Meditation blackouts?, experiences of a questionable nature Options

Lately, when in meditation, I have been experiencing something quite odd: when deep in meditation, I tend to have moments where I "blackout" or loose complete awareness of my environment. I am not thinking anything, but the experience is very 'bright' and positive; it isn't scary in the least. But when it does happen, it catches me by surprise, and that surprise jolts me out of the state. I have lost fair amounts of time in this state, but it feels like seconds. This has happened in zazen, Manjushri, and Kuan Yin meditation, for the sake of detail.

So, my real questions are, what could this state be? Do others experience it? If so, will you share some knowledge about it or thoughts on what it might be?

Any input is appreciated!

I've had similar experiences, especially when intoning the IAEOU vibrations. It might just be low blood pressure, but once I've cleared my mind and go through them, opening five chakras for every vowel (a simplification of the Tantric chakras I use) I start to black-out; I've passed out a few times (which can hurt if there's a make-shift altar under your shins). They are intense black-outs (similar to those you can get after the Death Posture). Either way, I've learnt to include them as a part of induction into the 'sacred' from the mundane... or I just avoid vibrating i, a, e, o or u. Works every time.

This post has been edited by Alekhine: Jul 12 2005, 09:21 AM