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 too have experienced what you call your "blackouts." Nothing seems to exist around you, it's all very nice, and it does tend to jolt me out of my meditation. I have never been able to astral project (I do need help on that) and I always thought that if I would become more "aware" at that point that I would astral project. I almost think of it as some sort of barrier that I need to break through.