✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 78 of 112 — The Stability Of Absolute Presence
Sanskrit Verse
yathā tathā yatra tatra dvādaśānte manaḥ kṣipet | pratikṣaṇaṃ kṣīṇavṛttervailakṣaṇyaṃ dinairbhavet ||
In whatever manner and wherever the mind is directed toward the Dvadasanta, with every passing moment the fluctuations of the mind diminish, and in a few days, an extraordinary state is attained.
Commentary
This dharana utilizes the concept of 'Dvadasanta', which refers to the 'twelve-finger space'. In Tantric physiology, there are several Dvadasantas, most notably the 'Bahya-dvadasanta' (twelve fingers' breadth above the head or in front of the nose). This technique instructs the practitioner to cast the mind (manas kshipet) into this specific space regardless of the external situation or posture. The metaphysics here involve the 'Kshina-vritti'—the cessation of the modifications of the mind. By fixing the attention on a point outside the physical body, the practitioner breaks the habitual identification with the ego and the physical self. This 'Vailakshanyam' or 'extraordinary state' is a shift in the quality of consciousness where the practitioner begins to perceive the world and themselves through the lens of pure Shiva-awareness. The practice is highly practical because it can be done 'yatha tatha' (in any way) and 'yatra tatra' (anywhere), making it a method for integrating high-level awareness into daily life. It leads to the realization that consciousness is not confined within the skull but is an expansive field.
Practice Instructions
- 01Choose a point about twelve finger-widths away from your body—usually above the crown of the head or directly in front of the space between the eyebrows.
- 02Without straining your physical eyes, direct your mental focus and 'cast' your consciousness into that empty space.
- 03Maintain your awareness there steadily. As you do this, observe how the internal chatter of the mind begins to fade away.
- 04The 'Vrittis' (mental whirlpools) will naturally lose their momentum when the mind is anchored in the void of the Dvadasanta.
- 05Practice this not only in formal meditation but also while walking or sitting quietly. In just a few days of consistent practice, you will notice a distinct change in your baseline state of mind, characterized by a profound stability and a sense of existing beyond the physical frame.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does 'casting the mind' mean?
It means to project your sense of 'I' or your awareness to a point outside your body. Instead of feeling that you are looking 'out' from your eyes, imagine that your center of consciousness has shifted to that external point in space, twelve finger-widths away.
Why is the distance twelve fingers significant?
In subtle physiology, the breath travels roughly twelve fingers' distance from the body. The Dvadasanta is the 'end of the twelve', the point where the breath turns and the prana is momentarily still. Focusing here accesses a point of absolute stillness and cosmic transition.
Can I do this while working or talking?
Yes, 'yatra tatra' implies anywhere. You can maintain a peripheral awareness of the Dvadasanta while engaging in daily tasks. This creates a dual-consciousness where you are active in the world but rooted in the silence of the void, preventing mental exhaustion and stress.
What does 'extraordinary state' feel like?
It is often described as a sense of 'Vimarsha'—self-revelatory awareness. You may feel a profound lightness, a lack of reactive thoughts, and a sense that you are an observer of your life rather than a victim of circumstances. It is a quiet, powerful clarity.
Should I visualize anything at that point?
The verse does not mandate a visualization, but if helpful, you can imagine a small point of light or simply the 'voidness' of the space. The key is the 'kshipet'—the act of placing or throwing the mind into that empty location and keeping it there.
✦ ENROLL
Study all 112 Vijnana Bhairava Techniques as part of your Bachelor of Shaiva Sciences at Shiva University.
$99/month.
FREE international hotel certificate delivered within 24 hours of enrollment.
The first 100 students lock in $99/month for life.
15 Sacred Destinations
Varanasi, India (Shiva's holy city) | Bali, Indonesia | Kyoto, Japan | Rishikesh, India | Sedona, Arizona | Paris, France | Tulum, Mexico | Cancun, Mexico | Oaxaca, Mexico | Phuket, Thailand | Machu Picchu, Peru | Nairobi, Kenya | Lagos, Nigeria | Ubud, Bali | Istanbul, Turkey
Graduation bonus: FREE 7-night Bali retreat upon completion of the Bachelor of Shaiva Sciences (Month 24).