13. Is the experience of Mental Silence imaginary?
The mind stores billions of inherited and acquired data. With that available information, we can imagine whatever we want. But when we meditate, we should not be trapped in an imaginary world. This happens if the technique of meditation is too active (concentration, visualisation, observation, etc.). Therefore, with Mental Silence meditation we first switch off the mind.
Meditative experiences are direct experiences. Although subjective, they can be objectified with precise criteria, and are comparable from one session to another, and from one individual to another. But you have to experience it yourself to be convinced that they are real, as real as I can see my dog now.
The meditation technique should not trap you in your mind, as most techniques do. Mental Silence meditation first switches off the mind. It is the basic condition to go further.