Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 41

Riding the wave of music

Tantryadi Vadyashabdeshu Deergheshu Kramasamsthithehe

Ananya Chethaf Pratyante Paravyoma Vapurbhaveth

December is a season of song, dance and music. Here is a method mentioned in the Vignana Bhairav Tantra, to reach that supreme space through music. With a gradual and continuous strumming of a musical stringed instrument, hearing a flute or a percussion's sound, the mind becomes in tune with the vibration and frequency of the music and rhythms. The sound frequencies eventually merge into that supreme space and into consciousness of the one who hears the music. Riding on the wave of music and rhythm can eventually take one into this supreme body, says Shiva.

- Swahilya Shambhavi. (Pic: In Chicago, December 2005.)

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 40

Merge with the silence before and after sound

Yasya Kasyapi Varnasya Purvantavanubhavayet

Shoonyaya Shoonyabhootosau Shoonyakarah Puman Bhaveth

Whoever meditates on the silence before the chanting of a mantra or sound and the silence at the end of the mantra - such a person who meditates on the silence, stillness and void - becomes that which he meditates upon.

Just like sound which has vibrations of a particular wavelength and frequency, silence also has the highest frequency of vibrations. when the mind focusses on something for a while, it becomes that. In this method, the mind that focusses on the silence becomes the silence itself. - Swahilya Shambhavi. (Picture taken by Bina Aditya during the Dua at the Sufi Dar in Chennai - a place where God in every form is worshipped.)

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 39

The Pranava Mantra

Pranavadi Samuccharat Plutante Shoonya Bhavanat
Shoonyaya Paraya Shakthya Shoonyatameti Bhairavi

Shiva addresses Parvati here as Bhairavi and describes the process of merging with the transcendental void by chanting the Pranava Mantra. The Pranava Mantra - Om - AUM - is called so because it contains Prana Shakti, the cosmic energy of the Universe. Chanting the Pranava Mantra with perfection is to take in the breath deeply, experiencing it at the navel and while exhaing - letting it with the sound of Om as 'A.....U.....M.....' in equal proportion. At the end of the chanting, there is a silence. The silence has always existed but there is a possibility of experiencing it better after a sound rises and falls. That silence and void is the Truth of one's being. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 38

Anahata Naada

Anahate Patrakarne Bhagnashabde Sariddrute

Shabdabrahmani Nishnataha Param brahmadhigacchathi

Sound or Naada is classified as two types in classical music. One is Ahata Naada or sound that is created by playing on a musical instrument or by the human voice. The other is Anahata naada that is not created, but just exists in creation. This Tantra talks about listening to the unstruck sound that happens uninterruptedly like a flowing river. One who is able to withdraw into a silent space without and even from the noise of the mind within, becomes an adept in hearing this sound in the heart energy centre or the Anahata chakra. Listening to this sound absorbs one into the supreme Brahman consciousness. - Swahilya Shambhavi. (Photo: Guilia strumming at my veena when she came home, clicked by my friend Susan. Muthalaly)

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 37

A subtle fire within

Dhamaantha Kshobhasambhoota Sukshmagni Tilakakritim

Bindum Shikante Hridaye Layante Dhyayato Layah

Once the agitations and shaking of the mind is over, there is a state of inner being that one arrives at. It is a tranquil experience of a point of light in the middle of the forehead, at a point behind the head in line with the forehead and in the heart. A subtle fire of energy shines on its own in these regions. Being with that energy of light takes you the closest to consciousness where one finally merges into. - Swahilya Shambhavi

(Pic. A lamp that floats in the Ganga at Rishikesh offered by a devotee. The fire that burns in the centre is symbolic of the subtle fire within, which eventually merges into consciousness - the river. (Swahilya)

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 36

Shut the doors

Kararuddhadrigastrena bhroobhedaad dwararodhanaat
Drishte bindau kramalleene tan madhye paramas sthithihi

A meditation technique is described here to experience the supreme state. This should be learnt in person from a Master. It involves the closing of all the orifices of the face with the help of the 10 fingers. In a gradual manner, one realises the existence of the Supreme Consciousness in the form of a tiny dot. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

Awareness...

