THE GOLDEN DOOR

August 2007

Many of the meditation traditions mention a golden door. In some of the Eastern traditions, we learn about a golden door that leads us unto another state of consciousness. It is sometimes referred to as the celestial gateway and is visualised at the chakra known as the third eye. This place is called ajna chakra, or chidakash. It is the place between the closed eyes or between the eyebrows. Chidakash means inner cosmos or inner space. You can meditate on the space in front of the closed eyes. What do you see? You might just see darkness or you might see colours, patterns, pictures or symbols. You might meditate on this space for a long time, perhaps weeks or months and only see darkness, but one day you might see something. It is a bit like a TV or film screen. The images you see are the impressions of your unconscious mind.

In the Native American tradition the Golden Door refers to the East Shield. It is as if, when meditating or contemplating, you suddenly see a light in your head. You are illumined or enlightened. Then you have reached the East Shield or doorway into Spirit. The East, on the medicine wheel, signifies the place of new beginnings. The sun rises in the east at the dawn of each day. When we ‘see the light,’ it is often a new beginning in our awareness or understanding. It is also the place of the eagle, the bird of enlightenment. (see www.keystolight.co.uk/meditations/meditation-0306.shtml)

A good beginning for this meditation is to prepare in your usual way. Sit in your favourite meditation position, on the floor or in a straight backed-chair. Light a candle and have some incense or essential oils burning. Begin to breathe gently and smoothly, following each breath as it comes in and goes out. When you feel quiet and peaceful, take your attention to the space in front or between your closed eyes. Begin to breathe in and out of that place. Another way to do this is to take your attention about 2 cms (1 inch) into the centre of your forehead, behind the closed eyes and keep your attention there. Just continue to breathe with awareness and keep the attention on that space. You can continue to do just that part of the meditation. You may notice your mind becoming still and quiet and your breathing becomes slower and deeper. This is a good meditation on its own, but you can take it deeper.

Continue with the breathing and the awareness and begin to visualise a golden door. The golden door is the gateway to other levels of understanding. It is the doorway to spiritual truth and understanding. It is a beautiful door, the most beautiful you can create. Do so now. Notice the material it is made of. Is it gold metal? Is it wood, painted gold? Is it plain or decorated? Does it have patterns or symbols? Is it open or closed? Open the door and go in. What do you see? It is for you to discover.

Take some time to explore what is through the golden door. Then, when you are ready, dissolve the visualisation. Bring your attention out from your eyebrow centre. Again become aware of every breath as it comes and goes. Rub the palms of your hands together, feel the warmth and cup them over your closed eyes. Open your eyes and remove your hands. Your meditation is finished. This meditation can be used often and it is a good idea to keep a meditation journal to record what you see.

© Kathleen Pepper 2007

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