✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 93 of 112 — The Void Of The Heart
Sanskrit Verse
hṛdyākāśe layaṃ kṛtvā na bāhyaṃ saṃsmarenmuniḥ | sa sarvavyāpakaṃ bhāvaṃ prāpnoti paramārthataḥ ||
By dissolving the mind into the space of the heart, the silent sage should not remember external objects. He then attains the all-pervading state, which is the ultimate reality.
Commentary
In the metaphysics of Kashmir Shaivism, the 'Hridaya' or Heart is not merely the biological organ but the 'Cid-Akasha', the infinite space of Consciousness. This dharana emphasizes the total withdrawal of sensory engagement (pratyahara) to focus on the internal void located at the energetic center of the chest. By 'dissolving' the mind here, the practitioner collapses the duality between the observer and the observed. The technique utilizes the principle of Laya (dissolution), where the mental fluctuations (vrittis) are systematically invited to rest in their source. As the external world is intentionally forgotten, the limited ego-identity loses its anchorage. What remains is not a blank nothingness, but the 'Sarvavyapaka Bhava'—the all-pervasive state of Bhairava. This practice bridges the gap between the individual soul and the universal consciousness by demonstrating that the space within the heart is identical to the space that contains the entire cosmos. It is a profound shift from local awareness to non-local presence, leading to the realization that the Self is the container of all existence.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a stable meditative posture with a straight spine. Close your eyes and bring your entire attention to the center of your chest, behind the sternum.
- 02Visualize a vast, luminous, and empty space within this region. As you breathe naturally, feel that each exhalation empties the mind of thoughts and memories, directing their energy into this heart-space.
- 03Explicitly resolve to set aside all external perceptions, names, and forms. If a thought about the outside world arises, do not fight it; simply let it dissolve into the stillness of the heart-void.
- 04Imagine your individual consciousness expanding outward from this central point until the boundaries of your body disappear.
- 05Continue to rest in this internal vacuum, maintaining a state of alert silence. The goal is to reach a point where the 'knower' is absorbed into the 'space of knowing,' leaving only the pure, all-encompassing vibration of Being.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'dissolving the mind' actually feel like in practice?
Dissolution feels like a softening of mental boundaries. Rather than forcefully stopping thoughts, you allow them to lose their density and relevance. It is akin to a drop of ink dispersing in a vast ocean; the specific shape of the thought vanishes, leaving only the clear water of pure awareness.
Should I focus on the physical heart beating during this dharana?
While the physical heart is the general location, you should move beyond the pulse or biological sensation. The 'Hridaya' refers to the spiritual center. If the heartbeat is too distracting, shift your focus to the quality of emptiness or the 'space' itself rather than the rhythmic movement of the organ.
How do I handle persistent memories that arise during the practice?
The verse advises not to 'remember' external objects. When a memory arises, recognize it as a vibration of the past and immediately offer it into the void of the heart. Treat every memory as fuel for the fire of consciousness, letting it burn away into the light of the present moment.
Is this technique suitable for people with anxiety?
Yes, it can be very grounding, but those with intense anxiety should start with shorter durations. Focusing on the heart center provides a sense of 'home.' However, if the 'void' feels overwhelming or triggers a sense of depersonalization, open your eyes and ground yourself before returning to the practice.
What is the 'all-pervading state' mentioned in the verse?
The 'Sarvavyapaka Bhava' is the realization that your essential nature is not confined to the body. It is the experience of being the underlying field of existence. In this state, you feel that you are not 'in' the world, but rather that the entire world is arising within you.
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