✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 81 of 112 — The Unstruck Sound In The Heart
Sanskrit Verse
hṛdyākāśe layaṃ kuryādanargala-padodayaḥ | tatra śabdaḥ sphurañchabdāt paraṃ prāpnoti mānasaḥ ||
One should dissolve the mind in the space of the heart; the emergence of the state of liberation occurs when the mind, vibrating with that inner sound, attains the Supreme Sound.
Commentary
This dharana focuses on the 'Hridyakasha' or the spiritual heart-space, which is not the physical organ but the center of consciousness. The metaphysics here involve the transition from Vaikhari (gross sound) and Madhyama (mental sound) to Pashyanti and finally Para Vach, the supreme vibration of reality. By centering the awareness in the heart, the practitioner encounters the 'Anahata' or unstruck sound. This is the primordial vibration that exists without two things striking together. It is the resonance of the universe itself. As the practitioner focuses, the mundane mental chatter dissolves into this singular resonance. This process is known as 'Laya' or dissolution, where the individual ego-consciousness is absorbed into the universal vibration. The effect is a deep sense of internal peace and a recognition of the 'unlocked' (anargala) nature of the Self. According to Kashmir Shaivism, the heart is the seat of the 'spanda' or divine throb. By tuning into this throb, the practitioner realizes that their own consciousness is the same as the vibration that sustains the entire cosmos. It leads to the state of Bhairava, where the distinction between the observer and the observed vanishes in the resonance of pure being.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a comfortable meditative posture with your spine straight. Close your eyes and withdraw your senses from the external world.
- 02Direct your inner gaze toward the center of your chest, imagining a vast, empty space (Akasha) within the heart.
- 03Begin to listen inwardly. Do not try to create a sound, but rather listen for the subtle vibration that is already present.
- 04This might manifest initially as a faint humming, a ringing, or a rhythmic pulse. As you perceive this internal sound, let your mind merge with it entirely.
- 05Do not analyze the sound; simply be the sound. If thoughts arise, gently bring your focus back to the vibration in the heart-space.
- 06Feel this vibration expanding until it fills your entire body and then the space beyond. Continue this process until the sense of being a separate 'listener' disappears, and only the vibration remains.
- 07Remain in this state of absorption as long as possible, allowing the individual mind to dissolve into the supreme resonance of the Heart-Space.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot hear any internal sound initially?
Patience is essential. The unstruck sound is always present but is usually drowned out by mental noise. Focus first on the sensation of space in the heart. As the mind quiets through steady breath, the subtle internal vibrations will naturally become audible. It is a process of refining your inner perception rather than creating something new.
Is this sound related to the physical heartbeat?
While the physical heartbeat can be a starting point for concentration, the Anahata sound is metaphysical. It is a subtler frequency that persists even between heartbeats. The goal is to move beyond the physical rhythm into the 'unstruck' vibration that characterizes the very fabric of consciousness and the void of the heart.
How do I know if I am reaching the 'Supreme Sound'?
The transition is marked by a shift from 'hearing' a sound to 'being' the sound. In the state of Para Vach, there is no longer a distinction between you and the vibration. You will experience a sense of boundless expansion and a quietude that is simultaneously vibrant with infinite potential energy.
Can external noise interfere with this practice?
While a quiet environment is helpful for beginners, the ultimate goal of this dharana is to find a sound so internal that external noises become irrelevant. With practice, the inner resonance becomes so dominant that external sounds are perceived as mere ripples on the surface of your vast internal heart-space.
What is the meaning of 'Anargala' in this context?
Anargala means 'without a bolt' or 'unlocked.' It refers to a state of consciousness where the barriers of the ego and the limitations of the physical body are removed. By dissolving the mind in the heart-sound, the practitioner 'unlocks' the door to universal consciousness and experiences absolute freedom.
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