✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 23 of 112 — The Radiant Piercing of the Centers
Sanskrit Verse
yathā-tathā yatra-tatra dvādaśānte niveśayet | kṣaṇe kṣaṇe kṣīṇavṛttirvailakṣaṇyaṃ prapadyate ||
In whatever way or wherever one fixes the mind in the dvādaśānta, moment by moment the fluctuations of the mind cease and one attains an extraordinary state.
Commentary
While similar to Dharana 21, this verse emphasizes 'niveshayet', which means to 'enter' or 'fix' rather than just 'cast'. This suggests a more stable and profound immersion into the dvadasanta. In the ladder of Shaiva Tantra, this technique involves the piercing (vedha) of the various energy centers to reach the final twelve-finger space. Metaphysically, this represents the transition from 'Sakti' to 'Siva'. The practitioner is invited to experience the space not as an external void, but as the very essence of their own consciousness. The 'yatha-tatha' (in whatever way) implies a radical freedom in the method of entry—whether through breath, through sound, or through pure will. This dharana is about the stabilization of the mind in the 'trans-mental' state. When the mind is firmly fixed in the dvadasanta, the habitual tendencies (vasanas) have no fuel to burn, and thus the 'vrittis' (fluctuations) naturally subside. This leads to the realization of the 'Vailakshanyam'—the unique, extraordinary flavor of divine consciousness that is distinct from all worldly experiences yet contains them all.
Practice Instructions
- 01Choose one of the dvadasantas (above the head, or the heart). Instead of just looking at it, visualize your entire sense of self 'entering' and 'settling' into that space.
- 02Feel as though you are taking up residence in the void. Use the breath to facilitate this: as you exhale, feel your awareness moving out to the dvadasanta and staying there.
- 03Even when you inhale, do not let your awareness leave that point. The focus must be unwavering and 'moment to moment.
- 04' If the mind wanders, do not be discouraged; simply 're-fix' it in the space. Imagine the space as a magnetic field that pulls your consciousness into stillness.
- 05With persistence, the internal noise will fade, replaced by a profound, spacious silence that feels more real than your physical surroundings.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'casting' and 'fixing' the mind?
Casting (kshipet) is a preliminary act of directing attention outward. Fixing (niveshayet) implies a deeper level of absorption and stability. It is the difference between looking at a room and moving into it. Fixing requires a more sustained and concentrated effort of will.
Can I use this technique to overcome anxiety?
Absolutely. Anxiety is a storm of 'vrittis' (fluctuations). By fixing the mind in the dvadasanta, you move the center of your being to a place that is naturally peaceful and unaffected by the movements of the mind, providing an immediate sense of detachment and calm.
Is there a specific 'dvadasanta' that is better than others?
The urdhva-dvadasanta (above the head) is generally considered the most potent for experiencing the transcendent Shiva-state. However, the heart-dvadasanta is often easier for beginners as it is closer to the physical sensation of the body. Choose the one that feels most natural to you.
How do I know if my mental fluctuations are truly ceasing?
You will notice a sense of 'space' between your thoughts. Initially, these gaps are brief, but as the practice deepens, the gaps expand until the background of silence becomes more prominent than the foreground of thought. A sense of profound peace and clarity emerges.
What if my mind refuses to stay 'fixed' in the space?
This is natural. The mind is habituated to movement. Treat the practice like training a bird to return to its nest. Each time it flies away, gently but firmly bring it back. The word 'kshane kshane' reminds us to be patient and persistent.
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