✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 54 of 112 — The Totality Of Consciousness
Sanskrit Verse
yathā tathā yatra tatra dvādaśānte manaḥ kṣipet | pratikṣaṇaṃ kṣīṇavṛttir-vailakṣaṇyaṃ dinair-bhavet ||
In whatever manner and wherever one is, one should cast the mind into the Dvadashanta. Thus, with mental fluctuations subsiding moment by moment, an extraordinary state arises within days.
Commentary
This dharana introduces the concept of 'Dvadashanta', which refers to the 'end of the twelve digits.' In Shaiva Tantra, this can refer to several points: the space twelve finger-widths above the crown of the head (the Bahya-dvadashanta) or the end of the exhaled breath. The metaphysical core of this practice is the continuous re-orientation of awareness toward the transcendent source. By 'casting the mind' into this specific point, the practitioner creates a focal point outside the habitual ego-construct. The instruction 'yathā tathā yatra tatra' (anywhere and in any way) makes this a 'Sahaja' or natural practice that can be integrated into daily activity. It is not limited to formal meditation. The goal is the 'kṣīṇavṛttir'—the thinning out of the thought-waves. When the mind is repeatedly anchored in the Dvadashanta, it loses its grip on the mundane and the dualistic. The 'vailakṣaṇyaṃ' or 'extraordinary state' refers to the dawning of Turiya, the fourth state of consciousness, which transcends waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. This technique transforms the practitioner's perception of reality, making the divine presence a constant, lived experience rather than a remote concept.
Practice Instructions
- 01Identify the Dvadashanta, the point approximately twelve finger-widths above the crown of your head in the space of consciousness.
- 02Whether you are walking, sitting, or working, periodically 'throw' or 'cast' your awareness into this point.
- 03Imagine your mind leaving the skull and resting in that subtle space above. You do not need to visualize a light; simply maintain an awareness of that location.
- 04Each time you notice a thought or a distraction, immediately redirect the energy of that thought into the Dvadashanta.
- 05Practice this 'moment by moment' (pratikṣaṇaṃ). Do not strain; let it be a light, recurring touch of awareness.
- 06As you continue throughout the day, you will notice the internal chatter slowing down. Eventually, your consciousness will naturally gravitate toward this elevated point, resulting in a sense of profound clarity and detachment from the fluctuations of the mundane mind.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dvadashanta a physical point in space?
It is a subtle point in the 'Pranic' body. While you can measure twelve fingers from your head to find the general area, it is actually a focal point for awareness. It represents the limit where individual energy merges into the universal space (Akasha) surrounding the body.
How is this different from third-eye meditation?
The third eye (Ajna) is located within the forehead and is associated with command and intuition. The Dvadashanta is above the crown and represents the transcendent state beyond the chakra system. Moving to the Dvadashanta facilitates a more complete disidentification from the physical body and personality.
Can I do this while talking or working?
Yes, that is the beauty of this technique. It is designed for 'anywhere and everywhere.' You maintain a background awareness of the space above your head while the 'front' of your mind handles the tasks at hand. It creates a dual-consciousness of being in the world but not of it.
What does 'extraordinary state' feel like?
It is described as a sense of sudden lightness, an inexplicable joy, and a perception of the world as being made of light or vibration. The 'weight' of problems feels reduced, and you feel a sense of being a witness to your own life rather than being trapped in it.
What if I get a headache from focusing upward?
Headaches usually come from physical tension or 'trying too hard.' Ensure your eyes and forehead are relaxed. Do not look up with your physical eyes; use your 'mental eye.' If tension persists, rest the awareness in the heart (dharana 53) before returning to the Dvadashanta.
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