✦ Vijnana Bhairava Tantra

The 112 Techniques of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra

All 112 dharanas given by Shiva to Parvati — breath, sound, visualization, space, dissolution, and devotion.

The Void Between Breaths

The ascending breath (Prana) moves up, and the descending breath (Apana) moves down. By concentrating on the two places of their origin, a state of fullness arises.

2 · Breath

The internal Kumbhaka of Stillness

When the breath (Maruta) is turned back from either the internal or external space, the form of Bhairava is revealed through Bhairavi.

3 · Breath

The Radiant Flow of Shakti

When the breath-energy (Shakti) neither goes out nor enters, and is blossomed in the center, through that state free of thought, the form of Bhairava appears.

4 · Breath

The Fullness of the External Void

When the breath is either retained, exhaled, or inhaled, at the end of that state, the 'Peaceful One' (Shanta) is revealed through Shakti.

5 · Breath

The Point Of Suspension

At the moment when the two breaths meet, there is a clear sensation of the body's boundary; at that point, whether inside or outside, the pervasive Shiva is experienced as the void.

6 · Visualization

The Piercing Of The Centers

The Shakti in the form of Kundalini, resembling a bee, is awakened through friction (contraction); she then bestows all-encompassing consciousness as she moves.

7 · Dissolution

The Sequence Of The Twelve

By focusing on the 'Twelve', one should know the sequential arising; gradually, during the dissolution of the gross and subtle, the state of Shiva appears.

8 · Visualization

The Radiant Forehead Center

Fixing the gaze between the eyebrows, leaving behind all discursive thought, and following the process of Prana; at the end, the form of Shiva appears.

9 · Breath

The Kumbhaka Of Infinite Light

Wherever and whenever, one should offer the mind at the dvādaśānta, filled by the kumbhaka retention; thus one becomes a conqueror of great fear.

10 · Visualization

The Radiant Peacock Feather Meditation

Meditating on the five colored circles of the peacock's feather, the practitioner should enter the inner space of the void through the divine twelve.

11 · Space

The Void Of All Directions

By this same process, whether meditating on the void, a wall, or a worthy vessel, one eventually dissolves into oneself by the power of absorption.

12 · Dissolution

The Meditation On The Skull-Space

Fixing the mind within the interior of the skull and remaining with eyes closed, one attains the supreme state by gradual dissolution.

13 · Visualization

The Radiant Point Of Bindu

By focusing on the space between the eyebrows, and through the dissolution of the 'bindu' (point) as previously described, consciousness reaches the state of the Lord.

14 · Sound

The Resonating Inner Sound

Meditating on the circles of the peacock's feathers, or the five senses as light, one enters the void. Or, independent of all, one becomes a sharer in the portion of Shiva.

15 · Dissolution

The Light Of All-Pervasiveness

In this manner, gradually, wherever the mind finds its resting place, in that very place, the world's attachments, greed, and other impurities are destroyed.

16 · Space

The Unbound Freedom Of Space

Contemplate the entire body and its limbs as being composed of the space of the sky. Gradually, one attains the stainless power of the form of Space.

17 · Space

The Point Of Internal Pause

In whatever manner and wherever one casts the mind at the dvādaśānta, the mental fluctuations diminish moment by moment, and in a few days, an extraordinary state arises.

18 · Dissolution

The Void Of The Kalas

One should contemplate the 'kalas' (divisions of time/space), from which everything in the world proceeds, as being void. Then everything becomes one.

19 · Visualization

The Luminous Space Of The Heart

With the eyes closed and the mind merged in the space of the heart within the lotus, one attains the highest fortune by becoming one-pointed.

20 · Breath

The Center Of The Central Channel

By dissolving the mind in the dvādaśānta (of the body) and the central path, for one of firm intellect, the goal becomes clearly manifest.

21 · Space

The Flash Of Sudden Awareness

In whatever way and at whatever place, one should cast the mind into the twelve-finger space (dvādaśānta). Moment by moment, the fluctuations of the mind cease and one attains an extraordinary state.