Through the spine

Madhyanadi Madya Samstha Bisasutrabha roopaya
Dhyanantar Vyomaya Devya Taya Devah Prakashate

Nadis are subtle channels of energy that flow through the body. They are not something tangible that one can touch and see, but it is perceptible to those with subtle vision and can nevertheless be experienced. This technique mentioned by Shiva says, one can realise the supreme being if they sit down in a relaxed manner with the spine erect and focus the attention on the Sushumna Nadi that runs from the tip of the spine to the top of the head like a slender fibre of the lotus stem. Energy or Kundalini Shakti, which is nothing but one's awareness, flows through this space which is an experience of the stillness and silence of Shiva. - Swahilya Shambhavi (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Meditate

The space in the head

Kalalantarmano nyasya tishtanmeelita lochanaha
Kramena manaso dardhyath lakshayet lakshyam uttamam
By fixing the attention in the space within the crown of the head, with eyes steady and closed, a stable concentration can take us to the goal of all goals - realising one's own self.
- Swahilya Shambhavi

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 33

Mindful Awareness

Eedrushena Kramenaiva Yatra Kutrapi Chintana
Shoonye Kudye Pare Patre Swayam Leena Varaprada
Mindfully watching an empty wall, an open space or a person of great merit, the mind gets gradually absorbed into itself as if it were granted that state of being like a boon.
Every being and object in this universe directs our energies back to our own self. When we thus focus our energies on an emptiness or a wall or an enlightened person, the energies are sent back to our own self and the mind gets quietened down.
- Swahilya Shambhavi.

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 32

Meditate on a peacock feather

Shikhipakshaih Chitraroopaih Mandalaih Shoonya Panchakam

Dhyayatonuttare Shoonye Pravesho Hridaye Bhavet

Looking at the most picturesque feather of a peacock one can see five concentric circles or five empty spaces. Meditating upon it to the end of the circle, one reaches the void in the heart.

Here an object of beauty is used as a subject for contemplation. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati. What the mind sees, that it becomes. If one contemplates on the emptiness of all the five layers c

overing consciousness, one enters into the realm of consciousness which becomes an experience of reality. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 31

Focussing on the eyebrow centre

Taya Pooryashu Moordhantham Bhanktva Bhrukshepasetuna
Nirvikalpam Manah Krithwa Saravardhwe Sarvagodgamaha
Filled with the energy of the divine presence by bringing one's focus from the tip of the nose to the space between the eyebrows (have to learn this from a Guru or a master!) the mind soon becomes free of distortions and experiences the omnipresence at the origin of every visible creation. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 30

Step by step

Kramadwaadashakam Samyag Dwadashaakshara Bheditam
Sthoolasookshma Parasthithyaa Muktwa Muktwantatah Shivaha

When the 12 centres of the energy in the body are experienced successively by chanting of the seed sounds or the Beeja Aksharas, one gets liberated of the bodies - gross, subtle and beyond and finally merges with Shiva - consciousness. The methods in which the mantras (sounds) can be chanted, may be learnt under the guidance of a Guru. - Swahilya Shambhavi (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Kundalini move

At the speed of lightning

Udgacchantheem Tadidroopam Pratichakram Kramakramam
Urdhwam Mushtithrayam Yaavat Taavadante Mahodayaha

The energy of the Kundalini moves upward as fast and powerul as a streak of lightning passing through vortex after vortex of energy. After its travels upward completing three fist measurements of length at the end of it is the experience of the great dawn of consciousness.
Swahilya Shambhavi (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

