Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 8

Swing and dance with Joy

Chalasane Sthithasyatha Shanairva Deha Chalanath

Prashanthe Manase Bhave Devi Divyaughamapnuyath.

We did it as kids, didn't we - holding a partner's hand and swinging round and round till the sky above began spinning and we fell down. Then it happened in the park when there would be a queue for a wooden swing. Rocking from one end to another, in space that did not move. There was bliss in the game. There was bliss in the swinging. That bliss of a tranquil mind in a swinging body is the divine that you have always been looking for. Be with that experience of the stillness between the swinging from one end to another, the quietude that has always been through the dancing movements of the body. That tranquility is the meditative state of mind and it is as simple as watching it while we walk, run, bend, stretch, swing, swim, dance, play games. So next time you feel like letting loose on the dance floor, or rocking a baby on the cradle or just catching hold of a vacant swing - jump in and be with the movement. It's as simple as that! - Swahilya Shambhavi.

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 7

Being with the joy of the mind

Yatra Yatra Manasthushtihi Manastatraiva Dharayeth

Tatra Tatra Paramanandaswaroopam Sampravartate.

*****

The mind finds joy in simple things. It can be the fragrance of the flowers. It can be the wispy clouds passing through an azure blue sky. It can be in moments of love. It can be while watching a beautiful picture or listening to one's favourite music. There are many ways that bring happiness to the mind.


Wherever the mind experiences joy on experiencing something, focus on that object, person or situation. In that place, the form of the supreme bliss manifests. It can be while seeing, hearing, touching or tasting, smelling a pleasant aroma or recalling and remembering joyous moments - there is a surge of energy within. This reveals to us the bliss within. Just be with that joy. It is nothing else but the form of the supreme joy of consciousness that manifests through even the momentary and fleeting moments of bliss of day to day life. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 6

Contemplating on the elements of nature

Maya Vimohini Nama Kalayah Kalanam Sthitham

Ithyadi Dharmam Tatwanam Kalayanna Prithagbhavet.

****

All forms and activities of the nature around us are a combination of the different elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space - in different consistencies. This includes man, animal and tree. The different essences combine in different ways to manifest in various forms. What we call Maya or illusion is the feeling that some object is different from us and the objects are themselves different from each other and have different names and forms.
But this Tantra gives us an opportunity to meditate upon different forms of nature, dissolving the differences and becoming one with the consciousness that exists in all.
There are different kinds of human beings, thinking and acting differently. But they all breathe the same air and survive on the same water, sunlight and earth, as do the plants and animals do.
But the consciousness within, that makes one to see the different names and forms, is equally present in those names and forms too. When you feel the earth beneath your feet, meditate. When you drink a glass of water to quench your thirst, meditate. When the cool air blows gently against your face, meditate. When you see the flames of the fire that burns - meditate. When you feel the space around you that lets you go wherever you want to, meditate.
These will lead you to the eternal one that is Consciousness. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

Vignana Bhairava Tantra - 5

Where there is pain, there is Shiva

Kinchidangam Vibhidyadau Teekshnasoochyadina Tataha

Tatraiva Chetanam Yuktva Bhairave Nirmala Gatihi.

******

If someone had the experience of having acupuncture needles running through the body, connected to electric impulses, then this Vignana Bhairava Tantra may have some meaning to them already! This Tantra is not entreating you to invite pain and suffering upon yourself.
But when there is a prick of a needle, there is a point in the body where it pains. Draw your attention to that spot. The pain is nothing but a pure and fresh movement in the consciousness called Bhairava. Be there and experience it in the moment.
It is not just about experiencing the physical pain. It can be an inexplicable pain in the heart too, when one experiences suffering born out of separation of a loved one, dejection, depression, sadness. When such heaviness of the heart happens, be there in that moment without comment or judgement. You experience Consciousness. The pain can liberate too. A word of caution! There is no need to wish for pain and suffering. But experiencing it when it visits is what this verse of the Vignana Bhairava Tantra conveys.


Picture: A memorial for the many children who lost their lives at the Madavamedu village off Nagapattinam coast in Tamil Nadu when the tsunami struck. The little children who died where those who were washed away while they were blissfully watching the television at home. - Swahilya Shambhavi