✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 68 of 112 — The Unbroken Flow of Breath
Sanskrit Verse
mṛdutīvrakramābhyāsādyatra kutrāpi śāmyati | tatkṣaṇānmānaso layaḥ syācchantyā śivaḥ prakāśate ||
By practicing the slow or rapid flow of breath, when it comes to rest at a certain point, at that very moment the mind is absorbed and Shiva is revealed through that peace.
Commentary
This dharana utilizes the breath (prana) as the primary vehicle for entering the state of Samadhi. It acknowledges that the rhythm of the breath and the state of the mind are inextricably linked. By consciously manipulating the flow of breath—making it very soft (mrdu) or more vigorous (tivra)—the practitioner can guide the life force to a point of stillness. This stillness occurs at the 'dvadashanta' (the end of the twelve-finger breadth) or in the 'madhya-nadi' (the central channel). The metaphysics involves the concept of 'Prana-shakti' turning into 'Cit-shakti.' When the breath reaches a point of perfect equilibrium or suspension (kumbhaka), the outward-moving energy (prana) and the inward-moving energy (apana) merge. In this moment of cessation, the mental activities (vrittis) have no fuel and thus dissolve (laya). This dissolution is not a state of unconsciousness, but a state of 'Shanta,' a profound, vibrant peace where the underlying Shiva-consciousness becomes palpable. The technique bridges the gap between the physical body and the highest spiritual realization through the rhythmic control and eventual suspension of the vital breath.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a comfortable posture. Begin to observe your natural breath. Gradually, experiment with the pace.
- 02First, make the breath very soft and slow, so subtle you can barely feel it at the nostrils.
- 03Then, try a more vigorous, deep flow. The goal is to find the 'turning point' where the breath naturally wants to pause.
- 04Focus your entire attention on that moment of stillness at the end of the inhalation or the end of the exhalation.
- 05As the breath stops, feel your mind also coming to a complete halt. Do not force the breath to stay out or in; instead, fall into the silence of the pause.
- 06In that gap, let go of all effort. Experience the sudden absorption of the mind into the heart-space.
- 07In that stillness, recognize the presence of Shiva as a deep, unwavering peace.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as Pranayama in Hatha Yoga?
While it shares similarities with Pranayama, the focus here is less on physiological control and more on the 'mental dissolution' (laya) that occurs at the point of breath-stillness. It uses the breath specifically as a doorway to the immediate recognition of Shiva-consciousness.
What is the 'certain point' where the breath comes to rest?
It can be the internal space of the heart (hridayakasha), the space between the eyebrows, or the 'dvadashanta' (a point twelve finger-widths above the head or outside the nostrils). The specific location matters less than the quality of total stillness and mental absorption reached there.
Should I hold my breath forcibly to reach this state?
No, forceful retention (sahita kumbhaka) is not recommended here. The verse suggests a natural 'coming to rest' (shamyati). The stillness should be a result of the breath becoming so refined and balanced that it ceases to move of its own accord, leading to spontaneous absorption.
What if my mind stays active even when I hold the breath?
If the mind is still racing, you are likely focusing too much on the physical act of holding the breath. Shift your attention to the 'peace' (shanti) that exists within the stillness. The goal is the 'manaso laya' (dissolution of mind), not just the cessation of air flow.
How does the 'rapid flow' help in this practice?
Rapid breathing (tivra) can help clear blockages and energize the system, making it easier for the breath to eventually settle into a very soft (mrdu) state. Switching between them helps the practitioner become sensitive to the subtle energy (Prana) behind the physical breath.
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