The subtle energy

Meditate on it

Aa moolath kiranabhasam sookshmaat sookshmatarathmikam
Chintyettam Dwishatkaanthe Shamyantim Bhairavodayaha
*****
There is a subtle ray of light that runs through the major chakras or vortexes of energy in the psychic, subtle body along the spine. It begins at the root, Muladhara and ends at the Sahasrara the crown energy centre. Being with this subtle line of energy that almost merges in consciousness and meditating upon it, one has the experience of that Bhairava. - Swahilya Shambhavi (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

The energy of tranquility

While holding and after exhalation

Kumbhita Rechita Vaapi Poorita Ya Yada Bhaveth
Tadante Shanthanamasau Shaktya Shaanthah Prakashate

When you draw in the breath, along with the Prana and hold it for a while or exhale, completely, be in those few moments of emptiness. There is a certain energy called Shanti or peace. In fact, it is tranquility. In that tranquil state, shakti or energy, which is the first manifestation of consciousness, shines.
- Swahilya Shambhavi (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Space within

When nothing moves

Na vrajen na vishechchaktir Marudrup Vikasite

Nirvikalpataya Madhye Taya Bhairava Roopata

*****

When you inhale and hold the breath, experiencing the empty space within and exhale and hold the exhalation, experiencing the empty space without, there are moments when the energy in the form of air does not move. In this state of stillness, both within and without, one experiences the form of Bhairava which is consciousness.

And you are that Bhairava, which pervades the Universe and beyond. - Swahilya Shambhavi. (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com) - (This blog will be updated every Tuesday...)

Inhale....hold....

Exhale...hold....

Marutontar Bahirvaapi Viyadyugmanivarthanath
Bhairavya Bhairavasyethham Bhairavi Vyajyate Vapuhu
In a continuation of the previous technique, the one who is practising to know the essence can apply this method. When consciously breathing in, there are a few moments that can be spent at the point where the breath touches the inner space. Similarly. as the breath flows out completely on exhalation, there are a few seconds that can be spent in the empty sace after breathing out.
In pranayama breathing techniques, it is usually done as inhale four counts, hold two counts, exhale five counts and again hold two counts. While holding, it is important to realise that the empty space where the breath has merged with is consciousness. This consciousness is Bhairava, constantly manifesting from the essence as Bhairavi or Energy. Swahilya Shambhavi (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com).

Meditation techniques

Many ways to realise

Sri Bhairava Uvacha

Urdhve Pranau Hyadho Jeevo Visargathma Parochchareth

Utpatti Dwitayasthane Bharanaath Bharitha Sthithihi

*****

The flow of the breath in and out has happening since the time we were born. And we refer to a person who passed away saying, "He breathed his last."

Besides the body, the breath has been there since birth. The very first technique of meditation that Shiva begins with, to explain to Parvathy the ways to reach the state of fullness - it is the breath that he talks about.

The breath carries the life energy that sustains the body and energises the mind. That life force is called Prana. This breath begins at a particular point at the entrance of the nostrils. They go down and ultimately touch a point within us in the chest.

My Guru, Swami Akshara in his '10 Best Meditation Techniques,' based on the Vignana Bhairava Tantra, explains a meditation technique using this verse. "Follow your breath mentally to the beginning of your inhalation and up to the end of your exhalation. It is the most effortless activity where you travel with the breath mentally. The point where your breath has reached and touching inside you is your soul. That is where Shiva is present," he says. The end of the breath where it touches the world outside is where the Shakti, the cosmic energy, the prakriti is present.

This simple technique of being with the breath mentally brings in a sense of totality and completeness to the mind. This can be done anytime, anyplace and anywhere. In a few minutes, you can see your mind becoming calm and settled. - Swahilya Shambhavi (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Last few questions

The questions are done

Deva Deva Trishoolanka Kapala Krita Bhooshana

Digdesha Kaala Shoonyacha Vyapadesha Vivarjitha

Yaavastha Bharithakara Bhairavasyopalabhyate

Yatha Samyag Aham Vedmi Tatha Me Broohi Bhairava

*****

Parvathy continues her questioning and soon she will begin to have the answers. And so will we! "Oh God of all Gods, the wielder of the trident and the one who has made the skull his ornament, the one who is free of directions, place, time and is free from any kind of descriptions.

