✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 94 of 112 — The Omni-Presence Of Consciousness
Sanskrit Verse
yatra yatra mano yāti bāhye vāntare vā tatra tatra śivāvasthā vyāpakatvāt kva yāsyati ||
Wherever the mind goes, whether externally or internally, there is the state of Shiva. Since He is all-pervading, where else could the mind go?
Commentary
This dharana presents a radical shift in perspective that is central to the non-dual philosophy of Pratyabhijna (Recognition). Unlike practices that require strict concentration or the suppression of thought, this technique utilizes the natural wandering of the mind as a vehicle for liberation. It posits that since Shiva (Universal Consciousness) is omnipresent and all-pervasive, every object, thought, or sensation is a manifestation of that same divine reality. Therefore, it is impossible for the mind to land on anything that is not Shiva. This eliminates the 'spiritual' vs 'mundane' dichotomy. Whether the mind is focused on a sublime deity or a common street object, the underlying 'substance' is the same light of awareness. By maintaining this recognition, the practitioner transforms every mental movement into an act of worship or a meditative insight. The metaphysics here suggest that bondage is merely the failure to recognize the 'stuff' of the universe, while liberation is the constant awareness of the singular essence pervading all diversity.
Practice Instructions
- 01Begin by sitting quietly or even walking slowly with eyes open. Allow your mind to move freely.
- 02Wherever your attention lands—be it an external object like a tree, a sound, or an internal thought or emotion—immediately tell yourself, 'This too is Shiva.
- 03' Do not try to hold the mind still. Instead, follow its movement with the constant recognition that every point of focus is a localized expression of the Infinite.
- 04If the mind jumps from a pleasant thought to an unpleasant one, observe that the 'space' in which both arise is the same divine consciousness.
- 05Practice seeing the 'Is-ness' or the 'Being' of every object rather than its name or utility.
- 06Gradually, the distinction between the 'meditating self' and the 'object of thought' will blur, leading to a spontaneous state of equanimity and universal presence.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
If everything is Shiva, does that include negative thoughts or actions?
From the ultimate metaphysical perspective, yes. However, this is not an excuse for harmful behavior. The practice aims to see the pure energy of consciousness behind the mental form. By recognizing the 'Shiva-nature' even in negativity, the 'charge' of the ego is neutralized, and the negativity naturally dissolves.
How is this different from simple mindfulness?
Mindfulness often involves observing thoughts without judgment. This dharana goes further by adding a specific 'view' (darshana): the active recognition of all phenomena as the Divine. It is not just observing the flow, but recognizing the nature of the water in which the flow occurs.
Can I practice this while working or doing chores?
Absolutely. This is one of the most practical dharanas for daily life. While washing dishes or typing, recognize that the sensations and the objects are all movements of the same all-pervading reality. It turns mundane activity into a continuous flow of meditative recognition.
Does this technique require a belief in a personal God?
No. While the term 'Shiva' is used, it refers to Universal Consciousness or Absolute Reality. You can substitute the term with 'Awareness,' 'The Ground of Being,' or 'Existence.' The core of the practice is recognizing the singular essence behind the perceived plurality of the world.
What if my mind is too distracted to remember the instruction?
Do not worry about the frequency. Even if you remember only once every ten minutes, that moment of recognition is powerful. Over time, the 'flavor' of this recognition will begin to permeate your subconscious, making the realization more spontaneous and less reliant on effort.
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