✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 17 of 112 — The Point Of Internal Pause
Sanskrit Verse
yathā tathā yatra tatra dvādaśānte manaḥ kṣipet | pratikṣaṇaṃ kṣīṇavṛttirvailakṣaṇyaṃ dinairbhavet ||
In whatever manner and wherever one casts the mind at the dvādaśānta, the mental fluctuations diminish moment by moment, and in a few days, an extraordinary state arises.
Commentary
This dharana focuses on the 'dvādaśānta', literally meaning 'the end of twelve.' In Kashmir Shaivism, this refers to a specific spatial point twelve finger-widths above the head (external) or at the heart/palate (internal). Metaphysically, this technique leverages the concept of 'kṣīṇavṛtti', the dissolution of the modulations of the mind. By fixing the attention on this subtle terminal point, the practitioner transcends the habitual cycles of discursive thought (vikalpas). The practice suggests that the divinity is not found in the movement of thought but in the stillness at the edge of perception. As the mind is 'cast' or thrown into this space, the centrifugal force of egoic distraction is replaced by a centripetal pull toward the void. The 'extraordinary state' mentioned refers to the dawn of Shuddha Vidya (Pure Knowledge), where the distinction between the subject and the object begins to blur. The verse emphasizes persistence; the transformation is not instantaneous but occurs through the cumulative exhaustion of mental noise, leading to a state of 'vailakṣaṇya' or distinct, transcendental uniqueness.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a comfortable posture with a straight spine. Close your eyes and take several deep, calming breaths.
- 02Locate the space approximately twelve finger-widths above the crown of your head, or alternatively, the space at the back of the soft palate.
- 03Once located, 'throw' your entire mental attention into this void-like point. Do not try to visualize an object; simply inhabit the space.
- 04Each time a thought arises, gently but firmly redirect your awareness back to this terminal point.
- 05Imagine the mind is a stone being dropped into a bottomless well at this location. As you hold your focus, you will notice the gaps between thoughts widening.
- 06Do not struggle with the mind; rather, let the mind exhaust itself against the stillness of the dvādaśānta.
- 07Maintain this steady gaze of consciousness for several minutes, allowing the sense of a localized 'self' to dissolve into the spatial dimension above or within.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dvādaśānta specifically refer to in this context?
It refers to the 'twelve-finger' distance. While it can mean the space above the head (bāhya-dvādaśānta), it also points to the internal space where the breath rests. In this dharana, it serves as a metaphysical boundary where the individual consciousness meets the infinite, acting as a portal to the void.
Why does the verse say 'in whatever manner'?
This suggests a lack of rigid formality. Whether you are sitting, walking, or lying down, the focus is on the internal orientation rather than physical posture. It empowers the practitioner to access the state of stillness regardless of external circumstances, emphasizing the flexibility of Shaiva Tantra practices.
How do I know if the mental fluctuations are diminishing?
You will notice a 'thinning' of thoughts. Instead of a rapid stream of internal dialogue, there will be more silence. The feeling is often described as a lightness or a reduction in the 'weight' of the ego. It is a transition from reactive thinking to pure, receptive awareness.
Is it better to focus above the head or at the palate?
Experiment with both. Focusing above the head often brings a sense of expansion and liberation, while the palate focus (at the center of the head) can feel more grounding and stable. Choose the one that allows your mind to rest most naturally without causing physical tension or headaches.
What is the 'extraordinary state' mentioned?
This state, vailakṣaṇya, is the sudden shift into a non-dual perception. It is a moment where the world no longer feels separate from your own consciousness. It is characterized by an inexplicable joy and a profound sense of peace that transcends ordinary emotional experiences or intellectual understandings.
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