By what means, can the state of fullness of Bhairava be achieved. Please tell me in a manner that I shall completely know.

She also wants to know how the supreme energy also becomes the means through which Bhairava is known. The material world that we can experience with our five senses - including the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, space, mind, sun and the moon and all the galaxies - are the manifestations of the supreme energy. It is through this world that we get to know about the substratum of consciousness called Bhairava.

With this ends the questioning by Parvathy and begins the Yoga as expounded by Shiva from the next verse. - Swahilya Shambhavi. (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

(Pic: Walking in solitude at Charan Paduka, Badrinath. You can see through my glasses that there was none else to take this picture!)

Flame and Ray

Show the light and sun

Yathalokena Deepasya Kiranair Bhaskarasyacha

Gnyayate Digvibhagadi Tadvatshakthya Shivah Priye

The flame of a lamp and the rays of the sun reveal to us the different directions by showing the form of the objects they light up and the existence of space. Similarly, the existence and movement of shakti reveals the presence of Consciousness, that is Shiva. - Swahilya Shambhavi (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Fire and heat

Bhairava and Bhairavi

Na vanher dahika shakthi Vyatirikta Vibhavyate
Kevalam Gnana SattayamPrarambhoyam Praveshane


Just as the power to burn is not different from the fire, though initially one does not understand it in that manner, similarly wisdom is not different from consciousness - though it seem
as different at the beginning.

You are God

And everything else too

Shakti Shaktimator Yadwat Abhedas Sarvada Sthithaha

Athasthaddharmadharmithwath Parashakthih Parathmanaha

This verse simply says you and everything else is God - Consciousness, Awareness. The power or energy and its container are one. There is no function for them independently. The electricity and its container are one/ There is no function for them independently. The electricity is contained in the wire. Without the wore, the electricity cannot be transported. Without the electricity, the wire can be used just as some plastic rope. Likewise, all nature that you see around you, including yourself contain the dharma or the force of nature that sustains. The holder of this dharma, i.e. you and I, are not different from the dharma. Same way, the supreme cosmic energy is not different from its container, the supreme soul.

- Swahilya Shambhavi.

Prakriti-Purusha

Matter 'n Spirit

Evam Vidha Bhairavasya Yavastha Parigeeyate

Saa paraa pararoopena Paradevi Prakeerthitha

*****

Consciousness exists. But how can it be known. By the names and forms which are the manifestation of energy says the Vignana Bhairavba Tantra.

The state of the Bhairava has been described in this manner. The knowledge of the consciousness is possible through the mind which is Prakriti - nature. We call nature as the mother - Mother Earth, the rivers are given feminine names. We are born out of this combination of consciousness and energy - Purusha and Prakriti. It is through the mother - prakriti, we are introduced to the father Purusha. Whether masculine, feminine, neuter or inert, all creatures of nature are born out of this Supreme consciousness. It is they who show to us the existence of this consciousness.

(Picture: A long time ago, singing a bhajan.)

(Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Tirumandiram, Bhagavad Gita, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Whole

Know it!

Tad Vapus Tattvato Jneyam Vimalam Vishwapooranam

Evam Vidhe Pare Tattve Kah Poojya Kascha Tripyate

The entire universe may be known in its essential form to be free of impurities. In this way if the Supreme Reality exists, who is the one to be worshipped and who is the one to be pleased and pacified.

