✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 67 of 112 — The Space Between Thought
Sanskrit Verse
yathā nabhasi meghaughaḥ kathaṃcitpraśamaṃ yayāt | tathā tadvāsanāśeṣa-śāntyā śivaḥ prakāśate ||
Just as a mass of clouds suddenly disappears in the sky, so too does Shiva become revealed when the residue of mental impressions is completely stilled.
Commentary
This dharana uses the beautiful analogy of the sky (akasha) and clouds (megha) to describe the relationship between pure Consciousness and the movements of the mind. The sky is the background, ever-present, vast, and unaffected by whatever passes through it. The clouds are the thoughts, emotions, and latent tendencies (vasanas) that temporarily obscure the sky's clarity. The verse emphasizes that Shiva—the ultimate Reality—is not something to be 'created' but something that 'reveals itself' when the obscurations are removed. The metaphysics here focuses on 'vasana-kshaya,' the erosion of the habitual patterns of thought that keep the consciousness fragmented. When a cloud dissolves, it doesn't go anywhere; it simply returns to its invisible state within the atmosphere. Similarly, when a thought is allowed to dissolve without being pursued, the natural, luminous state of the Self (Prakasha) shines forth effortlessly. The effect of this practice is the experience of 'Nirvikalpa,' or thought-free awareness, where one rests in the serene, open expanse of the underlying Ground of Being.
Practice Instructions
- 01Close your eyes and visualize your mind as the vast, blue, autumnal sky. See your thoughts, memories, and worries as clouds floating in this sky.
- 02Do not try to push the clouds away or stop them from appearing. Instead, simply observe them with detachment.
- 03Notice how every cloud, regardless of its size or color, eventually dissolves back into the empty blue sky.
- 04Focus your attention on the sky itself—the space in which the clouds appear. As you watch, the 'vasanas' or the energy behind the thoughts will begin to weaken.
- 05Imagine a sudden wind clearing the sky completely. In the gap between one cloud and the next, or when the sky is totally clear, recognize that clarity as your own true nature.
- 06Rest in that clear, open, and luminous space, which is the presence of Shiva.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the clouds (thoughts) are too thick to see the sky?
Do not fight the thoughts. Fighting creates more clouds. Simply acknowledge, 'This is a thought,' and return to the awareness of the space around it. Even in a storm, the sky is still there. Focus on the 'thereness' of the space rather than the content of the thoughts.
What are 'vasanas' and how do they dissolve?
Vasanas are the latent tendencies or 'smells' left behind by past experiences that drive future thoughts. They dissolve through 'non-fueling.' By observing thoughts without reacting to them, you stop feeding the vasanas with new energy, and they naturally lose their power and eventually fade away.
How long does it take for the 'sky' to reveal itself?
The sky is always there; it is revealed the moment you stop focusing exclusively on the clouds. It is not a future event but a present reality. The 'reveal' can happen in a flash of insight or as a gradual clearing of the mental atmosphere.
Can I practice this while being active or only in meditation?
You can practice this anytime. While walking or working, notice the 'space' of awareness in which your activities are happening. Treating your daily tasks as 'passing clouds' helps maintain a state of inner equanimity and prevents you from being overwhelmed by external circumstances.
Is the 'sky' just a metaphor or something I should actually see?
It is both. While it serves as a powerful metaphor for consciousness, many practitioners actually experience a sense of vast, luminous internal space. Whether you 'see' it visually or 'feel' it as a state of openness, the result is the same: the recognition of Shiva.
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