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Burst of light
Answer
9/10/10 2:10 AM
First of, thank you all for providing such usefull information. I have been reading MCTB and DhO for a while now after using the simpler (western interpretation type) mindfullness meditation techniques for almost two years. My medtitation experience has become much more meaningfull almost instantly.

This brings me to my question. Lately while doing concentration practice my mind sometimes goes blank and floods my vision with a bright light. It also feels as if my whole brain turns into light. Often I also hear it, like the sounds the TV makes when on a blank channel (we call it snow). The feeling is remarkably similar to having low bloodsugar, still workout out vigorously and almost passing out because of it, except with no nauseau or fatigue emoticon

This feels quite nice, however, now that I have experienced this several times for very brief periods, I seem to crave it. I know craving is "bad". Thus when the first signs of "it" appear, I snuff it out, and there I sit frustrated.

I'm affraid the answer will come in MCTB. However, I don't want to rush reading it just to get to a bit about this for fear of loosing proper understanding of the text.

The question: what is this? Is it something to work towards obtaining and maintaining, and if so, how?

RE: Burst of light
Answer
9/13/10 3:58 PM as a reply to Bart W.
My first inclination is to call it the beginnings of an A&P event. I know you say you're doing concentration practice, and it's possible that this state is jhana. But jhana isn't usually quite so "busy." You're describing a state with loud sounds, bright lights, and exhilaration. This can happen with jhana, but it's more common with the A&P event.

Now is a good time to read about the progresssion of insight stages, so you have an idea of where you may be headed.

RE: Burst of light
Answer
9/14/10 1:08 PM as a reply to J Adam G.
Thank you for the reply!

I will get into that right now!