After Siva sutra and Spanda karikas of Kashmir Shaivism, I'm planning a twitter thread on 112 meditation techniques mentioned in Vigyana Bhairva #vigyanbhairava
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112 meditation techniques- Vigyan Bhairav Tantras(VBT) by JAIDEVA S

References:
*S Lakshman Joo & Osho

Context & background- Verse 1-23 are uploaded on..
https://m.facebook.com/groups/337423754031042/permalink/339814793791938/
Some of it will be covered here!

Meditation techniques- starting soon!
Pls RT & invite others

Introduction 1 - No discussion on meditation is complete without mentioning the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra (VBT). This 5000-year-old ancient Indian text on meditation is considered by many as the last word on meditation.

Introduction 2- The word “upāya” in Kashmir Shaivism is used to indicate the means to enter into Universal Consciousness.

While āṇavopāy is a long means, śāktopāya in a shorter way, but Sivopāya is a direct way to take you to Siva, the Universal Consciousness.
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Āṇavopāya includes practices, such as breath control, mantra recitation, meditation the physical/subtle body, or some other object.

Śāktopāya is the next level of the path. Śakti is the creative energy of Śiva, which manifests the objective universe. This universe is of

the nature of consciousness, which is manifested through the mind. Śāktopāya is uniting the mind with the source of thought, which is pure I-consciousness or self-awareness. This is also the source of speech, so mantra meditation is a major practice in this means.

Sivopāya(Śāmbhavopāya) is abiding in the Self and it is the highest of the three methods. This method is, basically, maintaining Self-awareness and also called the direct way. Here is the brief summary of classifications of 112 meditation techniques...

More details about these 3 ways of Kashmir Shaivism.. https://twitter.com/sanjabh/status/1282606957518446594?s=20

Guidelines for 112 meditation techniques are added. https://www.facebook.com/groups/337423754031042/permalink/339814793791938/

Last year, I stumbled upon a thread by @naval on mediation. It was brilliant stuff, not unusual knowing Naval!
What was unusual & stuck with me was the responses on the thread! Made one thing clear...most have started realising the value of inner peace & looking for ways!
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VBT is about many methods & the most amazing thing is that most of these 112 methods are so easy that you can really practice some while on a flight/bus, at home/office/in a meeting! Also easy to integrate into mundane life. No balancing postures, no twisting of legs and hands!

You’ll be surprised how such simple techniques can have such profound effects on your body & mind! They are all useful.
One can just go through all 112 techniques -quickly because each technique consists only of a few lines. So just go through them, and any technique that strikes

you, try it. Or if you find 2/3 techniques, give each a chance & if any technique that suddenly strikes you, "This is it!"..give it a try, at least for 21 days.

If it starts working, then forget everything, other techniques! But few words of cautions, though!

Some of the important quotes @naval https://twitter.com/naval/status/1261481222359801856?s=20
'No technique of the mind will free you from the mind.
Some may be helpful, but eventually, all will have to be left behind. Start simply, bec that's where this all ends.

If meditation was easy, you’d do nothing else'

'Meditation isn’t holy/ spiritual or magical. It’s literally nothing.
You cannot fail at meditation.
The closer you get to the truth, the more silent you become inside.'
And lastly..."You cannot fail at meditation"

We all are starting a journey for many months now. Will be having many translations too, thanks to the volunteers (will add more as we move on.)

But note that scriptures aren’t just translations. Decoding it is a big task and requires much more than just logic/analysis & science

Lastly A disclaimer- We don't claim ourselves to be masters on the subject & have no commercial interest whatsoever ;).

Let's get going now-

How this epic dialogues started between Siva & Sakti + the background pls refer Facebook link shared earlier, up till verse 23.

From verse 24, Siva starts telling various methods, which we plan to get started from tomorrow.

We plan to cover one VBT method every day, as far as possible.

Thanks & Stay tuned!

Start of VBT 112 meditation methods. (Check the background of this dialogues on the FB link given on the thread above)

We bow to Lord Shiva.
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Dhāraṇā (Contemplation) 1
ūrdhve prāṇo hyadho jīvo visargātmā paroccaret / utpattidvitayasthāne bharaṇādbharītā sthitiḥ // 24 //

*Dvādaśānta meaning “12 finger spaces.” In this case, it refers to the starting point of breath outside the body, 12 finger spaces from the centre of the eyebrows. We will use this term repeatedly in future as well.

'These 2 starting points are the source of supreme energy..

one from the dvādaśānta outside the body & another from the heart, within. One should contemplate over the energy; that appears in the period of rest and should remain mindful of it even while the breathing process starts.
By constant practice, one becomes one with Self.'

