✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 85 of 112 — The Void Of The Heart
Sanskrit Verse
hṛdyākāśe layaṃ kṛtvā na bāhyam abhimanyate | sa śūnyatvaṃ parāṃ yāti paraiva tatra devatā ||
By dissolving the mind into the space of the heart, one no longer perceives external objects. Thus, one attains the state of void, where the supreme Goddess Herself resides.
Commentary
In the metaphysics of Kashmir Shaivism, the 'Hridaya' or heart is not the physical organ but the central point of consciousness (Madhya) where all subjective and objective experiences meet. This dharana utilizes the concept of 'Dahara Akasha' (the sky of the heart) as a gateway to the Absolute. By withdrawing the 'citta' or individual mind from the periphery of sensory input and folding it back into this internal expanse, the practitioner triggers a state of Laya or dissolution. This is not a state of emptiness in the nihilistic sense, but a 'Purna Shunya'—a full void. The verse emphasizes that when the mind stops projecting onto external phenomena, it naturally settles into its source. The 'Para Devata' mentioned is Para Devi, the highest Shakti, who is non-different from Bhairava. She is the vibration of awareness itself. As the practitioner rests in this inner space, the distinction between the observer and the observed collapses, leading to a profound experience of non-duality (Advaita). The effect is a deep sense of stillness, peace, and the realization that the entire universe is contained within the microscopic space of one's own heart-awareness.
Practice Instructions
- 01Begin by sitting in a comfortable meditative posture with your spine erect. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to settle the nervous system.
- 02Shift your attention away from the sounds and sensations of the external environment. Visualize a vast, luminous, and empty space located at the center of your chest, behind the sternum.
- 03Imagine this space as a clear, blue sky or a dark, silent expanse. With each inhalation, feel your awareness drawing inward toward this center.
- 04With each exhalation, let the mind dissolve into this inner sky. If thoughts arise, do not engage with them; simply see them as passing clouds in the sky of your heart.
- 05Gradually, let the feeling of 'I' expand to fill this void. Remain in this state of absorption, where the external world ceases to exist and only the silent, radiant space of the heart remains.
- 06Stay here for as long as the absorption remains effortless.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the heart space located in the physical heart?
No, the heart mentioned here is the 'Anahata Chakra' or the spiritual center in the middle of the chest. It is a metaphysical location representing the core of your being. Focus on the center of the chest rather than the left side where the physical heart beats.
What if I see colors or images in this space?
While visual phenomena may occur, the goal is 'Shunyata' or voidness. Acknowledge the images but do not fixate on them. Allow them to dissolve back into the dark or luminous emptiness of the space itself. The aim is pure awareness without any specific mental content or object.
How do I deal with persistent external noises?
Instead of fighting the noise, treat the external sounds as if they are occurring 'outside' a fortress. The 'Hridyākāśe' is your inner sanctuary. By intensifying the focus on the internal space, the external world naturally loses its grip on your attention through the process of sensory withdrawal.
Does this technique require a specific visualization?
Initially, visualizing a clear sky or an empty room helps, but the practice eventually moves beyond visualization into direct feeling. It is more about 'being' in that space than 'seeing' it. The verse emphasizes dissolution (laya), which means the mental effort of visualizing eventually gives way to stillness.
What is the 'Supreme Goddess' mentioned in the verse?
In Kashmir Shaivism, the Supreme Goddess (Para Devi) is the creative energy and consciousness of Shiva. She is the 'Vimarsa' or self-reflective power of the Absolute. Experiencing her means realizing the vibrant, living quality of the void, showing it is not a dead emptiness but a conscious one.
✦ ENROLL
Study all 112 Vijnana Bhairava Techniques as part of your Bachelor of Shaiva Sciences at Shiva University.
$99/month.
FREE international hotel certificate delivered within 24 hours of enrollment.
The first 100 students lock in $99/month for life.
15 Sacred Destinations
Varanasi, India (Shiva's holy city) | Bali, Indonesia | Kyoto, Japan | Rishikesh, India | Sedona, Arizona | Paris, France | Tulum, Mexico | Cancun, Mexico | Oaxaca, Mexico | Phuket, Thailand | Machu Picchu, Peru | Nairobi, Kenya | Lagos, Nigeria | Ubud, Bali | Istanbul, Turkey
Graduation bonus: FREE 7-night Bali retreat upon completion of the Bachelor of Shaiva Sciences (Month 24).