✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 48 of 112 — The Unwavering Gaze
Sanskrit Verse
sthūlarūpasya bhāvasya stabdhāṃ dṛṣṭiṃ nipātayet | acireṇaiva tulyatvaṃ yāti śūnyātmanā saha ||
One should fix a steady, unblinking gaze on some gross object. By doing so, one soon becomes one with the void-nature of the self.
Commentary
Commonly known in later traditions as 'Trataka,' this dharana involves fixing the eyes (stabdham drishtim) on a 'sthula-rupa' or a gross, physical object. The metaphysics here involve the connection between the eyes and the mind. The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra recognizes that when the eyes are held perfectly still, the mental fluctuations (Vritti) also come to a halt. By staring intensely at an object—be it a stone, a flame, or a wall—without blinking or moving the eyeballs, the sensory input becomes 'frozen.' When the input is frozen, the brain eventually stops processing the object as a 'thing' and begins to perceive the space (Shunya) within and around it. The 'tulyatvam' or equality mentioned in the verse signifies the merging of the subject's internal void with the object's essential emptiness. The object serves as a bridge; by exhausting the sense of sight through unwavering focus, the practitioner is propelled into the state of 'Shunyatmana'—the self which is essentially the void. This technique is prized for its speed ('acirenaiva') in bringing about a state of mental stillness.
Practice Instructions
- 01Select a simple, stationary object such as a small stone, a candle flame, or a dot on the wall.
- 02Place it at eye level, about two to three feet away. Sit comfortably and begin to gaze at the object.
- 03The key is to keep your eyes 'stabdham'—fixed and unblinking. Do not let your gaze wander to the edges of the object; look directly at its center.
- 04As your eyes may begin to water, do not strain; simply keep them still. As you continue, the object may seem to change shape or disappear.
- 05Do not react. Eventually, your mind will fall into a state of profound silence. You will start to feel that the 'void' inside you is the same as the 'void' of the object.
- 06Stay in this state of unified, empty awareness as long as possible after you eventually close your eyes.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I try to not blink at all?
The instruction 'stabdham' implies a steady, unwavering gaze. While you should try to minimize blinking, do not strain your eyes to the point of pain. The goal is to steady the mind through the eyes. If you must blink, do it quickly and return to the fixed gaze.
What kind of object is best to use?
Any 'gross' (physical) object works. A candle flame is traditional because it is luminous, but even a crack in a wall or a flower can be used. The quality of the object matters less than the quality of your unwavering attention upon it.
Why does the object seem to disappear sometimes?
This is a natural neurological phenomenon called Troxler's fading. When you fix your gaze, the brain stops receiving new information and ceases to perceive the object. In this practice, we use that physiological quirk to trigger a spiritual experience of the void (Shunya).
Is this practice dangerous for the eyes?
It is safe if practiced with common sense. Do not stare at the sun or a very bright light source. If you feel significant eye strain or a headache, stop and rest. Always finish the practice by closing your eyes and palming them with your hands to soothe them.
What do I do after closing my eyes?
After gazing for several minutes, close your eyes gently. You will likely see an after-image of the object. Focus on this internal image or the dark space behind your eyelids. This transition from external to internal 'void' helps deepen the realization of the self's empty nature.
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