If you’ve ever found yourself in a deep meditation and suddenly noticed your eyes rolling upward into your head you’re not alone. This is a real phenomenon that happens when entering deeper phases of meditation.
It can be a strange and even startling experience the first time it happens.
The good news is that this phenomenon has been noted for centuries across many meditation traditions. It’s not only normal, but is a sign of entering into a Samadhi like state.
My Personal Experience
This honestly happens to me all the time. Sometimes when I relax into a deep meditative state and my hearts, my eyes will roll back without me doing anything consciously. It’s not forced. It just happens.
I’m not doing anything crazy, just meditating. When I surrender deeply enough I rise into this state of bliss and my eyes will roll up and point towards my third eye. This is a sign that you’re beginning to enter a low level samadhi.
The Physical Explanation
On a physical level, the upward roll of the eyes is often linked to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” mode of the body. This is why your eyes will roll back in this same manner during sexual activities, sleep, and when enjoying something pleasureable.
As you relax deeply in meditation, your muscles let go. Some neurologists even note that in certain trance or hypnagogic states, the eyes naturally drift upward or back as a person disconnects from the external world.
What Yogic Traditions Say
In yogic teachings, especially within Kundalini and Kriya Yoga, the upward gaze is not only common—it’s often encouraged.
The ancient yogi Lahiri Mahasaya, who helped spread Kriya Yoga in the 19th century, taught that during meditation, attention should naturally rise to the Kutastha (or spiritual eye). This is the space between the eyebrows, also known as the third eye.
In this state, the eyes gently and effortlessly drift upward, aligning the inner awareness with higher spiritual centers.
Break Into Greater Consciousness And Experience Awakening
Paramahansa Yogananda wrote in one of his books:
“When your eyes are lifted, your mind will follow. The spiritual eye is the light of the soul… It is there, at the point between the eyebrows, that Christ said, ‘If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.’”
That “eye” is not metaphorical, it’s a real sensation many meditators experience when the eyes roll back and upward naturally.
In Tibetan Buddhism, there are similar references to the “sky-gazing” practices where the upward roll of the eye connects to Dzogchen meditations, opening one to the vast, luminous awareness of the mind.
Signs of Samadhi
When your eyes begin to roll back or upward during meditation, you may be brushing against the early stages of samadhi. Samadhi is a deep, meditative and often blissful state.
Samadhi isn’t just one state, it’s a spectrum. The beginning stages, sometimes called Savikalpa Samadhi or concentration with form, are marked by moments where the mind becomes still and time feels suspended.
If you experience feelings of bliss alongside your eyes rolling up in your head during meditation, you’re likely beginning to enter into samadhi.
Is It Dangerous?
No. It’s not dangerous. You’re eyes won’t let you pop a muscle or anything if that’s what you’re worried about.
If it’s happening naturally, it’s often a sign that your consciousness is shifting inward.
However, some beginners try to force their eyes to look up, hoping for a shortcut to spiritual experiences. This can lead to headaches or eye strain.
The key is to let it happen gently and organically. If it comes, let it come. If not, don’t worry.
What To Do When It Happens
If you notice your eyes rolling back during meditation:
- Don’t panic — This is normal, don’t panic.
- Stay relaxed — Allow the body to relax and allow the eyes to go where they want.
- Notice what’s arising — Is there peace? Stillness? Visions or light? Just be present.
That’s about it, not much more to it!
Final Thoughts
So, why do your eyes roll back during meditation? You’re likely entering deeper meditative states and this is a natural physical phenomenon that happens when entering them.
It might feel weird at first, but it’s a sign you’re opening to deeper levels of stillness and presence.
Hi, I’m Ryan. I’m a meditation teacher, spiritual seeker, and founder of nurtureyourspirit.org. I’m glad you’re here! I founded Nurture Your Spirit because of my love of meditation, spirituality, and spiritual awakening.