22 · Visualization

The Resonance of the Primal Sound

One who contemplates the color of dark clouds (or black ointment) with the head turned downward, moment by moment, their mental fluctuations cease and they attain an extraordinary state.

23 · Space

The Radiant Piercing of the Centers

In whatever way or wherever one fixes the mind in the dvādaśānta, moment by moment the fluctuations of the mind cease and one attains an extraordinary state.

24 · Dissolution

The Meditation on the Inner Void

With the senses dissolved in the space of the heart, seated in the middle of the lotus-bud (of the heart), with a one-pointed mind, one attains the highest state through great good fortune.

25 · Visualization

The Radiant Point Of Light

Whenever and wherever the mind is cast into the Dvadasanta, at every moment the fluctuations of the mind are extinguished, and within a few days, a unique transformation occurs.

26 · Dissolution

The Void Of The Five Senses

One should meditate on the entire body as being composed of the tanmatras (subtle essences). Thus, being led to the state of void, one shines as the form of the Void.

27 · Visualization

The Core Of The Central Channel

One should meditate on the inner wall of the central channel (Sushumna), situated in the middle, as thin as a fiber of a lotus stalk; then, by the grace of the Goddess, a supreme peace is revealed.

28 · Sound

The Shield Of The Senses

By blocking the openings of the head with the hands, and by piercing the 'atom' (bindu) between the eyebrows, one perceives the light; staying there, one attains dissolution into the supreme void.

29 · Visualization

The Radiant Point Of Light

By concentrating on the radiant point (bindu) between the eyebrows, when the agitation of all mental constructs is ceased, one attains omniscience.

30 · Space

The Five-Fold Void Of The Senses

By contemplating the five voids (the sense organs) and meditating on the state of universal voidness, the supreme state is attained.

31 · Dissolution

The Absorption Into The Heart Space

One who merges the senses into the space of the heart, situated in the middle of the lotus bud, and becomes free from all other thoughts, attains the supreme fortune.

32 · Space

The Void Of The Twelfth Point

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.

33 · Space

The Void of the Inner Channel

Fixing the mind within the space of the skull and remaining with eyes closed, one gradually achieves the dissolution of the mind and perceives the highest goal through the rising of awareness.

34 · Visualization

The Luminous Rod of the Spine

One should meditate on the central channel, appearing like the fine fiber of a lotus stalk, as a shimmering form of space and the auspiciousness of Shiva.

35 · Space

The All-Pervasive Space of the Heart

By the power of the opening of the hands, or by the dissolution of the mind in the space of the twelve-digit distance, one should meditate on the body as all-pervasive void.

36 · Dissolution

The Contemplation of the Gross as Void

One should meditate on one's own body, or the entire world, as being pervaded by consciousness or as being empty; through this, one becomes liberated.

37 · Visualization

The Void Of The Heart

One whose vision is absorbed in the space of the heart, situated in the middle of the lotus bud, having no other thought, O Blessed One, attains the supreme fortune.

38 · Space

Absorption In The Twelve-Fold Center

Having firmly dissolved the mind in the Dvadasanta, which is free from all parts, and having abandoned all conceptual thoughts, the liberated soul attains union.

39 · Dissolution

The Piercing Of The Subtle Points

To the extent that one's thoughtlessness in the void becomes firm, to that same extent does the Supreme Shiva, in the form of Shakti, manifest.

40 · Dissolution

The Descent Of The Divine

Knowing a single thing with one-pointed mind, the embodied soul knows all. By contemplating the oneness of all things, one attains unity with the Essence.

41 · Visualization

The Void Of The Skull

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.

42 · Visualization

The Middle Channel Of Light

By meditating on the Goddess in the form of the central channel, as fine as a fiber of a lotus stalk, residing in the middle, the Divine is revealed through that inner space.

43 · Dissolution

The Six Voids Through Closure

By blocking the openings with the hands, and by the gradual piercing of the centers, light appears; therein one should establish steadiness.

