✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 16 of 112 — The Unbound Freedom Of Space
Sanskrit Verse
khasthitāṃ bhrāmayet-sarvaṃ dehāṅgaṃ paribhāvayan | kramāt kharūpiṇīṃ gacchet śaktiṃ ca vimalāṃ tadā ||
Contemplate the entire body and its limbs as being composed of the space of the sky. Gradually, one attains the stainless power of the form of Space.
Commentary
This dharana works with the 'Akasha' or space element to deconstruct the practitioner's identification with the solid physical form. In Kashmir Shaivism, the body is not rejected but is seen as a condensed form of Shakti. However, to realize the Supreme Shiva, one must transcend the limitation of being 'contained' within a body. By meditating on the body as 'Kha' (the void or sky), the practitioner uses visualization to 'thin out' the density of the flesh and bone. This is a process of 'Paribhavayan'—thoroughly contemplating or saturating the mind with a new reality. As the sense of physicality dissolves, the practitioner begins to experience 'Shakti' in her 'Kharūpiṇī' (space-form). This Shakti is described as 'vimalā' (stainless or pure) because it is free from the 'malas' (impurities) of limitation and localized ego. The metaphysics suggest that our true nature is as vast as the universe, and it is only the mind's habit of identifying with the skin-boundary that keeps us small. By becoming 'space-like,' the yogi gains the qualities of space: all-pervasiveness, untouchability by worldly events, and infinite capacity. This leads to a state of profound lightness and the realization of the non-dual reality where 'inside' and 'outside' are meaningless terms.
Practice Instructions
- 01Close your eyes and sit comfortably. Begin by bringing awareness to your physical body. Feel the weight and the boundaries of your skin.
- 02Now, begin to visualize that your entire body is hollow, filled only with a vast, clear, blue sky.
- 03Starting from the toes and moving up to the head, imagine every organ, bone, and cell dissolving into this transparent space.
- 04Contemplate your arms as space, your torso as space, and your head as space. There is no 'inside' to your body that is different from the 'outside' sky.
- 05Feel the breath moving through this space without resistance. As you continue, let the sense of your physical outline disappear entirely.
- 06You are no longer a body containing space; you are the vast, stainless space itself. Rest in this 'Kharūpiṇī' state, where consciousness is unbound, radiant, and perfectly still, encompassing everything while being touched by nothing.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this make me feel disconnected from reality?
It may initially cause a sense of lightness or 'un-grounding,' but the goal is to connect you to a 'deeper' reality. Instead of being connected only to a small body, you become connected to the entire field of existence. It replaces a fragile, limited sense of self with a robust, universal one.
What does 'stainless' (Vimala) mean in this practice?
Space is 'stainless' because it can contain everything—fire, dirt, storms—without being changed or stained by them. By attaining the 'space-form' of Shakti, your consciousness becomes like space. You can experience all the 'storms' of life without your core being damaged or polluted by them.
Is this practice dangerous for someone with anxiety?
If feelings of 'emptiness' trigger anxiety, one should proceed slowly. Ensure you feel safe in your physical environment first. Focus on the 'luminous' and 'peaceful' quality of the space rather than 'nothingness.' If anxiety arises, return to the sensation of the breath at the nostrils to ground yourself.
How does this differ from simple relaxation?
Relaxation releases muscle tension; this dharana dissolves the 'concept' of the body. It is an active metaphysical shift. While relaxation makes the body feel better, this practice aims to transform your identity from a 'mortal creature' to the 'infinite Shakti,' providing a much more profound spiritual liberation.
Can I practice this while walking?
It is an advanced application, but yes. One can visualize the body as a moving 'pocket of space' or transparency navigating through a larger space. This helps maintain the realization of the non-dual 'Kha' (void) even while engaged in worldly activities, leading to a state of constant Sahaja Samadhi.
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