✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Technique 32 of 112 — The Void Of The Twelfth Point
Sanskrit Verse
yathā-tathā yatra-tatra dvādaśānte manaḥ kṣipet, pratikṣaṇaṃ kṣīṇa-vṛttir-vailakṣaṇyaṃ prapadyate.
By fixing the mind at the dvadashanta (the twelve-finger distance), in whatever way and whenever it may be, the fluctuations of the mind diminish moment by moment, and one attains a unique state.
Commentary
This dharana introduces the concept of 'dvadashanta,' which literally means 'the end of twelve.' In yoga, this refers to a point twelve finger-widths away from a specific center. The most common dvadashanta is the 'bahya-dvadashanta,' located about nine inches outside the nostrils, where the breath turns to come back in. Another is the 'antardvadashanta' above the crown of the head. This technique suggests fixing the mind (manas) on this external point of void. By placing the awareness in the empty space where the breath has finished its exhalation but has not yet begun its inhalation, the practitioner taps into the 'sandhi' or junction point. In these gaps, the 'vrittis' (fluctuations of the mind) naturally lose their momentum. The 'unique state' (vailakṣaṇyaṃ) refers to an extraordinary experience of consciousness that is outside the normal modes of waking, dreaming, or sleeping—a direct encounter with the transcendent reality of Shiva.
Practice Instructions
- 01Sit quietly and observe your natural breath. Follow the exhalation as it leaves your nostrils and travels outward.
- 02Find the point about twelve finger-widths (approx. 8-9 inches) in front of your nose where the breath seems to vanish into the air.
- 03Fix your entire attention on this external point in space. At the end of every out-breath, let your mind rest in that empty spot.
- 04Do not be in a hurry to inhale; simply linger in the stillness of that external void. As you do this repeatedly, you will notice the gaps between your thoughts getting longer.
- 05The mind will begin to feel as if it is merging with the vast, unoccupied space in front of you.
- 06Maintain this focus 'whenever and however' you can, allowing the external space to mirror and evoke your internal vastness.
Recommended Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the twelve-finger distance?
It is roughly 8 to 9 inches from the nostrils. You can measure it by placing your own hands' width (fingers together) in front of your nose. However, the exact measurement is less important than the feeling of the 'end point' where the breath's movement ceases before it turns back toward the body.
Should I hold my breath during this practice?
No, this is not 'kumbhaka' (forced breath retention). The pause should be natural and effortless. You are simply placing your awareness in the space where the breath naturally pauses. If you force the breath, you create tension, which agitates the mind—the opposite of what this dharana is intended to achieve.
Can I practice this while walking or working?
Yes, the verse says 'yatra-tatra' (wherever) and 'yatha-tatha' (in whatever way). This is one of the most versatile techniques. You can fix your mind on the space in front of you while performing daily tasks, which helps maintain a state of meditative awareness even in the midst of worldly activity.
What is the 'unique state' mentioned in the verse?
The 'vailakṣaṇyaṃ' is a state of consciousness that feels 'other' or 'extraordinary.' It is the experience of the Turiya (the fourth state), where the mind is perfectly still but fully awake. It is a shift from identifying with the breathing body to identifying with the infinite space in which the breath moves.
What if my mind keeps returning to my body?
It is natural for the mind to gravitate back to physical sensations. When it does, gently acknowledge the sensation and then consciously project your awareness back out to the dvadashanta. Think of your mind as a bird resting on a branch (the external point), away from the 'tree' of the physical body.
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