✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 41 of 112 — The Void Of The Skull
Sanskrit Verse
kapālāntare manoratnaṃ saṃnyasya stimitekṣaṇaḥ | kramaśo manaso dārḍhyāt lakṣyalakṣyaṃ paraṃ vrajet ||
Placing the jewel of the mind within the interior of the skull, with eyes fixed and steady, one gradually attains the supreme goal through the firmness of the mind.
Commentary
This dharana focuses on the interior space of the cranium, referred to as the 'Kapala'. In Kashmir Shaivism, the skull is not merely a bone structure but a vessel for the 'manoratna', the jewel of the mind. By concentrating the scattered rays of consciousness into this central point, the practitioner initiates a process of internal sublimation. The metaphysics here rests on the principle of 'dharana' leading to 'dhyana'; by stabilizing the fluctuating mind within the void of the head, one transcends the duality of subject and object. The 'jewel' represents the most refined aspect of our cognitive faculty, which, when placed in the silent cavern of the upper head, begins to shine with its own light. This practice facilitates the movement from 'savikalpa' (thought-based) to 'nirvikalpa' (thought-free) awareness. As the mind achieves 'dārḍhyāt' or firmness, the boundary between the internal void and the cosmic void begins to dissolve. The physiological effect is a cooling of the nervous system and a deep stillness of the optical nerves, which are often the primary conduits of mental agitation.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit in a comfortable meditative posture with your spine erect. Close your eyes or keep them slightly open in a steady gaze (stimitakṣaṇaḥ) without blinking.
- 02Direct your internal attention to the space inside your skull, behind the eyebrows and above the palate.
- 03Visualize your entire mind—all your thoughts, memories, and identity—as a single, luminous, sparkling jewel.
- 04Gently 'place' this jewel into the center of the cranial void. Do not use force; allow it to rest there naturally.
- 05As thoughts arise, see them as facets of the jewel and return to the stillness of the skull's interior.
- 06Maintain this internal focus until the sense of the skull's physical boundary fades, leaving only a vast, silent, and luminous space.
- 07Practice this for twenty minutes daily to achieve mental stability.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I feel pressure in my head while visualizing?
Pressure usually indicates you are using physical effort or 'squeezing' the brain. Relax the muscles around the eyes and jaw. The 'placing' of the jewel should be a light, conceptual movement rather than a physical contraction. If pressure persists, shift your focus slightly higher toward the crown of the head to allow energy to disperse.
Why is the mind described as a jewel in this verse?
The mind is called a jewel (manoratna) because, like a diamond, it is precious and capable of reflecting the light of pure consciousness. In its purified state, the mind is clear and hard (unshakeable). The metaphor encourages the practitioner to treat their consciousness with reverence and value during the meditative process.
Is this practice related to the opening of the Third Eye?
While it involves the same region, this dharana focuses on the entire cranial void rather than just the point between the eyebrows. It aims for a total dissolution of mental activity into the interior space, which may naturally lead to the awakening of intuitive faculties associated with the Ajna chakra.
Should my eyes be open or closed for 'stimitakṣaṇaḥ'?
Traditional commentaries suggest a 'steady gaze' which can be done with eyes closed or half-open (Shambhavi Mudra). The key is the lack of flickering in the eyelids and eyeballs. A steady external gaze helps facilitate a steady internal focus on the 'jewel' within the skull.
How long does it take to see results with this technique?
Mental firmness (dārḍhyāt) varies by individual. Many practitioners report a sense of profound calm and clarity within two weeks of daily practice. The 'supreme goal' mentioned in the verse refers to a state of non-dual awareness that deepens significantly with months of consistent, dedicated application.
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