3 questions
1. Should we fear GOD? I hear Christians say you should fear GOD. Why should I fear The Divine if he/she is the savior, the grace, the love, and joy of my life. That I should not fear I should embrace. Right or wrong?
2. I have been meditating for about 2 months now and I have seen am image of a beautiful golden female face. I call it divine mother. Is it too soon for me to be seeing this?
3. I have felt a presence of a spirit infront of me while meditating. What is this?
—Charles, USA
Dear Charles,
The Indian teachings do not emphasize the concept of fearing God. Instead, as you say, they describe a God of love and joy. It is really important to cultivate love and devotion for God — and not fear. Yogananda speaks of God as our Divine Mother, always loving us no matter how we err.
About your experiences in meditation: There are many different kinds of things that can happen in meditation. The Indian teachings say that God manifests in 8 ways: as love, joy, peace, calmness, wisdom, power, light, and sound. These are the most common ways God is experienced in meditation.
It is certainly not too soon to have a vision of Divine Mother. The most important thing is that you focus on your devotion to God as the Divine Mother, and not so much the image itself. Your increasing love and devotion will bring positive changes into your life even if the vision goes away.
Also, it is difficult to know what you actually mean when you feel a spirit in front of you while meditating. Focus your attention at the point between the eyebrows, the seat of highest awareness in the body. It is at that point that we can know our connection with God.
Blessings on your meditation practice,
Nayaswami Anandi
