✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 75 of 112 — The Pervasive Space Of The Body
Sanskrit Verse
sarvaṃ dehaṃ gatamayaṃ jagad vāpi samastakam | yugapaccintayet tatra svatantra-prakāśodayāt ||
Contemplate the entire body or the whole world simultaneously as being of the nature of Consciousness. By this, through the rise of self-luminous light, one becomes free.
Commentary
This dharana moves away from localization and toward 'sarvātmatā'—the realization that all things are one's own Self. The practitioner is asked to view the body and even the entire universe not as solid matter, but as 'gatamayam' (pervaded by/composed of) consciousness. This is a foundational view in Tantric monism: the world is not an illusion to be discarded, but a manifestation of Shiva's light (prakāśa). By 'simultaneously' (yugapat) contemplating the body and the world as light or space, the practitioner breaks the habitual boundary between 'inside' and 'outside.' The 'self-luminous light' (svatantra-prakāśa) mentioned here refers to the innate, independent radiance of consciousness that does not need a sun or a lamp to be known. When the practitioner stops seeing the body as a 'bag of skin' and the world as 'external objects,' and instead sees both as the same shimmering fabric of awareness, the dualistic ego dissolves. This leads to a state of 'Jivanmukti' or liberation while living, where one remains in the world but is no longer bound by its perceived limitations.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit quietly and close your eyes. Begin by feeling your entire body at once. Expand this feeling to include the air around you, the room, and eventually the entire world.
- 02Instead of thinking of these as solid things, imagine they are made of a fine, transparent, and brilliant light—the light of awareness.
- 03Do not visualize this light as something you are 'looking at'; rather, feel that you *are* this light.
- 04Contemplate that every atom in your body and every star in the sky is made of the same substance: pure, free, and luminous consciousness.
- 05Hold this 'simultaneous' awareness of the body and the universe as a single, undivided field of light.
- 06If the mind tries to separate things into categories, gently melt those categories back into the singular glow of being.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I feel the body and the world 'simultaneously'?
Instead of focusing your attention like a spotlight on one thing, soften your gaze (even with eyes closed) and broaden your awareness like a floodlight. Try to sense the periphery of your being and the space of the room as one continuous, unbroken field of existence.
Does 'gatamayam' mean everything is made of light?
In this context, it means 'pervaded by' or 'composed of' the essence of consciousness. While 'light' is the common metaphor, it refers to the 'Prakāśa' or the capacity of consciousness to manifest and be known. It is the 'is-ness' of all things.
What if I feel disconnected from my body during this?
The goal is not to leave the body, but to expand the definition of what you are. If you feel 'floaty' or disconnected, re-anchor in the sensation of your breath, but see the breath also as part of the universal light-field. This ensures you remain grounded.
How does this practice lead to freedom?
Bondage is the result of feeling separate and limited. When you realize the body and world are one substance (consciousness), the 'walls' of the ego fall away. Fear and desire diminish because there is nothing 'outside' of you to fear or crave, resulting in spiritual freedom.
Can I do this while walking or working?
Yes, this is an excellent 'eyes-open' meditation. As you move through the world, try to perceive the people, buildings, and sky as ripples in the single ocean of consciousness that you also are. It transforms daily activity into a continuous flow of divine recognition.
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