chitta") has a tendency to move, so it is impossible to completely stop it permanently, as that is its nature. However, even temporarily quieting it can lead to greater self-awareness of higher dimensions.

This is mentioned in the Yoga Sutras, where quieting the "chitta" (mind, memory) is considered the completion of yoga. This also means awakening the awareness of the higher self (or Atman). The awareness of the higher self is universally present, eternal, and full. However, it was originally present, but one was simply not consciously aware of it. "Mushin" (temporary cessation of the mind) is a method for becoming consciously aware.

■ Bringing the Higher Self to the Forefront by Gently Exhaling

Recently, I've found it relatively easy to bring the higher self to the forefront by gently and slowly exhaling. However, simply exhaling slowly and gently is not enough. As a prerequisite, one must be in a state where the awareness of the higher self has already emerged to some extent. This means that the aura (prana, and kundalini) must have risen to the Sahasrara chakra.

With this prerequisite met, gently exhaling and entering a state of "mushin" will gradually bring the awareness of the higher self to the surface.
At first, it may be elusive, but for example, chanting a short mantra like "Om" or "Au" can help one to grasp the presence of that higher awareness.

Alternatively, one can connect with the higher self by focusing intently on work, even without formal training. This can lead to a state of "flow," where one can connect with the higher self and perform work. The "flow" state is typically joyful, but this joy is not just an emotional one. With the higher self in a dominant position, one can also see things more clearly and, as a result, the quality and speed of work can improve. Intuition becomes more active.

When entering a state of "flow," the aura increases to some extent, and the Sahasrara chakra is also activated. This makes it easier to enter such a state through work.

Whether it's through work or meditation, both can lead to a connection with the higher self. However, when it comes to work, there is often more external noise and interference, which can lead to mental instability, especially when one's awareness is increasing. Therefore, the "flow" state achieved through work requires caution.

On the other hand, it is safer to meditate or gently exhale to calm the mind. In either case, one initially experiences the joy of the "flow" state, but eventually, that emotional aspect subsides, and the Sahasrara chakra is activated, allowing the awareness of the higher self to emerge and become dominant.

While most people occasionally experience moments of fleeting joy and a brief connection with their higher self or intuition during focused work or everyday life, meditation can gradually spread a sense of tranquility throughout one's daily life. Whether it is present or absent, it exists from the beginning, but the duration is different.