Page 175 - The Buddha‘s Noble Eightfold Path

or they may even hear words pronounced, as it were, within

themselves. They may hear these words very clearly at times, as
though a voice is speaking to them. People who believe in God

often think, of course, that it is God speaking to them, but
according to the Buddha's teaching these sounds or voices all
come from the depths — and sometimes not even from the

deepest depths — of one's own mind or consciousness.

Occasionally it also happens that, in the course of their practise
of concentration, people have the experience of perceiving
various scents. Sometimes it is as though the room in which they

are sitting is pervaded by a sweet-smelling scent like that of
jasmine or roses, and sometimes this scent can even be smelt by

other people. This, too, is a sign that the mind is becoming more
subtle, more refined and rarified, and that one is contacting a
higher level of consciousness.

As one progresses, the experiences change. I am not going to try

to give you an account of all the different experiences one may
have, but just a few typical ones which are likely to occur with
most people. One may have the experience of suddenly seeing,

unfolding before one, landscapes of various kinds, some of them
with hills and trees and stretching, sometimes, as though for

miles. One may see brilliant blue sky or flashing geometrical
patterns, or patterns made as though of jewels, or mandala-like
forms and figures. One may also see other forms of various

kinds, such as faces or eyes. All these experiences are quite
common in the case of people who practise concentration and

meditation even to a slight extent. One may also experience
something a little different, such as a change in one's

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