Understanding the Light Behind Your Closed Eyes
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What are phosphenes?
Phosphenes are spontaneous light phenomena that appear without external visual input. They can look like sparks, swirling colors, geometric patterns, or fields of glowing light—often seen with closed eyes or in darkness. These visuals are generated by the visual system itself, especially the retina and visual cortex.
What causes phosphenes to appear?
Phosphenes can be triggered by various factors:
- Gentle pressure on the eyes
- Sudden changes in light
- Meditation or sensory withdrawal
- Neural activity during altered states of consciousness (sleep onset, hypnagogia, deep meditation)
They are a normal part of visual system function, revealing the active inner life of perception.
Are phosphenes a sign of eye disease?
Most phosphenes are harmless. However, persistent flashes—especially those accompanied by floaters or visual field loss—can be a symptom of retinal issues and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. In healthy individuals, phosphenes are common and can become more noticeable during contemplative practices.
Can I train myself to see phosphenes?
Yes, many practices naturally lead to phosphene perception. These include darkness meditation, sky-gazing, silent sitting, and focused internal awareness. Unlike visualization, phosphenes arise spontaneously and do not require imagination—they emerge from stillness, not effort.
SPIRITUAL & TRANSPERSONAL QUESTIONS
What are the spiritual implications of experiencing phosphenes?
In many contemplative traditions, inner light is described as a direct experience of consciousness. Our research suggests that phosphenes may serve as early manifestations in a continuum of inner perception—leading from flickers to formless light, and ultimately, to a recognition of luminous awareness. Rather than being symbolic projections, these lights may represent a deep contact with the field of consciousness itself.
Can the appearance of phosphenes be linked to one’s spiritual state?
Yes, but not in a linear or judgmental way. Phosphenes often appear when the mind is quiet, open, and free from visual distractions—such as during meditation or states of spacious presence. Rather than indicating spiritual attainment, their presence may reflect openness to subtle layers of perception.
How should I interpret the colors I see in phosphenes?
Color in phosphenes often results from neural activity in the retina and visual cortex. While some traditions associate colors with chakras or energetic meanings, we encourage a phenomenological approach: observe the colors as they are, without interpretation. The key is not the meaning of the color, but the quality of awareness it arises within.
What does it mean if I see persistent phosphenes during practice?
In a contemplative context, recurring phosphenes may indicate that your awareness is stabilizing in more subtle perceptual fields. This is described in various traditions as entering the light of mind, or the clear light. However, if phosphenes persist outside of meditation or are disruptive, it’s wise to consult a health professional to rule out physiological causes.
Are there spiritual exercises to help induce phosphenes?
Yes. Practices such as silent sitting in darkness, open-eyed sky-gazing, and breath-centered awareness often give rise to phosphenes naturally. In our work, we emphasize non-doing: rather than trying to create them, we invite an attitude of presence and receptivity. Phosphenes arise most clearly when we stop trying to see anything at all.
How do spiritual traditions view phosphenes?
Many traditions—including Tibetan Dzogchen, Christian mysticism, and yogic meditation—describe experiences of inner light that closely resemble phosphene phenomena. We propose that these lights are not metaphors, but actual experiences of the brain and consciousness in deep states. When viewed with openness, phosphenes may become gateways into profound states of awareness, beyond form or symbol. They rise in our own ultrasubjective hyperspace!
Learn More: The Yoga of Inner Light and Phosphene Research
Interested in exploring further? Below are resources to deepen your understanding of phosphenes, their role in meditation, and how they connect to ancient spiritual traditions.
🔬 Scientific Papers and Publications
Keppel Hesselink, J. M. (2025a). From flickers to formless: Mapping phosphene trajectories in Tibetan Dzogchen, Christian mysticism, and contemporary meditation. PsyArXiv Preprints. https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/hfv…
Keppel Hesselink, J. M. (2025b). The ultrasubjective hyperspace: A unified model of consciousness and reality. PsyArXiv Preprints. https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/bh7…
Keppel Hesselink, J. M. (2025c). From point to eternity: A hierarchical taxonomy and phenomenology of meditation-induced phosphenes and luminous light experiences. PsyArXiv Preprints. https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/cv7…
Keppel Hesselink, J. M. (2025d). Inner light, inner seeing: A phenomenological inquiry into phosphene meditation and the structure of mystical perception. PsyArXiv Preprints. https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/s56…
🎥 Videos and Guided Meditations
Watch these meditations and teachings to experience phosphenes directly:
🔆 Phosphenes & Inner Light: VedicVibes Video Collection
🌟 Foundational Explorations
- What You See Behind Your Closed Eyes: Phosphenes and Entering the Divine Light Is Your Birthright #1
An introduction to the natural phenomenon of phosphenes and their spiritual significance.
Watch on YouTube - Phosphenes, Inner Lights, and the Opening of the Third Eye
Discusses the role of phosphenes in awakening inner vision and consciousness.
Watch on YouTube
🌀 Deepening the Practice
- Movements of Phosphenes Leading into the Ultimate
Explores how phosphene patterns can guide deeper meditative states.
Watch on YouTube - Ancient Phosphene Meditation to Guide You Towards the Inner Light
A guided meditation focusing on phosphene awareness to connect with inner light.
Watch on YouTube - Phosphene Meditation Based on Contrasts of Light and Dark
Utilizes light and darkness contrasts to enhance phosphene perception during meditation.
Watch on YouTube
🌈 Integrative Insights
- The Essence of the Yoga of Inner Light
Delves into the philosophy and practice of inner light yoga through phosphene experiences.
Watch on YouTube - The Holy Word and Light Behind the Closed Eyes: The Phosphenes
Reflects on the sacred aspects of phosphene experiences and their connection to inner stillness.
Watch on YouTube - The Cosmic Egg from Saint Hildegard von Bingen
Explores historical perspectives on inner visions and their relevance to phosphene experiences.
Watch on YouTube - Become Clairvoyant via this Phosphene Meditation
Watch on YouTube
🎉 Community and Experiential Sharing
- The Phosphene Party at Quinta Quixote
A communal exploration of phosphene experiences in a retreat chill setting at the banana circle and the stables.
Watch on YouTube
Hope you will enjoy! Shunyam Adhibhu
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