Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 78

Seated in a relaxed posture

Mridvasane Sphijaikena Hasta Padau Nirashrayam|

Nidhaya Tatprasangena Para Poorna Matir Bhaveth||

Seated on a soft textured mat on one buttock, raising the other, relaxing the hands and legs, if one places the body in this manner at that moment, the intellect becomes united with the Supreme completeness. Here a specific asana or posture is mentioned where you sit with the right leg folded and the left leg placed on the ground, over and away from the right thigh. There are many such yogic postures when practiced in a state of relaxation for long periods of time, can take the being into deeper awareness and experience the complete supreme essence. - (In Pic. baby Anushka takes her big toe to the mouth. Relaxation comes naturally to babies and hence hatha yoga postures too! - Text and Pic. Swahilya Shambhavi.)

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 77

Realisation through Mudras

Karankinya Krodhanaya Bhairavya Lelihanaya|

Kecharya Drishtikalecha Paraavaptih Prakashate||

Five Mudras of the Tantric practice are mentioned here. Mudras are postures of the body and mind. They are to be practised only under the guidance of a Guru. Seated in a mudra and focussing one's attention on it, the Supreme truth is revealed. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

Vigjana Bhairava Tantra - 76

Focus on the space around light

Tejasa Surya Deepaade Aakashe Shabalee Krite|

Drishtirniveshya Tatraiva Swatmarupam Prakashate||

The rays of te sun distributes many patterns in the empty space of the sky. By gazing at that empty space, or the space within the rays of a lamp that lightens up a dark room, you begin to realise the presence of your self - the Awareness within. - Swahilya Shambhavi (Pic. Swasham, Sunrise at the Marina Beach.)

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 75

Just before you sleep

Anaagatayam Nidrayam Pranashte Bahya Gochare|

Savastha Manasa Gamya Para Devi Prakashate||

Just at the moment when you are slipping into sleep and your mind is shutting off its association with the external sense objects just as the eyes close, and it is yet to fully fall asleep, take your attention to the awareness that is present in the intervening period of transition. The Supreme Goddess shines there. (Pix. and text: Swahilya Shambhavi. Pix. A dusk-time view of a minaret in the distance on a Chennai evening.)

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 74

Where the mind is content there lies supreme bliss

Yatra Yatra Manastushtihi Manastathraiva Dharayeth|

Tatra Tatra Paranandas Swaroopam Sampravartate||

Nothing is spared in the Tantra as a means to meditatye on the divine experience. Here in this verse, it is contemplation on the happy moments that you have experienced in the past. When you sit down for meditation, bring your awareness to the happy incident. At the source of this experience lies the supreme joy that makes its presence felt. It also goes without saying that a mind that is content at all times, revels in this blissful state forever. (Pix: The O' Brothers - Ojasvin and Omjasvin in a show of joy and contentment.) - Swahilya Shambhavi.

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 73

Sensual pleasures

Geetadi Vishayaswada Samasoukhyaikatathmanaha|
Yoginasthanmayasthwena Manoroodhesthadathmatha||
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Listening to music and other sensual pleasures, the mind attains a sort of equanimity. The mind of the yogi attains the state of self by riding the crest of the sensual wave. - (Swahilya Shambhavi)

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 72

Food and Drink

Jagdhipanakritollasa Rasanandavijhrimbhanaath|
Bhavayeth Bharithavasthaam Mahanandasthatha Bhaveth||
Here we go! We all love food. We love the taste of sweets and savouries, coffee, tea, ice cream, pizzas, burgers - just about anything. Next time, around you, put something that you like (or don't!) into your mouth, here's the meditation for you - when you are happy with tasting something solid or liquid contemplate on the blissful feeling feeling that arises. In that state of fullness, you experience the maha ananda. (Pic and text: Swahilya Shambhavi. Tasting a juicy apple at the heights of Deoria Tal in Rudra Prayag District, Uttarakhand, Himalayas.)