Essence can be understood this way. I am the body consisting of the earth and its seven elements, water in many forms, fire as heat, air that is breathed in and circulated through the body and space. In the space, between the cells of the body resides the mind which is a constant flow of thoughts in and out. Even beyond and in between the interstices of the mind is pure consciousness, which is non-moving, which is silent, which is no object. This consciousness is the essence that pervades the Universe. It is pure, constant and ever abiding. It is not anybody or anything else, but you, your essence, me and my essence. Who then is there to be worshipped or placated with offerings?

- Swahilya Shambhavi.

(Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Tirumandiram, Bhagavad Gita, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Bhairavi

Masculine- Feminine

Anthah Swanubhavananda Vikalponmukta Gochara

Yavastha Bharitakara Bhairavi Bhairavathmanaha

*****

All this time, Consciousness was referred to as Bhairava. Now the feminine Bhairavi is mentioned as the Awareness of Bhairava. The truth is when the expression is masculine, the consciousness is subtle and feminine. When the expression is feminine, the awareness within is masculine Bhairava or Purusha (another word for man) as Prakriti or creation refers to woman.

When one is filled with the bliss of the experience of the self within, that is free of any distortions, being filled with that state is the experience of Bhairavi, the consciousness of Bhairava.

When there is an experience of bliss in any way - it can be by watching the ocean, gazing at the sky or sharing an intimate moment with a friend or a loved one, being filled with that experience of bliss is consciousness itself. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

Picture: On the banks of the Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka.

(Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Tirumandiram, Bhagavad Gita, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

No Directions

Jobless Silence

Dikkalakalanonmukta Deshoddeshavisheshini

Vyapadeshtum Ashakyaasavakathyaa Paramarthathaha

*****

What is the Supreme Reality, the Truth or the One Consciousness? It is not anything that we see, hear, smell, taste and touch. It is not confined by directions and time. It is even free of space and has neither a job nor intention. It is not possible to describe with words, the supreme truth which is beyond qualities and attributes. To understand the nature of the Supreme Truth, we can watch this computer screen. There are pixels of letters and images on the screen. The screen represents the supreme truth and juxtaposed against the screen is the mind which is represented by the words and images. In a deeper sense, the one that views this computer screen and understands what he or she see on it is the Supreme Truth, through the windows of the senses.

(Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Tirumandiram, Bhagavad Gita, The Himalayas, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Worship

The deluded intellect

Aprabuddhamateenam Hi Eta Balavibheeshika
Matrumodakarvatsarvam Pravrutyarthamudahitam

*****

Consciousness - the state of Shiva has to be understood. Everyone cannot learn it directly. It is like trying to reach the terrace without climbing any staircase. The terrace contains space. To reach that space high above, one has to climb a stairway, constructed in space. The worship of Bhairava in name and form is like climbing stairs.


Shiva says that for those whose intellect is not fully developed, the various names and forms of God are given, watching their tendencies. The names and forms can be fierce or loving images, just as harsh words are used at times to frighten children or the mother cajoling the child into a discipline with sweets. The name and form of idol worship is meant to coax the person to meditate on consciousness with an idol placed before him.


- (Picture: With village children at Ukhimath, Himalayas). - Swahilya Shambavi.
(Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Tirumandiram, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Transcendence

Beyond Anything

Nadabindumayo Vaapi Nachandrardha Nirodhikaha

Na chakra krama sambhinno Nacha Shakthiswaroopakaha

The Supreme reality is not the cosmic sound of Om. It cannot be perceived by exciting any energy centre of the body. It is neither the experience of the six chakras of the Muladhara, Swadhishtana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddhi and Agnya, nor is it all the forms of energy that is manifested in the universe.

If nothing is the form of Bhairava, where is the need to know and experience different forms of energy or go through different levels of consciousness?