Rationale- Many meditation techniques attempt to quieten the mind, by first focussing the mind on a single point. It is easier to still the mind, by first concentrating the mind on something, uninterruptedly. The breath has been known to be one of the easiest to keep the mind

focussed. That is why the meditations involving breath have been given first.

This verse and the next three verses are asking us to concentrate on the gap between two breaths. There is a gap between our in-breath and our out-breath.
There is another gap between

our out-breath & our breath. We focus our attention on these two gaps. This is what is meant by concentrating on the two places of its origin. The breath originates from this pause.

Why is the origin (the gap) of the breath so important?
#meditation

The breath is pure energy. She is the Supreme Goddess Herself. She originates & returns to God.

By concentrating on Her origin, one is concentrating on God Himself.

<Dont miss to check translation below>

<Next Method 2-The point of Turning>

<Pls RT and invite others>

Method(Dharana) 2

maruto’ntarbahirvāpi viyadyugmānuvartanāt /
bhairavyā bhairavasyetthaṁ bhairavi vyajyate vapuḥ//25//

Breathing meditation-
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The focus of attention in this verse is larger.

It encompasses not just the gap between 2 breaths, but also a little on either side of it - where the in-breath is ending/out-breath is beginning & also where the out-breath is ending/the in-breath is starting.

In a breathing cycle, breath turns twice. From inside to outside & again from outside to inside.

By one-pointed awareness of these 2 pauses, mind becomes introverted & activity of both incoming/ outgoing ceases, resulting in an upsurge of the middle channel (susumna) opening up.

If one mentally observes the above two pauses, he realizes the nature of the Supreme (Bhairava).

#meditate

<Translation below- Hindi/Kannad/Gujrati/Telgu>

<Next Method 3- Developing the middle state>

<Pls RT and invite others>

Meditation 3
na vrajenna viśecchaktir marudrūpā vikāsite /
nirvikalpatayā madhye tayā bhairavarūpatā // 26 //

The difference with the previous meditations is that whereas in the previous, the central channel (nādī) inside the spine develops..
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#meditate

by one-pointed awareness of the pauses of exhalation & inhalation, here, the central channel develops by means of neutral sense (nirvikalpa-bhava.)

Practice- Feel energy rising up the spine on the in-breath & descending on out-breath. At some point, there will be no difference

between in- and out-breath, energy (shakti) will no longer move up or down & the spine will feel like a stable channel full of vibrating, hot energy, becoming more & more intense on every in-and out-breath. Alternatively, feel the channel in the middle of the spine expand with

the in-breath & contract with the out-breath. Soon the difference between in- & out-breath dissolves & the spine will feel like a hot wire of energy growing more tangible & intense on every breath.

<Translation below>

<Next- 4 Retentining the breadh>

<Pls RT & invite others>

*Retaining

Method 4
kumbhitā recitā vāpi pūritā vā yadā bhavet /
tadante śāntanāmāsau śaktyā śāntaḥ prakāśate // 27 //
#meditate 1/3

Practice- Take the breath inside, when it reaches the point of the heart, just [retain it] for a while before taking it out. Just after stopping there, take it out slowly & when it reaches at (the point of dvādaśānta outside), then stop. Just wait, don’t take it in again rapidly

just wait for 10 seconds or so before release.

In summary- One has to take [the breath] out and hold it for some time, [then] take it in and hold it in the heart. Can increase the hold duration gradually.

<Translation below>
<Next- 5 Raising Kundalini>
<Pls RT & invite others>

Dhāraṇā 5
ā mūlātkiraṇābhāsāṁ sūkṣmāt sūkṣmatarātmikām /
cintayettāṁ dviṣaṭkānte śāmyantīṁ, bhairavodayaḥ // 28 //

The next 2 verses are about raising Kundalini (1/2)- the energy that is lying dormant near base of the spine.

Yoga and tantra maintain that we have a
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subtle body apart from our gross body. The subtle body cannot be seen by the naked eye.

However, it is vitally important. Without it, the gross body would not exist. The subtle body comprises of chakras and channels. Chakra means wheel. A chakra is basically an energy center.

There are 7 important chakras given here.

Kundalini is dormant energy that is lying at the Mooladhara chakra. Many meditation practices attempt to free this energy. When it finally reaches crown chakra (Sahasrara), it's called a union of God & Goddess, Shiva &Shakti
#meditation

A more accurate way to describe this process would be to say that energy & consciousness within, has united with the energy & consciousness outside us. Individual Energy & Consciousness has reunited with Universal Energy & Consciousness. God within uniting with God outside.

Meditate on the energy arising from the 'mooladhara chakra', scintillating like rays (of the sun), and getting subtler and subtler till at last, she dissolves in dvadasanta. Thus does Bhairava become manifest.'

