✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 5 of 112 — The Point Of Suspension
Sanskrit Verse
dvaya-saṃparka-kāle tu yadā tu syāt-sphuṭaṃ vapuḥ | tan-madhye bāhyato vāpi vyomākāraḥ śivo vibhuḥ ||
At the moment when the two breaths meet, there is a clear sensation of the body's boundary; at that point, whether inside or outside, the pervasive Shiva is experienced as the void.
Commentary
This dharana focuses on the 'sandhi' or the junction point between the inhalation and exhalation. In the metaphysics of Kashmir Shaivism, the two breaths represent the duality of Prana and Apana, or the solar and lunar currents. The point where one breath ends and the other has not yet begun is a moment of pure potentiality known as the 'dvayasamparka'. By focusing on this delicate pause, the practitioner bypasses the discursive mind, which is inherently tied to the movement of breath and time. The 'vyomākāra' or void-like form of Shiva is not a nothingness, but rather a plenum of consciousness that is revealed when the kinetic energy of breathing momentarily settles into a state of static equilibrium. This practice aims to stabilize the awareness in the central channel, the Sushumna, where the fluctuations of the mind cease and the expansive nature of reality is felt as a tangible, spatial presence. It requires a refined sensitivity to the tactile sensation of air moving through the nostrils and the subtle internal shifts in pressure that occur at the turn of the breath.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a comfortable meditative posture with the spine upright and eyes gently closed. Begin by observing the natural flow of your breath without trying to control it.
- 02Pay close attention to the end of the inhalation and the beginning of the exhalation. There is a micro-second of stillness where the breath is neither coming nor going.
- 03Direct your entire awareness into this gap. Similarly, notice the gap at the end of the exhalation before the next inhalation begins.
- 04As you become more attuned to these transitions, feel the space (akasha) that opens up within these pauses.
- 05Imagine that your physical body dissolves into this space, becoming as vast and silent as the sky.
- 06Do not hold the breath forcibly; rather, let the awareness rest in the natural suspension.
- 07Continue this for 15 minutes, allowing the sense of 'I' to merge with the surrounding void, recognizing it as the pervasive consciousness of Shiva.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hold my breath to make the gap longer?
No, you should not use force or Kumbhaka. The technique relies on the natural, effortless suspension of breath. Forcing a hold creates tension in the nervous system, which prevents the mind from entering the subtle state of 'vyomākāra'. Simply observe the natural pause that already exists between cycles.
What if I cannot feel a gap between my breaths?
The gap is initially very subtle. If you cannot perceive it, focus on the sensation of the breath turning. Where the inward movement stops and the outward movement starts, there is a stationary point. With relaxed and persistent attention, this point will naturally reveal itself as a spacious interval.
What is the meaning of 'inside or outside' in the verse?
It refers to the two different turning points. The 'inside' gap occurs at the end of the inhalation (internal retention), and the 'outside' gap occurs at the end of the exhalation (external retention). You can focus on either one or both to realize the expansive nature of Shiva.
Can I practice this while walking or doing other activities?
While it is best learned in stillness, this dharana is designed to be integrated into daily life. Once you have stabilized the awareness of the gap during seated meditation, you can maintain a background awareness of these turning points even while moving, helping to maintain a state of presence.
Is this practice dangerous for people with respiratory issues?
Since this technique involves no forced retention or breath manipulation, it is generally safe. It is simply an exercise in observation. However, if you feel any lightheadedness, return to normal breathing and ensure you are not accidentally straining or holding your breath with muscular effort.
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