44 · Breath

The Upward Surge Of Breath

Just as the wind blows a flame, or as the breath moves upward, so too by the destruction of conceptual thoughts through intense focus, one attains Bhairava.

45 · Space

The Void Of The Heart

One whose eyes are absorbed in the space of the heart, centered within the lotus bud, and whose mind is devoid of any other object of perception, attains the highest fortune.

46 · Dissolution

Absorption In The Crown

By dissolving the mind in the Dvadasanta, in whatever way or place, the practitioner becomes free of fluctuations and achieves stability within a moment.

47 · Dissolution

The Void Of The Ears

If one meditates with a steady mind, seeing the whole body as cut off or empty, and does not think of anything else, one becomes empty and reaches the Supreme.

48 · Space

The Unwavering Gaze

One should fix a steady, unblinking gaze on some gross object. By doing so, one soon becomes one with the void-nature of the self.

49 · Space

The Void Of The Skull

By fixing the mind within the skull and remaining with eyes closed, one gradually perceives the goal with extreme firmness through constant practice.

50 · Visualization

The Central Axis Of Light

Meditating on the inner space of the central nerve (Sushumna), which is as fine as a lotus fiber, the Goddess (Consciousness) reveals the Divine Lord.

51 · Space

The All-Pervasive Space

By obstructing the ears and other openings with the hands, and focusing on the void within, all duality is dissolved.

52 · Space

The Sky-Like Expansion

One should contemplate the space within the body as an unbroken sky extending in all directions, and then visualize the whole world as having the nature of that void.

53 · Space

The Void Of The Heart

By dissolving the mind in the space of the heart with focused attention, O Beloved, and through repeated practice, tranquility is gradually attained.

54 · Visualization

The Totality Of Consciousness

In whatever manner and wherever one is, one should cast the mind into the Dvadashanta. Thus, with mental fluctuations subsiding moment by moment, an extraordinary state arises within days.

55 · Devotion

The Simultaneous Awareness

By remembering the sequence of before and after, or by the firm feeling that 'all is Shiva,' one attains the nature of Shiva through the intensity of that conviction.

56 · Dissolution

The Expansion Of Light

If one perceives this entire world as being only a flash of light or appearance, then with an unwavering mind, supreme peace and supreme devotion are born.

57 · Space

The Formless Expansion

Contemplate the entire body or the whole universe as being of the nature of Consciousness simultaneously, with a thought-free mind; then the great awakening occurs.

58 · Breath

The Void of the Two Poles

By contemplating the void (space) at the two poles of the breath—the external and the internal—through the state called Bhairavi, the true nature of Bhairava is revealed.

59 · Visualization

The Universal Pervasiveness

One should contemplate the entire universe or the cosmos as the all-pervading Bhairava with a steady mind; thus one attains the Supreme.

60 · Dissolution

The Center of Consciousness

Wherever the mind wanders, one should fix it steadily there, contemplating that very form; thus the Self will shine forth there.

61 · Space

The Void Of The Heart

One who fixes the gaze within the space of the heart, centered within the lotus bud, with a mind undistracted by anything else, achieves the supreme state of blessedness.

62 · Dissolution

Absorption In The All-Pervading Voids

By meditating on the five voids (senses) as empty, the pervasive Lord is revealed. When the will and energy are completely dissolved therein, one is liberated.

63 · Dissolution

The Void Between Thoughts

When the mind, free from any object of meditation, enters the internal space by means of the subtle knowledge of the five senses, it becomes supportless and enters the state of void.

64 · Visualization

The Pervasive Luminous Space

One should contemplate the entire body as severed, even for a moment. Then, without thinking of anything, one perceives the All (the supreme reality).

65 · Dissolution

The Radiant Dissolution of Form

Meditate on the sequential dissolution of all the worlds and pathways into the ultimate ground. After that contemplation, the Supreme Shiva is revealed.

66 · Space

The Totality of the Self

One should contemplate that the entire universe exists within me as an object of knowledge, and there is nothing else existing separately from me.