Concentrate on the shakti arising from the root-like the rays of

the sun, gradually becoming subtler and subtler, until she dissolves in the dwadashanta & supreme manifests.

One must be focussed on this ray of light as it rises up the spine, piercing each centre. After it rises & dissolves in the highest center, start again from root center.

Imagine another ray of light rising upwards, piercing each center successively.

(*Practice & learn this meditation with guidance initially.)

<Translation below>

<Next- 6 Kundalini in succession- part 2/2>
<Pls RT & invite others>

VBT method 6- Kundalini 2/2

udgacchantīṁ taḍidrūpāṁ praticakraṁ kramātkramam /
ūrdhvaṁ muṣṭitrayaṁ yāvat tāvadante mahodayaḥ //29//

This is known as prana-kundalini. The difference between this method & the previous one is ....here kundalini moves through the energy centres & dissolves in Brahmarandhra, whereas in the previous method it shoots forth from Muladhara directly in Brahmarandhra and gets dissolved.

Practice- Instead of imagining a ray of light continuously rising up your spine, see it rising in flashes, like lightning. It jumps from center to center successively upwards till the highest center(Sahasrara). Unlike previous verse, this light does not get subtler and subtler

as it rises. When the light reaches the highest center, start again from the root center. Your awareness must continuously follow this light.
As kundalini rises, the feeling of love keeps increasing. When she reaches the top center, one is liberated & experiences an ocean of love

One becomes love, one is love- pure, unconditional love.
Releasing energy from matter is always very powerful. Releasing energy from the human body liberates us.

***These meditations raising Kundalini are very powerful. Sometimes, they can even be dangerous.

The guidance of a master is always advised.

*Practice & learn this meditation with guidance initially.

<Translation below>

<Next- 7 Higher centres of energy & 12 vowels>
<Pls RT & invite others>

VBT Method 7/112

kramadvādaśakaṁ samyag dvādaśākṣarabheditam /
sthūlasūkṣmaparasthityā muktvā muktvāntataḥ śivaḥ //30//

Twelve higher centres of energy associated with *12 successive letters (refer 112 meditation Facebook page for the details) should be meditated on.
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Each of them should at first be meditated on in a gross phase, then leaving that in a subtle phase & the supreme phase till finally the meditator becomes identified with supreme (Siva).

Method- One can use the vowels of any language, one is familiar with.
#meditation

First, look at the vowel, which is meditating on in a gross form.
Next, say the vowel out loud, moving on to a subtle form, through sound.
After the sound ends, there will be a subtle vibration or feeling of the sound. Concentrate on that. This is meditation in a supreme form.

Finally, there is silence. Spend the max amount of time on this stage, concentrating on the silence & maintaining awareness throughout the process. Finally leaving them aside, become supreme.

After this go to the next vowel, & repeat this 4 stage process.
*The 12 higher centres

are known as dwadasakam or 12 stations.
These are stages of the rising kundalini. They are correlatives of 12 vowels. The first 4 centres of energy are lower (a para).

<Translation below>

<Tomorrow- The 3rd eye meditation>
<Pls RT & invite others>

#happiness
#growth
#within #mindfulness
#meditate #awareness
#motivation #selfawareness

VBT meditation 8

tayāpūryāśu mūrdhāntaṁ bhaṅktvā bhrūkṣepasetunā /
nirvikalpaṁ manaḥ kṛtvā sarvordhve sarvagodgamaḥ//

(Only meditation suggested by Sh Krishna in Bhagavad Gita)
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#meditate #mindfulness
#awareness #selfawareness
#motivation #within
#happiness #growth

The point between & just above the eyebrows is a very significant point called Bhrumadya or third eye.

Bhrumadya is the front part of Ajna chakra, a very important energy center. It is said that when the third eye opens, we gain insight into the inner world.

The movement of the eyes is connected to the thought process.

Method- Focus your gaze upwards, to a point between & just above the eyebrows with eyes closed seeing darkness. Identify the point between your eyebrows, and maintain your awareness there. You will find this spot easy

to identify. The third eye waits for our attention. Your eyes are naturally drawn to this place.

After maintaining your gaze on that spot for some time, you may see a blue or white light appearing there, filling you with the bliss.

The Divine Energy breaks out & rises above

to the crown of the head, filling one with her bliss. This is a reference to Kundalini, the dormant energy, rising up the spine to the top of the head, taking one to the no-mind state.

One has to keep the mind one-pointedness between these 2 eyebrows.
#kashmiripandits

Don’t let it move even for half a second. It becomes setu, it stops, it rejects, the breath.

(*Not all the methods suitable to all. Choose the one that suits you the most.)

