✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 30 of 112 — The Five-Fold Void Of The Senses
Sanskrit Verse
pañca-śūnyaiḥ parāvāptiḥ, sarva-śūnyatva-bhāvanāt.
By contemplating the five voids (the sense organs) and meditating on the state of universal voidness, the supreme state is attained.
Commentary
This dharana utilizes the concept of 'shunya' or the void to deconstruct the practitioner's reliance on sensory input. The 'five voids' refer to the subtle spaces within the five sense organs (ears, skin, eyes, tongue, and nose). Normally, these organs are gateways through which we project our consciousness outward to grasp objects. In this practice, the yogi turns the direction of flow inward, recognizing that the space within each sense organ is identical to the primordial void of Bhairava. By contemplating these as empty spaces rather than tools for grasping, the practitioner enters a state of 'sarva-shunyatva'—universal voidness. This is not a nihilistic nothingness, but rather a 'plenary void' (purna-shunya) that is overflowing with potentiality. Metaphysically, it signifies the dissolution of the objective world into the subjective space of the Self. When the senses no longer define the boundaries of reality, the supreme state of Parashiva, which is beyond all attributes, becomes manifest.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a quiet space where you will not be disturbed. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your ears; feel the empty space inside the ear canals.
- 02Move to the eyes and feel the dark, hollow space behind the lids. Continue to the nostrils, the mouth, and finally the entire surface of the skin.
- 03Instead of sensing objects, sense the 'emptiness' that allows sensation to happen. Visualize these five portals as five dark, silent voids.
- 04Gradually, let these five voids merge into one single, vast expanse of emptiness that encompasses your entire body.
- 05Do not try to fill this space with thoughts or images. Simply rest in the silence of the void, acknowledging that this emptiness is the very nature of pure consciousness, free from all limiting adjuncts and definitions.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this void the same as the Buddhist concept of Sunyata?
While similar in its deconstructive approach, the Shaiva 'Shunya' is considered 'Purna' or full. It is not just the absence of inherent existence, but the presence of the creative Power (Shakti) in its unmanifest state. It is a vibrant, conscious emptiness from which all of manifestation arises and into which it eventually returns.
How do I handle the fear that comes with the feeling of 'nothingness'?
Fear is a common reaction when the ego loses its sensory anchors. If fear arises, recognize it as a mental construct. Remind yourself that you are the witness of the void, not the victim of it. Deep, slow breathing can help stabilize the nervous system while you remain centered in the vastness of the internal space.
Can I practice this while hearing loud noises?
It is actually a powerful practice to hear a noise and immediately trace it back to the 'void' of the ear. Instead of labeling the sound, focus on the empty space that permits the sound to exist. This transforms an external distraction into a direct vehicle for entering the state of universal voidness and silence.
Should I focus on all five senses simultaneously?
Start by focusing on one sense at a time to build concentration. Once you can feel the 'void' in each organ individually, try to expand your awareness to include all five at once. Eventually, the distinction between the different senses will fade, and you will experience a single, unified field of empty, conscious space.
How does this practice affect my daily life?
By realizing the void nature of the senses, you become less reactive to sensory triggers. You develop a 'cool' detachment where you can enjoy sensory experiences without being enslaved by cravings or aversions. It fosters a sense of inner spaciousness and equanimity that remains stable even in the midst of a chaotic external environment.
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