✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 55 of 112 — The Simultaneous Awareness
Sanskrit Verse
pūrvāpara-prasaṅgena yathā vā tat-kramāt-smṛteḥ | sarvamity-ādi-bhāvena dṛḍhena śiva-rūpatā ||
By remembering the sequence of before and after, or by the firm feeling that 'all is Shiva,' one attains the nature of Shiva through the intensity of that conviction.
Commentary
This dharana explores the mastery of time and the unity of consciousness. The 'sequence of before and after' (pūrvāpara-prasaṅgena) refers to the linear perception of time that usually traps the human mind. The practitioner is invited to look at the flow of events—past, present, and future—as a single, unified expression of Shiva's power (Kriya-shakti). By contemplating how one moment leads to another, the mind reaches the 'middle'—the timeless consciousness that observes the flow. Furthermore, the practice involves the 'firm feeling' (bhāvena dṛḍhena) that 'Sarvam' (Everything) is Shiva. This is the path of 'Shaktupaya,' where the mind is transformed through a powerful, singular thought-form (vikalpa) that eventually dissolves all other limited thoughts. The metaphysics here suggest that since Shiva is the ultimate reality, everything encountered—whether pleasant, painful, or neutral—is a modulation of that same supreme consciousness. When this conviction becomes unshakable, the practitioner's own nature is recognized as being non-different from Shiva (Shiva-rupatā). This is the leap from dualistic worship to non-dualistic realization.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit quietly and reflect on a sequence of events in your life, observing how the past transitioned into the present.
- 02Do not get lost in memories, but observe the 'flow' itself. Then, transition into the firm mental affirmation: 'Everything I see, hear, and feel is Shiva.
- 03' Apply this to the objects in your room, the sensations in your body, and the thoughts in your head.
- 04If a negative thought arises, tell yourself, 'This too is Shiva. ' If a beautiful sound is heard, recognize, 'This is Shiva.
- 05' Hold this 'Bhava' (feeling/conviction) with great intensity and 'Dridha' (firmness). Do not let it be a mere intellectual statement; feel it in your bones.
- 06As you saturate your reality with this single thought, the boundaries of your ego will begin to soften, and you will experience a shift into the expansive, all-encompassing nature of Shiva.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
How can 'evil' or 'suffering' be Shiva?
In this non-dual philosophy, Shiva is the totality of existence, encompassing both creation and destruction. Suffering is viewed as a contraction of consciousness. By labeling it as 'Shiva,' you are looking past the temporary form to the underlying energy, which helps you remain unattached and compassionate.
Is this just a form of self-hypnosis?
While it uses the mind to shift perception, it is considered 'un-hypnosis.' It aims to break the habitual hypnosis of seeing the world as separate from yourself. You are using a 'pure vikalpa' (the thought of Shiva) to destroy 'impure vikalpas' (thoughts of limitation and separation).
What is the 'sequence of before and after' meant to show?
It shows the transience of all things. By seeing how 'before' becomes 'after,' the mind realizes that no form is permanent. This detachment allows the mind to rest in the only thing that doesn't change: the conscious observer of the sequence, which is Shiva.
How 'firm' does the conviction need to be?
The Sanskrit word 'dṛḍhena' implies a conviction so strong that it leaves no room for doubt. It is an 'intensity of heart.' When the feeling that 'All is Shiva' becomes your primary reality, the secondary reality of the egoic world naturally dissolves into the background.
Can I use a mantra like 'Om Namah Shivaya' with this?
Yes, a mantra can serve as a vehicle for this 'Bhava.' As you chant, feel that the sound itself and the one hearing the sound are both manifestations of Shiva. The mantra helps stabilize the mind so the non-dual feeling can deepen into realization.
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