Devika awoke at dawn to the sound of temple bells echoing across the celestial mountain, a soothing melody that seemed to harmonize with her very being. The Yojinis were absent from her chamber, allowing her a moment of quiet reflection. As she sat cross-legged on the bed, the events of the past days swirled in her mind—the transformation of the mountain, her collapse into Maa Parvati's arms, and her growing sense of self. Yet, beneath the serenity, she felt an unspoken yearning.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Vidyata entered, carrying a tray with a single golden fruit and a goblet of water. "Today's lesson will be profound, Devika. Lord Shiva awaits in the meditation hall," she said, her tone as composed as ever.
Devika quickly ate the fruit and followed Vidyata, her heart both nervous and eager.
The Preparation
The meditation hall was a vast, open space within the haveli, its walls adorned with glowing scripts of ancient wisdom. At its center sat Lord Shiva, his presence calm yet commanding. Parvati stood to his side, her gaze tender but watchful.
Shiva gestured for Devika to sit before him. "Today," he began, "you will learn about your astral body, the subtle energy field that connects your physical self to the infinite."
Devika tilted her head, intrigued. "My astral body? Is it like a shadow?"
Parvati chuckled softly. "Not quite, child. It is a part of you unseen by the eyes but felt deeply by the soul. Through it, you can access higher planes of existence and divine knowledge."
Shiva nodded. "But first, you must prepare your mind and body to perceive it. Let us begin."
The Practice
Shiva instructed Devika to sit in padmasana (lotus position) with her spine straight and eyes closed. "Focus on your breath," he said, his voice like a steady river. "Feel it flow in and out, like the tides of the ocean."
As Devika followed his instructions, she felt her thoughts gradually quiet. Shiva guided her further. "Visualize a golden thread connecting the top of your head to the universe above and the base of your spine to the Earth below. This thread is the path of your astral energy."
The process was slow, and at first, Devika struggled to maintain her focus. Mandini's earlier teasing echoed in her mind, making her lips twitch with suppressed laughter. But as she persisted, a strange warmth began to spread through her body, a sensation both comforting and powerful.
Understanding the Astral Body
After what felt like hours, Shiva's deep voice broke the silence. "Now, look within. See the light of your astral body."
Devika gasped. With her eyes still closed, she saw a faint silhouette of herself, glowing faintly in golden hues. It seemed to move with her breath, fluid and radiant.
"That," Shiva said, "is your astral self. It exists beyond the limits of the physical. Through it, you can connect with the divine, understand the universe, and even traverse realms."
Devika's voice was filled with wonder. "It's... beautiful. But why have I never seen it before?"
Parvati answered, her tone gentle. "Most humans remain unaware of their astral selves, blinded by the distractions of the material world. Through meditation and sadhana, this awareness can be awakened."
Shiva leaned forward slightly, his gaze intense. "This is just the beginning. To truly harness the power of your astral body, you must overcome fear and doubt. Are you ready for the next step?"
The Lesson of Detachment
Devika nodded, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed her face. "What do I need to do?"
Shiva smiled faintly. "You must detach from the physical. Your astral body can only be fully activated when you release your attachment to your earthly self."
Parvati added, "It is not about abandoning the physical world but understanding it is temporary and not the sum of your existence."
Shiva guided Devika into deeper meditation, instructing her to focus on the golden thread again. This time, he asked her to visualize herself rising above her physical form, leaving her body behind.
At first, the sensation was disorienting. Devika felt as though she were floating, weightless and untethered. Yet, as she embraced the experience, she began to see her surroundings from a new perspective—a luminous realm filled with colors and energies beyond description.
"You're in the astral plane," Shiva's voice echoed in her mind. "Explore, but remain mindful."
A Glimpse Beyond
Devika marveled at the astral realm, a space where time and matter seemed irrelevant. She saw glimpses of other beings—some divine, others curious and unfamiliar. Vibrations of pure energy resonated around her, and she felt an inexplicable connection to everything she encountered.
Yet, she also sensed danger—a dark shadow lurking at the edges of her awareness. "What is that?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Shiva's reply was firm. "The astral plane reflects your inner self. That shadow is your fear, doubt, and anger. To progress, you must face it."
Devika hesitated, but Parvati's soothing presence gave her courage. "You are stronger than you realize, child," she said.
With a deep breath, Devika confronted the shadow. As she did, it dissolved, replaced by a warm, golden light.
Returning to the Physical
When Devika finally opened her eyes, she felt transformed. Her body was the same, yet she was acutely aware of the energy flowing within and around her.
"You've taken the first step," Shiva said, pride evident in his voice. "But remember, mastery of the astral self is a lifelong journey."
Parvati smiled warmly. "You are doing well, Devika. Rest now and reflect on what you've learned. Tomorrow will bring new challenges."
As the Yojinis entered to escort her back to her chambers, Mandini leaned in with her usual grin. "So, how was the astral plane? Any cute cosmic beings?"
Devika rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her amusement. "You'll never change, will you?"
Mandini winked. "Not in a million years."
With her newfound awareness and the support of her divine guides, Devika felt ready to embrace whatever lay ahead. Her journey had only just begun, but her heart was filled with hope and determination.