✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 57 of 112 — The Formless Expansion
Sanskrit Verse
sarvaṃ dehamayaṃ jagad vāpi vā smaret | yugapan-nirvikalpena manasā mahodayah ||
Contemplate the entire body or the whole universe as being of the nature of Consciousness simultaneously, with a thought-free mind; then the great awakening occurs.
Commentary
Dharana 57 focuses on the metaphysical collapse of the subject-object duality by expanding the sense of self to encompass the totality of existence. In Kashmir Shaivism, the 'deha' (body) is not merely a biological entity but a manifestation of Shakti. This technique requires the practitioner to move beyond the linear processing of the intellect, which usually perceives things in fragments, and instead adopt a 'yugapat' or simultaneous apprehension of reality. By visualizing the physical body or the external cosmos not as solid matter but as an undifferentiated field of luminous consciousness, the mental constructs (vikalpas) that sustain the ego begin to dissolve. The 'Mahodaya' or great awakening mentioned in the text refers to the sudden emergence of the Bhairava-state, where the practitioner realizes that there is no boundary between their internal essence and the external world. This is a practice of radical non-duality (advaita), where the individual wave realizes its identity with the entire ocean of being. The effect is a profound sense of spaciousness and the cessation of the restless mind, leading to a state of sthiti or stable immersion in the Absolute.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a comfortable posture such as Padmasana or Siddhasana with your spine straight. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to settle your nervous system.
- 02Begin by feeling the boundaries of your physical body. Gradually, soften these boundaries until you feel your presence extending into the room.
- 03Now, perform the central shift: simultaneously contemplate your entire body and the vast expanse of the universe as a single, indivisible unit of Pure Consciousness.
- 04Do not think about the parts; feel the whole. Maintain this state of 'nirvikalpa' (thought-free) awareness.
- 05If a specific thought arises, dissolve it back into the vastness of the field. Hold this unified vision of the cosmos-as-self for the duration of the meditation, allowing the distinction between 'inside' and 'outside' to vanish completely.
- 06Experience yourself as the light that illuminates all phenomena.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'simultaneously' mean in this context?
It refers to a non-linear mode of perception where you do not move your attention from one body part to another. Instead, you hold the entirety of your form and the infinite universe in a single, holistic grasp of awareness, preventing the mind from fragmenting reality into manageable pieces.
How do I handle distracting thoughts during this expansion?
Do not fight the thoughts or focus on them. Instead, view the thoughts themselves as part of the 'jagad' or universe you are contemplating. Since everything is consciousness, the thought is simply a ripple in the vast ocean you have become. Let it dissolve naturally into the spaciousness.
Is this a visualization of the physical stars and planets?
While you can start with the physical cosmos, the goal is to move toward the 'nature of consciousness.' It is less about seeing images of galaxies and more about feeling the quality of infinite, luminous presence that underlies both your physical skin and the farthest reaches of space.
Can a beginner practice this technique effectively?
This is labeled advanced because it requires 'nirvikalpa,' or the ability to be without thought. Beginners may find it difficult to hold a totalizing vision without the mind wandering. However, attempting to soften the body's boundaries is a healthy preliminary practice for anyone interested in Tantric meditation.
What is the 'Great Awakening' mentioned in the verse?
Mahodaya is the dawn of the realization of your true nature as Bhairava. It is not an intellectual understanding but a shift in being where the limitations of the ego are permanently thinned, allowing the inherent bliss and power of universal consciousness to shine through without obstruction.
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