All that we see, hear, speak, feel, smell and think about are but pointers to the ultimate consciousness that is the experiencer of all the experiences. When I need to show the moon behind the branches of a tree, I have to point to the tree. This is called the Chandrashakha Nyaya in Sanskrit. But to see the moon one has to look where the finger points toward and not at the tip of the finger or the tree. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

(Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Bhagavad Gita, Tirumandiram, I am that, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Nothing

Neti Neti

Tatwato Na Navatmasau Shabdarashirna Bhairavaha

Nachasau Trishiro Devaha Nacha Shaktitrayathmakaha

To understand what consciousness is, it is necessary to know what consciousness is not. Shiva, the first teacher of Yoga, negates Devi's suppositions that the Bhairava's form or consciousness is the nine forms of energy which include the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, space, mind, energy, sun and moon, the various mantras or sounds which are a garland of letters, the three patterns of energy flow - the Ida - feminine, Pingala - masculine and Sushumna - neutral or the three forms of creative forces - the Iccha Shakti - the energy of desire, the Kriya Shakthi - the energy of action and Gnana Shakthi - the energy of knowledge.

How much ever science probes the world outside, splitting the atom or watching outer space, it still continues to dabble with different forms of energy only. It does not touch consciousness which is the very being that supports all the search and research.

If the different forms of energy can be likened to a cell, Shiva, Bhairava or Consciousness can be likened to the being that observes the cell through the eyes and the microscope. Shiva is that being which writes this and reads it too. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

(Picture: You guessed it right! The lady far behind is the Statue of Liberty in the Atlantic Ocean near Manhattan, New York.)

(Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Bhagavad Gita, Tirumandiram, Maha Shivaratri, Chicago Satsang, Himalayas, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Form

Ritualistic worship

Dhyanartham Bhrantabuddheenam Kriyadambaravarthinam

Kevalam Varnitam Pumsam Vikalpamihataathmanam

Can the supreme be realised through idol worship and rituals? Shiva's answer initially was "No," when he pointed out that the outer world of name and form was just an illusion. But there is a purpose for ritualistic worship. A person of deluded intellect, with a restless mind urging him to do some work or the other, idol worship and ostentatious rituals involving much action, pomp and display have been described. Such people who find it difficult to sit still and meditate on the supreme reality of consciousness can apply their mind to go through ritualistic worship with flowers, fruits, mantras, dressing up deities in the form of idols, bathing them and decorating them, carrying them around the streets in processions, offering them with food and celebrating their birthdays as festivals, among other ways.

For such people, these actions prescribed will help to channelise and divert their energies and quieten the mind to make it ready for approaching the truth later. - Swahilya Shambhavi

(Maha Shivaratri, Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Bhagavad Gita, Tirumandiram, Himalayas, Satsang in Chicago, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Nonessential

The Magic Web

Tadasaarataya Devi Vigneyam Shakrajaalavat

Mayaswapnopamam Chaiva Gandharva Nagarabhramam

Shiva begins with the description first of what is not the truth. "Devi, first know what is not the essence. It is like the magical web of Indra, like an illusory dream and a make-believe musical city created by the Gandharvas."

The non-essence that Shiva talks about here is the illusory presence of name and form in this world. Forms are illusion because they are composed of atoms, molecules, sub-atomic particles and quarks. These are composed of particles constantly spinning in space. These particles join together, emitting different wavelengths of energy patterns, creating an illusion of different objects such as trees, plants, animals, water, fire, air, earth and also human beings. These illusory, ever-changing forms are also given names which are an illusion too, like the different people and places we see in a dream. They are the magical web created by the mind which disappears when we wake up. What we hear as music is a temporary movement of sound wave particles in the field of consciousness. They too are now here and not there. Sakara here includes everything with a name and form - even the countless gods we worship - they are just transcient illusory images in consciousness, says Shiva. - Swahilya Shambhavi. (Maha Shivaratri, Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Himalayas, Satsang in Chicago, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Shiva speaks....