67 · Space

The Space Between Thought

Just as a mass of clouds suddenly disappears in the sky, so too does Shiva become revealed when the residue of mental impressions is completely stilled.

68 · Breath

The Unbroken Flow of Breath

By practicing the slow or rapid flow of breath, when it comes to rest at a certain point, at that very moment the mind is absorbed and Shiva is revealed through that peace.

69 · Space

The Void Of The Heart Center

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.

70 · Dissolution

Absorption In The All-Pervading Void

One should meditate on the body as being void in all directions, released from the physical form. By this, one quickly becomes identified with that (void) and becomes free from all mental constructs.

71 · Visualization

The Radiant Point Of Being

By meditating on a gross form, one immediately attains the fruit of liberation. Liberation truly happens in a moment, therefore practice that meditation.

72 · Space

The Unfolding Of Universal Space

By means of the power situated in the middle, the state of voidness is maintained. By meditating on that fullness of the void, the inner self is absorbed there.

73 · Visualization

The Void Of The Heart Lotus

Merging the mind into the space of the heart, centered within the hollow of the lotus bud, with exclusive attention, one first attains the supreme state of blessedness.

74 · Dissolution

Absorption Through Sense Withdrawal

O Great-minded one, by withdrawing the mind from all objects, or by fixing it on the body, let one leave the mind without support. Due to this voidness, one becomes liberated and attains realization.

75 · Space

The Pervasive Space Of The Body

Contemplate the entire body or the whole world simultaneously as being of the nature of Consciousness. By this, through the rise of self-luminous light, one becomes free.

76 · Breath

The Dissolving Breath

By meditating on the inner space between the two breaths (inhalation and exhalation), and by simultaneously abandoning both, one is awakened in the middle state.

77 · Dissolution

The Unstruck Sound In The Heart

By dissolving the mind in the space of the heart, one becomes free from attachment. Then, from the dissolution and emergence of consciousness, the all-pervading expanse is attained.

78 · Space

The Stability Of Absolute Presence

In whatever manner and wherever the mind is directed toward the Dvadasanta, with every passing moment the fluctuations of the mind diminish, and in a few days, an extraordinary state is attained.

79 · Sound

The Bridge Of Divine Sound

By following any sound and maintaining a steady mind therein, through total absorption (sampravesat), one attains the freedom of the Supreme Self.

80 · Sound

The Resonance Of The Eternal Void

By the practice of Pranava (Om) and other mantras, like the long resonance of a bell, through the state of void at the end of the sound, one attains the supreme pervasiveness by means of that void.

81 · Sound

The Unstruck Sound In The Heart

One should dissolve the mind in the space of the heart; the emergence of the state of liberation occurs when the mind, vibrating with that inner sound, attains the Supreme Sound.

82 · Dissolution

The Dissolution Of All Concepts

In whatever manner and wherever the mind is directed, if one dissolves it at the 'Dvadashanta', the mental fluctuations cease and one becomes liberated in an instant.

83 · Sound

The Sound Of The Mystic Syllable

O Bhairavi, by the pronunciation of Pranava (OM) and by meditating on the void at the end of the protracted sound, one attains the state of Emptiness through the supreme Power of Emptiness.

84 · Sound

The Void Of Any Letter

One should contemplate the beginning and the end of any letter. By means of the void (between or at the extremities), one becomes void-like and attains the very form of the Void.

85 · Space

The Void Of The Heart

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.

86 · Space

The Pervasive Presence

Wherever and however the mind is directed toward the Dvadashanta, if the mental fluctuations are stilled, an extraordinary state will manifest within a few days.

87 · Dissolution

The Sound of the Void

One should constantly contemplate that this entire universe is void. Even when the mind is engaged elsewhere, one who has awakened this realization should continue to expand this sense of voidness.

88 · Visualization

One should cast one's gaze into a vessel like a pot, leaving aside the enclosing walls. By attaining dissolution in that space, one instantly achieves a state of extraordinary consciousness through that absorption.

89 · Space

The Unwavering Gaze Upon Space

One should meditate on the inner body and the external space simultaneously in all directions; thus the discriminating intellect dissolves instantly.

