✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 100 of 112 — The Pervasive Awareness Of Space
Sanskrit Verse
yatra yatra manogatiḥ bāhye vābhyantare 'pi 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-pervasive, where else could the mind go?
Commentary
This is one of the most celebrated and accessible dharanas in the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. It shifts the practitioner's perspective from trying to control the mind to recognizing the omnipresence of consciousness. The metaphysics is simple yet radical: since Shiva (Universal Consciousness) is all-pervasive ('vyapakatvat'), every single object, thought, or location is a manifestation of that same reality. Therefore, it is impossible for the mind to wander 'away' from God or Truth. Whether the mind is focused on a sublime internal meditation or a mundane external object, it is still touching Shiva. This technique removes the guilt and struggle associated with a wandering mind. It teaches 'sahaja' or the natural state, where everything becomes a portal to the divine. Instead of fighting the mind's movement ('manogatih'), the practitioner simply recognizes the destination of every movement as the infinite presence of Shiva.
Practice Instructions
- 01You can practice this with eyes open or closed. Allow your mind to wander freely. Whenever you notice your mind has landed on a thought, a sound, a physical sensation, or an external object, mentally say to yourself, 'This too is Shiva.
- 02' Recognize that the space the object occupies and the consciousness perceiving it are one and the same.
- 03Do not try to bring the mind back to a 'center. ' Instead, follow the mind to its periphery and realize that the periphery is also the center.
- 04Continue this for several minutes, witnessing the 'all-pervasiveness' of reality. Eventually, the distinction between the 'meditating mind' and the 'object' will blur, leaving only a singular, expansive field of awareness.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean I should let my mind be distracted?
It means you should stop fighting distraction. When you stop resisting the mind's movement and instead recognize every 'distraction' as a form of Shiva, the mind actually becomes more peaceful. You are shifting from a state of concentration to a state of total, all-inclusive awareness (Chaitanya).
How can 'negative' things be Shiva?
In this non-dual philosophy, Shiva is the substrate of all existence, beyond 'good' and 'bad.' Even a negative thought is made of the 'stuff' of consciousness. By recognizing the divine substrate of a negative thought, you strip it of its power to disturb you, seeing it as a temporary wave on the ocean of Shiva.
Is this a form of mindfulness?
It is similar to mindfulness but with a specific theological/metaphysical 'view.' While mindfulness often involves neutral observation, this dharana involves a 'recognition' (Pratyabhijna) of everything as the Supreme Reality. It is an active divinization of the field of perception rather than just a passive observation of it.
Can I practice this while working or talking?
Yes, this is an ideal 'world-affirming' practice. While engaging in conversation or tasks, keep a background awareness that the words, the people, and the environment are all expressions of one singular consciousness. This transforms everyday life into a continuous, seamless act of meditation and worship.
What happens if I forget to practice this during the day?
The moment you remember, simply recognize that even your 'forgetting' occurred within the space of Shiva. There is nowhere to fall out of this reality. By not judging your forgetfulness, you immediately return to the state of pervasive awareness described in the verse.
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