✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 37 of 112 — The Void Of The Heart
Sanskrit Verse
hṛdyākāśe nilīnaikṣaḥ padmasampuṭamadhyagaḥ | ananyacetāḥ subhagaḥ saubhāgyaṃ paramāpnuyāt ||
One whose vision is absorbed in the space of the heart, situated in the middle of the lotus bud, having no other thought, O Blessed One, attains the supreme fortune.
Commentary
This dharana focuses on the 'Hridaya-Akasha' or the heart-space, which in Kashmir Shaivism is not the physical organ but the metaphysical center of consciousness. The lotus bud (padmasampuṭa) serves as a symbolic container for the infinite. By focusing the internal gaze (dṛṣṭi) within this inner cavity, the practitioner transitions from objective perception to subjective absorption. Metaphysically, this technique leverages the concept of 'purnatva' (fullness) hidden within the 'shunya' (void) of the heart. As the external mind ceases its restless wandering, the light of the Self—Shiva—begins to radiate from the center. The 'supreme fortune' mentioned in the verse refers to the realization of one's own divinity and the dissolution of the ego-driven sense of lack. This practice facilitates the collapse of the subject-object duality, leading to a state where the individual heart-beat aligns with the cosmic pulsation of Spanda. It is a profound method for emotional transmutation, converting mundane desires into the singular fire of pure awareness.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a stable meditative posture like Padmasana or Sukhasana with the spine erect. Close your eyes and withdraw your senses from the external environment.
- 02Direct your inner attention to the center of the chest. Visualize a closed lotus bud located in the ethereal space of the heart.
- 03Imagine this space as a vast, dark, yet luminous void. As you breathe naturally, feel your entire awareness shrinking into this tiny central point within the lotus.
- 04Hold your focus steady, allowing no other thoughts to intrude. If thoughts arise, gently dissolve them into the heart-space.
- 05Visualize the lotus bud slowly opening or simply remain dissolved in the central point. Maintain this singular focus until the sense of a separate 'meditator' vanishes, leaving only the experience of the vast inner sky.
- 06Practice this for twenty minutes, ensuring the breath remains soft and effortless.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the heart-space located physically?
While it corresponds to the center of the chest, it is a spiritual space rather than a physical one. Focus behind the sternum, between the two lungs. This is known as the Anahata region, representing the meeting point of the upper and lower energy centers, acting as a portal to pure consciousness.
What if I cannot visualize a lotus bud clearly?
Clarity of the image is secondary to the feeling of absorption. If the lotus image is difficult, simply focus on the sensation of space or a point of light in the heart center. The goal is 'ananyacetāḥ'—having no other thought—rather than perfect artistic visualization of a flower.
Does this technique help with emotional distress?
Yes, by centering awareness in the Hridaya-Akasha, you tap into a space that is prior to emotional fluctuations. The practice allows you to witness emotions without being consumed by them, eventually dissolving personal grief or anxiety into the vastness of the supreme consciousness, providing profound relief and stability.
How long should I hold the visualization?
Start with ten minutes and gradually increase to thirty. The verse emphasizes being 'absorbed' (nilīnaikṣaḥ), which suggests a state beyond mere looking. You should stay in the practice until the boundary between the internal space of the heart and the external space of the universe feels blurred and unified.
What is meant by 'Supreme Fortune' in this context?
Saubhāgyaṃ, or supreme fortune, refers to the bliss of God-consciousness (Ananda). It is the state of lacking nothing, where the practitioner realizes their inherent oneness with Shiva. This is considered the greatest wealth because it is permanent and independent of external circumstances, unlike worldly luck or temporary material gains.
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