90 · Dissolution

The Void of the Three Perceptions

The consciousness of the perceiver and the perceived is common to all embodied beings. However, the distinction for yogis lies in their mindfulness of the relationship between the two.

91 · Dissolution

Union of Self and Other Awareness

One should experience the consciousness in another's body just as in one's own. By disregarding one's own body, one becomes all-pervasive within a few days.

92 · Space

Supportless Mind in the Void

Making the mind supportless, one should not allow any thoughts to arise. By being established in that state, one becomes Bhairava.

93 · Space

The Void Of The Heart

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.

94 · Space

The Omni-Presence Of Consciousness

Wherever the mind goes, whether externally or internally, there is the state of Shiva. Since He is all-pervading, where else could the mind go?

95 · Dissolution

The Pure Awareness Of Every Sense

Everything is known through the Knower, but the Knower is not known by anything. One should contemplate the Self as the Knower; then Bhairava becomes manifest.

96 · Dissolution

The Fusion Of Desires

When a desire or a piece of knowledge arises, one should leave all objects aside and focus the mind on that (the source or the interval). Then Bhairava manifests there.

97 · Space

The Void Of The Organs

One should perceive the entire body as a subtle form consisting of space; then follows an absolute peace wherein no conceptual construction remains.

98 · Dissolution

The Radiant Dissolution Of Skin

One should perceive the skin and other tissues as empty, looking within with a steady mind. When nothing remains to be contemplated, everything becomes the void.

99 · Space

The Heart Of Eternal Space

One should contemplate with a detached mind that the self is dissolved in the space of the heart. By being detached through that void, one becomes equal to the wind.

100 · Space

The Pervasive Awareness Of Space

Wherever the mind goes, whether externally or internally, there is the state of Shiva. Since He is all-pervasive, where else could the mind go?

101 · Dissolution

The Dissolution Of The Seer

First the object is uttered, then follows the realization of Shiva. This process is called meditation; in the middle of the object, there is a captivating dissolution.

102 · Space

The Unwavering Gaze Of Consciousness

He whose mind is free from thought-constructs and possesses one-pointedness of perception throughout the body continuously, his Shakti is awakened.

103 · Visualization

The Illusion Of The World-Web

Viewing the entire universe as a mere illusion, comparable to a magical performance or a dream, and realizing the mind has no independent reality, one attains peace.

104 · Dissolution

The Unchanging Core Of Awareness

One should contemplate: 'I have no mind, no intellect, no ego.' By this negation of all mental attributes, one who desires peace of mind attains it.

105 · Space

The Infinite Void Of Self

Just as the universe and the self are perceived everywhere, so one should contemplate their dissolution through the fullness of inner and outer space.

106 · Dissolution

The Wisdom Of Non-Attachment

Contemplate that relative knowledge is actually ignorance. One should meditate on pure, absolute knowledge, free of all conceptual thought.

107 · Dissolution

The Unbroken Flow Of Totality

Contemplate that Maya is the deluding power, composed of the thirty-six elements. Realize that this whole reality is non-dual; thus, no purification of thoughts is necessary.

108 · Dissolution

The Spontaneous Awakening Of Desire

When desire or conceptual knowledge arises, one should renounce the attachment to it and rest in one's own essential nature.

109 · Dissolution

The Unwavering Cosmic Contemplation

One should contemplate the entire body as being severed. Then, remaining established in one's own nature, one becomes one with the Supreme Self.

110 · Space

The Void Of The Supreme Goddess

For me there is neither bondage nor liberation. These are only bogies for those who are terrified. This world is a reflection in the intellect, like the sun in water.

111 · Sound

The Portal Of The Senses

All knowledge enters through the portals of the senses. One should contemplate the Supreme as the mass of consciousness pervading all. Thus meditating, one becomes blissful.

112 · Devotion

The Eternal Self-Radiance

The Self is self-luminous and all-pervading. The seer and the seen are one. This Self of all is none other than Bhairava Himself.

112 entries

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