Originally Posted by
zen_rook
During my meditation practice, I often get a feeling of pressure, at the front of my head, just behind my forehead. This is not in the least bit uncomfortable, it almost feels relaxing. I am just curious if this is normal. I should also say, I only experience this sensation when I am completely focused on my breath. I do not have this sensation when my practice is struggling (ie, lots of thoughts bombarding me). I am not concerned it is medical related, as this has been consistent for the last 5 years of my practice. If you have experienced, or heard of this, please share.
Shawn..
Hi Shawn,
Ah, the Buddha's 'Third Eye' perhaps?
I also have sometimes noticed, on sittings which feel particularly still and centered, a certain tingling,warm pressure or pleasant sensation in the spot between the eyebrows. Perhaps this is the
gyananakashu, "the eye of knowledge" or the
ajna chakra (sixth chakra) in Yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism and other Indian traditions. Some say this is the spiritual eye opening, and perhaps so. Some more modern writers have noted that the pituitary gland is there.
Perhaps so.
http://sawaal.ibibo.com/puja-and-ritual ... 72951.html
I have noticed that the sensation may simply be a relaxing of the muscles of the forehead and ridge of the nose, a place where most of us "hold tension" unknowingly, and which we may relax during those particularly still and "tension dropping" sittings. It may just be that we are so used to holding those facial muscles tightly, that we feel the pleasant relaxing and warmth there. Also, any part of the body which draws the attention suddenly is "felt" when not felt before (draw the attention now to the back of your right knee, for example, and you will feel a part of the body usually invisible to our awareness).
Perhaps so.
Whatever it may be ... as in all moments of
Shikantaza ... this too is a moment to be cherished, allowed, let go. We neither seek to run to such a sensation, nor stay there, nor feel that such moments are more sacred than all others. All moments are sacred in
Shikantaza, and all is constantly changing.
Gassho, Jundo