✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 21 of 112 — The Flash Of Sudden Awareness
Sanskrit Verse
yathā tathā yatra tatra dvādaśānte manaḥ kṣipet | kṣaṇe kṣaṇe kṣīṇavṛttirvailakṣaṇyaṃ prapadyate ||
In whatever way and at whatever place, one should cast the mind into the twelve-finger space (dvādaśānta). Moment by moment, the fluctuations of the mind cease and one attains an extraordinary state.
Commentary
This dharana focuses on the 'dvadasanta', a metaphysical and energetic point located twelve finger-widths above the crown of the head or beyond the nostrils. Metaphysically, it represents the transition point where the individual consciousness (jiva) dissolves into the universal consciousness (Shiva). In the Trika system of Kashmir Shaivism, the 'kshinavritti' or cessation of mental fluctuations is not a forced suppression but a natural consequence of shifting the locus of awareness from the internal chatter of the intellect to the vast, unconditioned space outside the physical frame. By 'casting the mind' into this external void, the practitioner breaks the habitual cycle of subject-object identification. This technique leverages the spatial aspect of consciousness, recognizing that the mind is fundamentally linked to its focal point. When that focal point is placed in a region free from sensory input and conceptual labels, the mind naturally de-escalates its activity. The 'extraordinary state' (vailakshanyam) mentioned refers to the sudden emergence of the Spanda—the divine vibration—which is felt when the heavy cloak of thought is momentarily lifted, revealing the underlying radiance of the Self.
Practice Instructions
- 01Begin by sitting in a comfortable, upright posture. Relax your breath and allow your eyes to gently close or maintain a soft, unfocused gaze.
- 02Identify the space approximately nine to twelve inches above the crown of your head, known as the urdhva-dvadasanta.
- 03Instead of concentrating with effort, simply 'throw' or cast your entire mental attention into that specific void.
- 04Do not try to visualize an object there; rather, inhabit the space itself. Whenever a thought arises, immediately redirect your awareness back to that point above the head.
- 05Perform this 'casting' moment by moment. As you repeat this, you will notice the gaps between thoughts becoming wider.
- 06In these gaps, remain perfectly still and alert. Do not look for a result; simply remain anchored in the space above.
- 07If the upper space feels too abstract, you may also use the space twelve fingers in front of the nose during exhalation.
- 08The key is the outward projection of awareness into the void.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the dvadasanta in this context?
The dvadasanta refers to a point twelve finger-breadths away from the body. While it can exist at the heart or the brow, here it specifically refers to the space above the crown or beyond the nose where the breath ends. It is a portal to the transcendent, non-dual reality.
How do I 'cast' my mind without using effort?
Casting the mind is like throwing a stone into a lake. It is a swift, decisive movement of attention. Instead of trying to hold the mind still, you simply relocate your sense of 'I' to the space above. The effort is in the redirection, not in the holding.
What if I cannot feel anything at the twelve-finger point?
Physical sensation is not required for this practice. The goal is to focus on the 'space' itself. Even if the space feels empty or non-existent, keep your attention fixed there. The lack of sensory feedback is actually helpful in causing the mental fluctuations to cease.
Can this technique be practiced while walking or working?
Yes, the verse says 'yathā tathā yatra tatra' (in whatever way and at whatever place). Once you have mastered it in meditation, you can momentarily cast your mind into the dvadasanta during daily activities to instantly reset your nervous system and regain a state of inner silence.
What is the 'extraordinary state' mentioned in the verse?
The extraordinary state, or vailakshanyam, is a condition where you no longer perceive yourself as a limited body-mind. It is a shift into pure witnessing consciousness where you experience the bliss of your own nature, distinct from the mundane, repetitive patterns of worldly thought and emotion.
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