<Translation below>

<Tomorrow- The 5 senses & feathers of the peacock>

<Pls RT & invite others>

VBT Method 9/112

śikhipakṣaiścitrarūpairmaṇḍalaiḥ śūnyapañcakam /
dhyāyato’nuttare śūnye praveśo hṛdaye bhavet // 32 //
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#meditate #mindfulness
#awareness #selfawareness
#motivation #within
#happiness #growth

One is to meditate on the 5 coloured circles found on a peacock's tail. These circles represent the 5 senses.
When the circles dissolve, one will enter into the Supreme Void within. When the circles dissolve, the mind disappears & one is liberated. The Supreme Void is

another name for God, within. When the circles dissolve, the mind disappears, and our true nature unfolds & one becomes God.

The Absolute void is Supreme (Bhairava) who is beyond the senses & the mind, beyond all the categories of these instruments. From the point of view

of the human mind, He is the absolute void. From the point of view of Reality, He is most fuIl, for He is the source of all manifestation.

Practice- Think that that object that is perceived by the eye or ear/nose/skin/touch/tongue, all these objects are only void (sunya).

You must concentrate on all these just like void, 5 fold voids, then you enter in that supreme heart which is full of voidness.
That supreme heart is Lord Śiva Himself.

<Translation below>

<Tomorrow- Concentrate on external objects>

<Pls RT & invite others>

VBT Method 10/112

VBT 10-
īdṛśena krameṇaiva yatra kutrāpi cintanā /
śūnye kuḍye pare pātre svayaṁ līnā varapradā //33//
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#meditate #mindfulness
#awareness #selfawareness
#motivation #within
#happiness #growth
The meditation is similar to the previous one & is simpler.

Just as there is the concentration in successive steps on one's own body, similar can be practised outside one's body like on some vast empty space, on some high wall, etc.
By gradually focussing one's attention outside, try to stop the eyes from moving & hence flow of thoughts.

This is how all "seeking" techniques work. once, the point of awareness starts fading, the mind & thoughts starts fading too When the point completely dissolves, along with the mind, one is absorbed into the Supreme Reality.
Practice- Concentrating on space, one has to look at

space in front of the eyes, without blinking. After a while, if the eyes tire, close them for a while to continue with the practice.
Similarly, one can practice on a wall and picture too.
<Translation below>

<Tomorrow- Ever-shining the light within>

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VBT Method 11/112

kapālāntarmano nyasya tiṣṭhanmīlitalocanaḥ/
krameṇa manaso dārḍhyāt lakṣayellakṣyamuttamam/34/
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#meditate #mindfulness
#awareness #selfawareness
#motivation #within
#happiness #growth

Fixing one's attention on the interior of the cranium, with the stability of the mind, one gradually becomes merges with the supreme.

The word kapala means 'cranium.
"The word 'ka' signifies the supreme divine Energy (parasakti), & 'pala' meaning 'protector' signifies Siva.

The whole word kapala is, used in the sense of union between Siva & Sakti" or prakasa & vimarsa i.e. Light of Consciousness (beingness) & its awareness or knowing.

Practice- Fix your mind inside that skull & see the shining fire shining all around, inside the vacuum of the skull

This is the fire of consciousness (cit), where the supreme (Lord Śiva) is revealed.

<Translation below>

<Tomorrow- Meditate on the central channel(Sushumna nadi)>

<Pls RT & invite others>

VBT Method 12/112

madhyanāḍī madhyasaṁsthā bisasūtrābharūpayā /
dhyātāntarvyomayā devyā tayā devaḥ prakāśate // 35 //

#meditate #mindfulness
#awareness #selfawareness
#motivation #within
#happiness #growth
The central channel located in the middle of the spinal cord
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has the appearance of the lotus thread. Meditate on its inner space.

The central channel is the Sushumna nadi & is as delicate as a lotus thread. One only has to meditate on the inner space of this passageway.
When Kundalini is freed, it rises to

the top of the head through the central channel. When it reaches the top of the head, one achieves enlightenment.

By moving our awareness up this channel, Kundalini breaks out from Mooladhara chakra, and rises up the central channel to the top of the head.

When this occurs, the Divinity within us is revealed taking us to the Highest State.

Pranasakti exists in Susumna or the central channel. If one meditates on the inner vacuity existing in this channel the prana &apana currents get dissolved in the Susumna the udana current

becomes active. Thus the kundalini rises pass through susumna, and piercing the various centres of energy (cakras), finally merges in susumna. There the yogi experiences spiritual light with which he feels identified.

This is what is meant by saying that the Divine is revealed by the aid of the interior pranic force residing in susumna.
<Translation below>

<Tomorrow- Meditate after blocking the senses>

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Hindi translation...