Introduction
What happens when you practice self-reflection correctly, following the Eightfold Right Path?
I want to introduce a possible sign that may indicate whether you’re practicing the Eightfold Right Paths correctly. I was deeply concerned about this myself. So, when I met a close associate of Mr. Shinji Takahashi in 2002, I wanted to ask if my reflection practice was on the right track.
At the time, I had already begun experiencing a strange sensation—a slight pressure at the center of the top of my head—while sitting at my desk late at night, meditating in alignment with Mr. Takahashi’s teachings. Despite reading his works in Japanese, I wasn’t sure if I fully understood them.
At first, I barely noticed the pressure. But as I continued my nightly meditation—reflecting on my daily actions and thoughts—it became more pronounced.
- A Shift in Breathing and Energy Flow
As my practice deepened, I began unconsciously drawing air into my lungs in a way that created a sound through my nostrils, as if inhaling from both sides simultaneously. The deeper I breathed, the more I felt the air pressure building in my head at the same spot where I had first noticed the sensation. I felt it going in through the center top of my head.
I repeated this night after night, gradually intensifying my reflection on past actions and thoughts. Then, one night, something shocking happened.
- The Electromagnetic Jolt
I had just finished my meditation one night and was lying in bed when a powerful, unexpected force surged through my entire body—an electromagnetic jolt.
I was no stranger to such sensations. I had used TENS units and other electromagnetic devices before, especially while dealing with severe pain prior to undergoing L5-S1 spinal fusion surgery. That procedure, requiring three separate operations, involved inserting a cage around screws and bolts to stabilize my spine. I knew exactly what an electric shock felt like, especially at the maximum setting of a TENS unit.
But this jolt was different. It far exceeded the highest level of any device I had ever used—lasting longer and enveloping my entire being. At that moment, I had no idea why it was happening, other than what I had previously read in Mr. Takahashi’s books. He had explained that such an experience could occur when a mental barrier is broken down, facilitated by a Guardian or Guiding Spirit.
- Breaking the Barriers of Righteousness
I had unknowingly been using a self-centered standard of righteousness all my life—one that justified my actions as long as they benefited me. It was a righteousness I kept private, unwilling to share or question. But through the Eightfold Right Path, I was gradually shifting towards a higher standard—one aligned with the Middle Path.
The jolt, I realized, was a sign that I had begun transcending my old way of thinking. When another jolt struck later, I understood that I had once again shifted to a higher standard of righteousness. Each time, I was breaking through another layer of mental conditioning.
Through this process, I internalized a new perspective—not just intellectually but deep within my heart. I reached a point where I could sincerely pray for someone who had wronged me, saying:
“God, please give Your light to this person.”
This was unimaginable for my former self, who would have easily cast judgment without hesitation.
Returning to My Original State
Looking back, I see this as a journey of returning to the purity I was born with—when my heart and mind were nearly untouched, filled with God’s love and the natural inclination to give love freely.
Let me clarify: even if my understanding is imperfect, I don’t believe it strays far from the essence of Mr. Takahashi’s teachings on the subconscious and surface consciousness. It took me a long time to grasp them, but I finally reached a state of mind that felt deeply familiar—as if I had come full circle to where I had started in life.
Could this be Paramita at my level?
When I was a newborn, I smiled at everyone, unaware of judgment. But as I grew older, I learned societal narratives—who was “good” or “bad”—and began casting judgment. Consider this:
Would a baby stop smiling upon hearing about the atomic bomb dropped on Japan? No. A baby doesn’t yet carry the weight of judgment. Only later in life does one learn to assign blame. And this is where mistakes begin.
Judgment should be cast on the act, not the person.
Rather than condemning individuals, we should learn from their actions—what to do or what to avoid. If we follow this approach, wouldn’t we contribute to building Utopia on Earth? I believe we would.
Conclusion: Final Realization: The Power of the Middle Path
From this point on, I must consciously direct my mind to act through the Middle Path—using my five senses and intellect in alignment with it.
The key is not allowing surface consciousness, namely my Five bodily senses, to dictate my thoughts and actions—selfish desires, self-protection, and ego-driven decisions. Instead, I must let my deeper awareness guide me.
This journey has made the distinction between surface consciousness and subconscious awareness clearer than ever. And through it, I have come to understand:
When we break mental barriers and align with the Middle Path, we can return to our purest, most enlightened selves—where love, wisdom, and compassion flow freely.
I sincerely wish you can also break your mental barriers so that your bad karma stops, too.