Birth of wisdom

Bhairava Uvacha:

Sadhu Sadhu Twaya Prushtam Tantra Saaramidam Priye

Goohaneeyatamam Bhadre Tathapi Kathayamite

Yatkinchit Sakalam Roopam Bhairavasya Prakeerthitham

*****

After hearing Parvati speak and ask questions, Shiva says, "Good, my beloved lady, What you have asked me is the essence of Tantra. I will now give you the most secret knowledge - auspicious one. I will tell you about the different forms of Bhairava," says Shiva.
Here the sharing of the highest wisdom of consciousness is happening between the lover and the beloved. This is the factor that makes the Vignana Bhairava Tantra accessible to all. Shiva is able to explain the nuances of experiencing consciousness through many ways, subtle, intricate and with innumerable methods for the understanding of people from all walks of life. He uses examples and instances from the experiences of different lifestyles of the householder, husband and wife.
Though the Tantra is open to everyone and consciousness resides in every being, knowledge of meditation bestows a certain energy and power to the individual who practices it. The power, if used unwisely, can cause harm, confusion or even bring destruction to oneself primarily and to others too. It is as dangerous as letting a child play with real guns!So the purity of the one who receives the knowledge is of utmost importance here. Purity here means, the use of the knowledge for one's own evolution, deeper into the self and not for any good or bad actions in the world. - Swahilya Shambhavi.
(Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Himalayas,

swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

The end

No more questions

Nahi varna vibhedena Deha bhedene vaa bhaveth
Paratvam Nishkalatvena Sakalatvena Tadbhaveth
Prasadam Kuru Me Natha Nih Shesham Chindhi Samshayam

*****

The param or quality of consciousness should be beyond the division of colour, of forms. The consciousness is indivisible and hence it cannot be the different parts of colours, forms and sounds, says Devi.
Thus describing all that she knows, of names, forms, sounds, energy and of the transcendence of consciousness, she appeals to Lord Shiva to bestow his grace and completely remove any doubts from her mind. The mind knows no rest until it knows the truth, nothing but the truth and the whole truth! - Swahilya Shambhavi.
(Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Bhagavad Gita, Himalayas, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

This or that

Transcendent or Immanent or Both?

Paraparayah Sakalam Aparayascha Va Punaha
Paraya Yadi Tadvatsyaat Parathwam Tad Virudhyate

*****

Devi questions if consciousness is present in the now or whether it transcends everything. "Is your reality immanent and transcendental at the same time? If it is immanent, present here and now, it is a contradiction that it is transcendental," she says.
While she questions Shiva of his reality, which is actually her reality and everyone else's too, it is also the technique of asking too many questions, marking the pros and cons. By generating a confusing bundle of thoughts, an experience of clarity is possible.
By Para, she means consciousness and apara means matter, form and name, the earth and all forms of manifested Universe. Her question her is, "Which is the truth - the form or the formless?" -

Swahilya Shambhavi. (Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutra. (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com).

Energy

Can the truth be realised through energy?

Nadabindumayam Vapi Kim Chandrardha Nirodhikaha
Chakrarudham Anachkam Va Kimva Shakthiswaroopakam

*****

A letter is a combination of sound and silence. Same are all the names and forms we see. Parvathy wants to know if the eternal truth is in the form of letters, sounds and shapes. She asks if they are in the various major energy centres of the body, beginning from the tip of the spine to the top of the head, called by seven names as Muladhara, Swadhishtana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddhi, Agnya and Sahasrara.
Or is it through the form of pure energy that one realises your real form? Energy is a beautiful word to express that which cannot be seen, but simply experienced. We say a bubbly child is in a high state of energy. The energy of a big wave cannot be seen directly, but understood by observing the height, depth, volume and force with which it crashes on a rock. When you put on the switch, the light burns bright. You may be able to see the connecting wires, but not the electricity that causes the light to shine.
Devi asks if the truth can be realised by focussing on the sound and silence of the mantra, or by the sound that always exists in the heart beat or by focussing on the different energy centres of the body. - Swahilya Shambhavi.
(Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali Yoga Sutra. (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Search

Where is the truth?

