Ghata Avastha is the second stage of Siddha Yoga which usually overlaps with the first called Arambha Avastha. Ghata Avastha occurs when there is an ideal union between Prana and Apana or Manas and Buddhi or Jivatma and Paramatma without conflict. At this point of time, the practitioner may practice for about one-fourth of the period. He should practice Kevala Kumbhaka once a day. Pratyahara is drawing away the organs from the objects of senses when there is a pause of breath. Whatever he sees, he hears, he smells and touches, everything should be considered as Atma. He will begin to observe presence of Divine in everything he sees with his eyes; everything he touches with his skin; everything he smells with his nose and everything he tastes with his tongue. It can also be said that after proper practice of Ghata Avastha, the practitioner will begin to sense the entire material universe as manifestations of Prana Shakti. While the first stage results in the practitioner feeling Prana within himself, the second stage leads him to sense Prana in everything.
Once the practitioner starts to feel Prana in everything he gradually starts to lose interest in all the material desires. Though, he has the right to live in the material world but he will begin to develop a sense of detachment from worldly appeals. As the practitioner discovers and develops his detachment from worldly attractions, he will gradually become more and more immersed in the Divine energy which is Kundalini.
The practice of meditation during the Second Stage is very important for the practitioner. This will enable him to gain control over the flow of Prana within himself and achieving a certain stability of mind.
Thereafter, by maintaining all these steps, he would get powers like clairvoyance, ability to move to great distances within a moment, power of speech, ability to take up any form he likes and ability to become invisible.
One, who practises Yoga, carefully attains the power to go higher. He should not employ these powers before any person. He should live as an ordinary man in order to keep his powers hidden. However, he who is constantly engaged in Yogic practices can pass the Ghata state.
