Light and Sound meditation appears in a number of spiritual traditions. Although their terminology, methods and teachings differ, they share an important principle: inner Light and Sound can form part of a journey into progressively higher states of consciousness.
Quan Yin
The Quan Yin method uses meditation and mantras to focus awareness upon the inner Light and Sound.
Within this tradition, increasingly subtle experiences of inner Light and Sound are associated with higher states of consciousness. The teaching is also known for its use of the term “instant enlightenment,” although the continuing meditation practice is regarded as important for spiritual development.
Sant Mat — The Path of the Saints
Sant Mat, meaning Path of the Saints, is a spiritual tradition centred upon Surat Shabd Yoga — the union of the soul with the inner divine Light and Sound.
A significant part of the practice is simran, the mental repetition of sacred names. This silent repetition helps quieten the activity of the mind and concentrate awareness at the third-eye centre.
Practitioners then seek to become aware of the inner Light and Sound and use these experiences as part of the soul’s journey towards higher states of consciousness.
Light and Sound Meditation (.com)
The approach presented through LightAndSoundMeditation.com differs fundamentally in the role of energy transference.
Rather than relying upon meditation techniques alone to discover the inner Light and Sound, energy transference is used to establish a direct connection to the Spiritual Light and Sound. The meditator then uses that connection to access progressively higher states of consciousness.
Within this tradition, these higher states are not regarded simply as experiences of inner light, sound or altered awareness. The journey is understood as a progression through distinct states of consciousness, culminating ultimately in true Enlightenment — God Consciousness.
This is an important distinction in the way the tradition describes its purpose and results. While other Light and Sound traditions may describe spiritual advancement and enlightenment differently, Light and Sound Meditation explicitly presents the attainment of progressively higher states of consciousness, culminating in Enlightenment, as the objective of the journey.
Different Approaches — A Related Principle
The terminology and practices therefore vary:
Quan Yin — uses mantras and meditation upon inner Light and Sound.
Sant Mat — uses practices including simran and Surat Shabd Yoga to follow the inner Light and Sound.
Light and Sound Meditation - uses energy transference to establish the connection to the Spiritual Light and Sound, followed by meditation to access higher states of consciousness and ultimately true Enlightenment.