The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra offers 112 meditation techniques (dharanas) designed to help practitioners transcend dualistic thought and realize the non-dual nature of reality. These methods are practical and focus on direct experience rather than intellectual understanding. While the text itself doesn't focus heavily on mantras, it emphasizes techniques that can be enhanced with mantras for deeper meditative experiences.
Here are a few meditation techniques from the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, and suggestions on how to pair them with mantras like Om Bhairavaya Namaha or Om Vidya Bhairavaya Namaha:
1. Breath Awareness (Prana Dharana)
Technique:
Focus on the breath as it flows in and out.
Pay attention to the gap between the breaths — the moment where the breath is neither coming in nor going out.
In this gap, a state of stillness and inner silence can arise.
How to incorporate a mantra:
As you inhale, silently chant “Om Bhairavaya” and as you exhale, chant “Namaha.”
Focus on the mantra and the gaps between breaths to achieve deep tranquility.
2. Focus on Sound (Nada Yoga)
Technique:
Close your eyes and focus on any subtle internal sounds you can hear. These could be the sounds of your breath, the beating of your heart, or even subtle inner vibrations.
As your mind focuses on these inner sounds, let your thoughts fade.
How to incorporate a mantra:
Repeat “Om Vidya Bhairavaya Namaha” internally, while also listening to the inner sounds. The mantra will help calm your thoughts and bring you to a state of inner stillness.
3. Meditation on the Void (Shunya Dharana)
Technique:
Sit comfortably and focus your awareness on the space around you.
Let your mind expand into the infinite void, beyond all forms and boundaries.
The goal is to realize that your consciousness is vast and without limitations.
How to incorporate a mantra:
Chant “Om Bhairavaya Namaha” or “Om Hraum Hraum Bhairavaya Namaha” while focusing on this feeling of vastness. The mantra helps create a sense of protection and empowerment as you let go of ego-based boundaries.
4. Meditation on Light (Jyoti Dharana)
Technique:
Visualize a point of light in your heart or between your eyebrows (third eye).
Focus your awareness entirely on this light, letting it grow brighter and fill your consciousness.
The light symbolizes pure awareness, leading to a state of divine union.
How to incorporate a mantra:
Silently chant “Om Vidya Bhairavaya Namaha” while meditating on the inner light. The mantra represents the invocation of knowledge and wisdom, allowing the light to expand.
5. Meditation on Stillness (Sthira Dharana)
Technique:
Sit in a quiet place and remain completely still.
Allow all movements, thoughts, and distractions to settle. Focus entirely on the feeling of stillness, both in your body and your mind.
How to incorporate a mantra:
Chant “Om Bhairavaya Namaha” in your mind, focusing on the vibration of the sound. This can help you anchor your awareness into the stillness and maintain focus on the present moment.
6. Breath Retention (Kumbhaka Dharana)
Technique:
Focus on your breath, and after inhaling, hold it in for as long as comfortable.
In the pause between breaths, observe the stillness and peace that arises.
Let go of attachment to both inhalation and exhalation, staying aware of the emptiness during breath retention.
How to incorporate a mantra:
Mentally chant “Om Bhairavaya Namaha” during the breath retention. The mantra can help you remain calm and focused while experiencing the stillness of kumbhaka (breath retention).
Summary of Pairing Mantras:
Om Bhairavaya Namaha: Use to invoke Bhairava’s protective and transformative energy. Especially helpful in practices involving stillness, the void, and deep silence.
Om Vidya Bhairavaya Namaha: Focus on the attainment of spiritual wisdom and inner light. Perfect for meditations involving visualization of light or clarity of thought.
Om Hraum Hraum Bhairavaya Namaha: Use to burn away ignorance and sharpen concentration. Helpful for practices involving focus on sound or inner vibration.
The meditative techniques from the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra combined with these powerful mantras can deepen your practice and help bring about transformative spiritual experiences.
Would you like to explore more advanced techniques or further guidance on these practices?