✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 76 of 112 — The Dissolving Breath
Sanskrit Verse
ubhayor bhāvayor jñāne dhyātvā madhya-gatāṃ kalām | yugapac-ca parityāgān madhya-dhāmni prabudhyate ||
By meditating on the inner space between the two breaths (inhalation and exhalation), and by simultaneously abandoning both, one is awakened in the middle state.
Commentary
This dharana focuses on the 'madhya-dhāman' or the middle state/abode. In Tantric physiology, the two breaths—Prāṇa (inhalation) and Apāṇa (exhalation)—are associated with the dualities of life: coming and going, taking and giving, birth and death. The 'madhya' is the gap between them, where the breath naturally pauses. This gap corresponds to the 'Suṣumṇā' or the central channel. By focusing on this subtle 'kala' (part or essence) between the breaths and 'abandoning' both (letting go of the urge to inhale or exhale), the practitioner enters a state of 'Kumbhaka' (retention). This is not a forced breath-holding, but a spontaneous suspension of breath (kevala kumbhaka) that occurs when the mind becomes perfectly still. When the movement of breath stops, the movement of thought stops. In this stillness, the 'middle abode'—the core of Shiva-consciousness—is revealed. This technique is a direct way to transcend the 'vikalpas' (binary thoughts) and enter the 'nirvikalpa' (non-dual) state of awakening.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight. Observe the natural flow of your breath without trying to control it.
- 02Notice the subtle turn-around point at the end of the inhalation and the end of the exhalation.
- 03Specifically, focus on the stillness that exists for a split second after you have finished inhaling and before you begin exhaling.
- 04Now, as you reach that point, 'abandon' the breath—simply rest in that stillness without any effort.
- 05Do not force yourself to hold your breath; rather, let the breath 'suspend' naturally because your attention is so deep.
- 06Feel the 'middle' space opening up within you. As you rest in this gap, feel your sense of self-merging into the silence.
- 07Repeat this with the gap after the exhalation as well, finding the 'middle' in both transitions.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this different from Pranayama breath holding?
Yes. Hatha Yoga Pranayama often involves 'sahita kumbhaka' (intentional holding). This dharana emphasizes 'kevala kumbhaka'—a spontaneous suspension where you 'abandon' the breath because you have found something more subtle and steady: the middle space of consciousness itself.
What is the 'middle state' (madhya-dhāmni)?
Metaphorically, it is the Suṣumṇā Nadi, the central energy channel. Spiritually, it is the state of balance (Samāna) where all dualities (hot/cold, joy/sorrow, in/out) are neutralized. It is the 'still point' of the turning world, where the Divine is realized.
Should I hold my breath until I feel uncomfortable?
No, never force the breath. The instruction 'parityāgāt' (abandoning) means letting go of the *impulse* to breathe. If you feel air hunger, you have gone too far. The practice should be effortless, focusing on the quality of the stillness rather than the duration of the pause.
Why focus on the gap instead of the breath itself?
The breath is movement; the gap is stillness. Movement belongs to the world of change (Shakti), while stillness belongs to the unchanging source (Shiva). By focusing on the gap, you train the mind to recognize the underlying stillness that supports all movement.
Can this lead to a state of Samadhi?
Yes, this is one of the most direct paths to 'Savikalpa' and eventually 'Nirvikalpa Samadhi.' By repeatedly entering the gap between breaths, the mind learns to remain in that void even when the breath resumes, leading to a permanent state of awakened peace.
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