Kim Va Navathmabhedena Bhairave Bhairavakritau
Trishirobheda bhinnam va Kim va Shakthitrayathmakam

*****

How can your reality be perceived? Parvathy asks Shiva if it can be known through the nine states of consciousness which include time, energy, name, knowledge, memory, sound, seed, wave or the individual soul or the nine forms of energy which include the energy of action, the energy of tranquility and space, the transcendent energy.
Or is it through knowing the three forms of energy flow in the body called the Ida - feminine, Pingala - masculine and Sushumna - the tranquil neutral force.
The whole existence and the individual can be described in just one way. There is pure consciousness to begin with, everywhere and passing through everything and which is beyond understanding by the mind. From the pure consciousness emerges the flow of thoughts, which is the energy of the mind. That creates the Universe at large and governs the functioning of each individual.
The questions raised by Parvathy does not mean that she is not aware of what the superconscious state of being is and she wants to know about it. It is like a drama in this context, where all the actors know the whole story. Yet they act out their part to keep the suspense alive for the audience. Deeper and deeper questioning can help to increase the clarity of understanding, at the end of which the truth reveals itself effortlessly.
(May visit for Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali Yoga Sutra- Swahilya Shambhavi (swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Restlessness

Mind knows no peace

Adyapi Na Nivruttome Samshayah Parameshwara
Kim Rupam Tahthwato Deva Shabdharashi Kalamayam

*****

Even after hearing everything, my doubts are not dispelled. What is your real form, oh Divine one? Are you the energy contained in the sounds of all the letters?
Akshara is the letter which contains the energy. Sound is the first manifestation of energy in the field of consciousness. Parvathy's doubts about the true form of the essential truth is not cleared. Unless the experience of truth happens directly, the mind is never sure and does not rest, calm down or stop its search. Despite having an understanding in terms of knowledge, Parvathy's question canards to Shiva continue, on the name and form of the ultimate truth. - Swahilya Shambhavi. (Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Himalayas, swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)

Vignana Bhairava Tantra

Liberation through Expansion

Tantra is the most misunderstood word today. What is believed to be some gimmicks performed in the name of black magic or witchcraft etc. is actually another word for Yoga, through expanding and liberating the mind. Tanotu - Trayate. What protects by expanding is called Tantra. It is a tool or a technique. Just as we say Chanakya Tantra, for the art of administration, Vignana BhairavaTantra is the art of meditation.
It is the science of Yoga that encompasses life around. It is the yoga that helps you to tune in to the day-to-day sights and sounds. It does not expect any solitary confinement to practice meditation, but shows the way for a life of meditation now and here - as you see the sky, the earth, the mountains and rivers, as you experience the different moments of joy and sorrow.

Shri Devyucacha:
Shrutham Deva Maya Sarvam Rudrayamala Sambhavam
Trika Bhedamasheshena Sarathsara Vibhagashaha.

*****
This whole exposition of the Tantra is written in the form of a conversation between Shiva and his wife, Parvathy. Just as Arjuna poses questions to Sri Krishna, Parvathy quizzes Shiva, the Master

of Yoga, on all that she needs to know about the mind and consciousness.
She says that she has now listened to everything that has emerged from the Rudrayamala Tantra, the three divisions of energy as Iccha Shakthi - the energy of desire, Kriya Shakthi - the energy of application into action and Jnana Shakthi - the energy of knowledge. Also, she has learnt about the divisions of the several layers between matter and consciousness.
There is knowledge of meditation from the books we read and the talks we hear. But the knowledge needs the grace of the Guru to be assimilated into a personal experience. The Vignana Bhairava Tantra is the result of a similar experience with knowledge and the different ways of assimilating it. - Swahilya Shambhavi.
(You may wish to visit Bamboo Wisdom for a verse by verse commentary on the Bhagavad Gita and Aham for a series on the Patanjali Yoga Sutra. swahilya.soulmate@gmail.com)