✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 84 of 112 — The Void Of Any Letter
Sanskrit Verse
yasya kasyāpi varṇasya pūrvāntāvupalaksayet | śūnyayā śūnyabhūto'sau śūnyākāraḥ pumān bhavet ||
One should contemplate the beginning and the end of any letter. By means of the void (between or at the extremities), one becomes void-like and attains the very form of the Void.
Commentary
This dharana explores the 'sandhi' or the junction points of speech. Every letter (Varna) or sound has a point of origin (Purva) and a point of cessation (Anta). The metaphysics here are based on the 'Matrika' theory of Kashmir Shaivism, which states that the universe is composed of the 'little mothers' or the letters of the alphabet. Each letter represents a specific energy. However, between any two letters, or before a letter begins and after it ends, there is a gap of pure, unconditioned consciousness. This gap is the 'Shunya' (Void). By focusing on the 'extremities' of a sound, the practitioner catches consciousness in its 'naked' state, before it takes the form of a specific vibration or thought. This is a method of 'Shunpata,' where one falls into the void. The practice leads to the realization that the self is not the sound (the thought/the form) but the underlying silence (the void) from which all sounds arise and into which they return. 'Shunyakara' means having the form of the void; the practitioner's identity expands until it is as vast and empty of limitation as the space that contains the universe.
Practice Instructions
- 01Choose any single letter or simple sound, such as 'A' or 'Ka'. Recite it slowly and mindfully.
- 02Pay close attention to the exact micro-second before the sound begins—the silence from which the sound emerges.
- 03Then, recite the sound and focus intensely on the exact moment the sound disappears into silence.
- 04The goal is to 'catch' the silence at the beginning and the end. Repeat the sound, but let your awareness linger in the silence before and after.
- 05As you become more proficient, notice the gap between repetitions. Eventually, shift your focus away from the sound entirely and rest only in the 'void' that precedes and follows it.
- 06See that this void is the same in both instances. Feel your own awareness as this empty, receptive space, devoid of any specific attributes or letters, becoming 'void-like' in your very essence.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which letter I choose for this practice?
No, the verse says 'yasya kasyapi' (of any letter whatsoever). The specific vibration of the letter is less important than the silence at its boundaries. However, starting with a simple vowel like 'A' (the first letter of the Sanskrit alphabet) is often easiest for beginners.
How long should the gap between the letters be?
Initially, you may want to leave several seconds of silence between sounds to help you recognize the void. As you advance, even a micro-second of silence becomes a gateway. The goal is the quality of your attention during that gap, not necessarily its duration.
What is the difference between this and dharana 83 (OM)?
Dharana 83 focuses on the 'pluta' or the long, fading resonance of a specific sacred syllable. Dharana 84 is more technical, focusing on the sharp boundaries (beginning and end) of *any* sound. It emphasizes the 'junction' where sound meets silence, rather than the fading sound itself.
What does it mean to become 'void-like'?
To be void-like (Shunyabhuto) means to be free from the 'coloration' of thoughts, emotions, and ego-identities. Just as a void can contain everything without being changed by it, a void-like person remains in a state of pure, unaffected awareness regardless of external circumstances.
Can I use this technique with words instead of letters?
While the verse specifies 'Varna' (letter), you can certainly apply the principle to the silence between words. However, letters are 'bijas' (seeds) and are less likely to trigger complex mental associations, making it easier to remain focused on the pure void at their extremities.
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