✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 53 of 112 — The Void Of The Heart
Sanskrit Verse
hṛdyākāśe layaṃ kṛtvā hyananyamanāḥ priye | bhūyo bhūyo 'bhyāsa-yogāt kramāc-chāntis-tadā bhavet ||
By dissolving the mind in the space of the heart with focused attention, O Beloved, and through repeated practice, tranquility is gradually attained.
Commentary
This dharana focuses on the 'Hridaya Akasha' or the spiritual heart space, which in Kashmir Shaivism is not the physical organ but the center of consciousness. The metaphysics here involve the collapse of the objective world into the subjective void. By withdrawing the psychic energy from external objects and internal thoughts, the practitioner directs it into the expansive emptiness within the chest. This technique operates on the principle of 'Laya' or dissolution, where the individual ego (ahamkara) is submerged into the universal 'I-consciousness' (purnahanta). The void described is not a mere nothingness but a 'shunya' that is pregnant with potentiality and vibrant with the light of awareness (prakasha). As the mind merges with this space, the agitation of the 'vrittis' (mental fluctuations) settles, leading to a profound state of 'shanti' or peace. This peace is the signature of Shiva—the underlying stillness beneath the movement of Shakti. The practitioner learns that the heart is the gateway to the infinite, realizing that the same space that contains the universe exists within the core of their being. This realization breaks the illusion of separation between the self and the cosmos.
Practice Instructions
- 01Begin by sitting in a comfortable meditative posture such as Padmasana or Siddhasana. Close your eyes and take several deep, rhythmic breaths to settle the nervous system.
- 02Gradually shift your internal gaze toward the center of your chest, behind the sternum. Visualize this area not as physical flesh, but as a vast, dark, and peaceful sky.
- 03As thoughts arise, do not engage with them; instead, imagine them dissolving into this internal sky like clouds vanishing into the blue.
- 04Maintain an unwavering focus on this inner space. With every inhalation, feel the space expanding; with every exhalation, feel your identity melting into that space.
- 05If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the stillness of the heart center. Continue this process of 'dissolving' the mind repeatedly.
- 06Do not strive for a result; simply remain as the observer of the void. Over time, the distinction between the observer and the void will diminish, leaving only a serene, unwavering tranquility.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the heart space the same as the Anahata Chakra?
While the physical location overlaps, the 'Hridaya Akasha' in this dharana refers to the ontological center of awareness rather than just a localized energy center. It is the 'cave of the heart' mentioned in the Upanishads, representing the point where the individual soul meets the universal consciousness of Shiva.
What if I feel emotional pressure in my chest during practice?
Emotional release is common as the heart center stores latent impressions. If pressure arises, do not resist it. Observe the sensation as a form of energy (Shakti) and allow it to expand into the vastness of the void you are visualizing. Breath into the sensation until it dissolves into peace.
How do I know if I am achieving 'Laya' or dissolution?
Laya is characterized by a fading of external sensory awareness and a suspension of the internal monologue. You will feel a sense of weightlessness or a lack of physical boundaries. The 'I' thought becomes thin, replaced by a sense of vast, quiet presence that feels more real than your personality.
Can I practice this while lying down?
While it can be practiced lying in Shavasana, an upright seated posture is preferred to maintain alertness. The goal is a conscious dissolution, not falling into sleep. If you are prone to dullness, sit with a straight spine to ensure the 'Prana' can flow freely toward the heart center.
How long does it take to experience the tranquility mentioned?
The verse emphasizes 'bhūyo bhūyo' (again and again). Consistency is more important than duration. Some may feel a shift in a few days, while for others, it takes months of daily practice to stabilize the mind enough for the deep 'shanti' to manifest consistently in daily life.
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