✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 69 of 112 — The Void Of The Heart Center
Sanskrit Verse
hṛdyākāśe nilīnaikṣaḥ padmasampuṭamadhyagaḥ | ananyacetāḥ subhagaḥ saubhāgyaṃ paramāpnuyāt ||
One whose eyes are absorbed in the space of the heart, situated in the middle of the lotus bud, with a mind undistracted by anything else, is truly blessed and attains the highest fortune.
Commentary
This dharana focuses on the 'hṛdyākāśa' or the etheric space within the heart, which is considered the seat of the Self (Atman) in the Trika system. Metaphysically, this space is not a physical cavity but a dimension of pure consciousness where the subjective 'I' dissolves into the universal 'I'. By fixing the internal gaze (drishti) upon the heart center, the practitioner bypasses the sensory fluctuations of the external world. The 'lotus bud' mentioned refers to the Anahata Chakra, but the instruction moves beyond the symbolic lotus to the actual void it contains. When the mind rests in this inner void without distraction, the individual consciousness merges with the cosmic consciousness, leading to the state of 'Saubhagyam'—the supreme fortune of liberation. The technique emphasizes 'ananyacetāḥ' or single-pointedness, which serves to silence the 'vikalpas' (thought-constructs) that usually clutter the mental field. As the practitioner stabilizes their attention in this internal sky, they experience a profound sense of stillness and the dawning of the luminous nature of Bhairava, which is inherent in the space of the heart.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a comfortable meditative posture with your spine erect and eyes gently closed. Bring your awareness away from the external environment and settle it into the center of your chest.
- 02Visualize a closed lotus bud situated in the heart space. Gently penetrate the center of this bud with your mental gaze, finding a subtle, dark, and silent space within.
- 03Do not attempt to visualize a light or a deity; instead, focus on the sheer emptiness or void of this internal sky.
- 04Maintain this focus with a relaxed yet steady mind, allowing any passing thoughts to dissolve back into this heart-space like clouds in a clear sky.
- 05If your mind wanders, softly return to the center of the lotus. As you deepen the practice, feel the boundaries of your physical body soften, as if the space in your heart is identical to the space of the entire universe.
- 06Remain in this state of absorption for the duration of the practice, resting in the 'blessed' stillness of the inner void.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this practice focused on the physical heart or a chakra?
While the physical heart is the anchor point, the practice targets the 'Anahata Chakra' or the subtle heart center. It is not about the biological organ but the metaphysical 'Daharakasha'—the small space within the heart that reflects the vastness of the entire cosmos through consciousness.
What if I cannot visualize a lotus bud effectively?
The lotus bud is an entry point. If visualization is difficult, simply focus on the sensation of space or openness in the center of your chest. The primary goal is the absorption of awareness (nilīnaikṣaḥ) into the internal void, rather than maintaining a perfect mental image of a flower.
Does this technique require specific breathing patterns?
No specific pranayama is required for this dharana. However, your breath should be natural, slow, and quiet. As you focus on the heart-space, you may find that the breath naturally becomes shallow and subtle, which further facilitates the mental absorption into the internal void of the heart.
How do I deal with emotional outbursts during this practice?
The heart center is a repository for stored emotions. If emotions arise, acknowledge them as movements within the space, but do not identify with them. Keep returning your focus to the underlying void. By remaining a witness to these fluctuations, you allow them to dissolve into the supreme space.
What is the 'supreme fortune' mentioned in the verse?
In the context of Kashmir Shaivism, 'Saubhagyam' or supreme fortune refers to the attainment of 'Samavesha'—immersion into the divine state of Bhairava. It is the highest luck because it ends the cycle of suffering and grants the practitioner the realization of their own infinite, blissful nature.
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