✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 39 of 112 — The Piercing Of The Subtle Points
Sanskrit Verse
yathā tathā bhaved dṛḍhā vyomni vikalpahīnatā | tathā tathā pravarteta śaktirūpaḥ paraḥ śivaḥ ||
To the extent that one's thoughtlessness in the void becomes firm, to that same extent does the Supreme Shiva, in the form of Shakti, manifest.
Commentary
This dharana outlines a fundamental principle of Kashmir Shaivism: the reciprocal relationship between the stillness of the mind (vikalpahīnatā) and the manifestation of divine power (Shakti). The 'vyomni' or void mentioned here refers to the expansive clarity of consciousness that remains when the noise of the ego is silenced. This is not a passive emptiness but a pregnant potentiality. As the practitioner stabilizes their awareness in the state of 'no-thought,' the inherent power of the Self—represented as the dynamic Shakti—begins to stir. The verse suggests that the realization of Shiva (the static, foundational consciousness) is facilitated by Shakti (the creative energy). The more 'firm' or 'unwavering' the internal silence becomes, the more clearly the divine presence reveals itself. It is a process of clearing the clouds to let the sun shine through. Metaphysically, this teaches that Shiva and Shakti are inseparable; when the mind becomes like the empty sky, the light of the sun (Shakti) naturally illuminates the entire field of being.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit quietly and observe your thoughts without judgment. Slowly introduce gaps between the thoughts.
- 02Focus on these gaps—the 'void' between one mental image and the next. As you focus on the space, let the silence expand.
- 03Strive to make this state of 'vikalpahīnatā' (thoughtlessness) firm and steady. Do not exert force; instead, relax into the emptiness.
- 04As the silence deepens, pay attention to a subtle arising of energy or joy within that stillness.
- 05This is the 'Shaktirūpaḥ'—the form of Shakti. Stay present with this energy, allowing it to permeate your entire being.
- 06Recognize that this energy is not separate from the silence itself. Continue to rest in the void, watching how the divine presence becomes more palpable the less you 'try' to think or do.
- 07End the session by slowly reintegrating this sense of quiet power into your physical movements.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'thoughtlessness' possible for a busy mind?
It is not about stopping thoughts through willpower, but about focusing on the space between them. Even a micro-second of silence is a 'void.' By returning to that gap repeatedly, the space naturally lengthens. It is like looking at the blue sky instead of the clouds passing through it.
How do I recognize 'Shakti' in this practice?
Shakti manifests as a subtle vibration, a sense of warmth, a sudden clarity, or an uncaused feeling of bliss (Ananda). It is the 'aliveness' that remains when the ego-mind is quiet. You don't need to look for it; it reveals itself naturally as the mental noise decreases.
Why is the void called 'Vyoman'?
Vyoman literally means sky or ether. It symbolizes the property of consciousness to be all-pervasive, container-less, and untainted by whatever happens within it. Just as the sky is not burned by fire or wet by rain, the 'Vyoman' of your awareness remains pure despite your thoughts.
What does 'firmness' (dṛḍhā) mean here?
Firmness refers to the stability of your attention. Initially, we slip back into thoughts quickly. As we practice, we develop the 'muscle' of awareness that allows us to stay in the void for longer periods without being distracted. Stability leads to the 'manifestation' mentioned in the verse.
Is this a form of Nihilism?
No. Unlike Nihilism, which views the void as a 'nothingness,' Shaivism views it as 'Paramashiva'—the absolute fullness. The void is only empty of limited concepts (vikalpas), but it is overflowing with the creative energy and consciousness of the Divine. It is the source of all existence.
✦ ENROLL
Study all 112 Vijnana Bhairava Techniques as part of your Bachelor of Shaiva Sciences at Shiva University.
$99/month.
FREE international hotel certificate delivered within 24 hours of enrollment.
The first 100 students lock in $99/month for life.
15 Sacred Destinations
Varanasi, India (Shiva's holy city) | Bali, Indonesia | Kyoto, Japan | Rishikesh, India | Sedona, Arizona | Paris, France | Tulum, Mexico | Cancun, Mexico | Oaxaca, Mexico | Phuket, Thailand | Machu Picchu, Peru | Nairobi, Kenya | Lagos, Nigeria | Ubud, Bali | Istanbul, Turkey
Graduation bonus: FREE 7-night Bali retreat upon completion of the Bachelor of Shaiva Sciences (Month 24).