If you were given a choice, would you prefer a personal consultation with a yogi or a tantrik? Well, most of you might choose a yogi to be on the safe side. One might not want to consult a tantrik unless they are going through a tough phase in life and are willing to seek help from a tantrik as a last resort. In general, we are afraid to be so completely given to someone unknown with unknown abilities. Tantra, specifically, has been seen as a mechanism to woo someone inappropriately, harm others, or get things done for selfish motives. On the contrary, yoga, as the world perceives it today, is a gateway to better health, peace, and inner harmony.

Having a basic understanding of yoga but no prior knowledge of Tantra, I stumbled upon a Hindi PDF version of the book "Vijñāna Bhairav Tantra" explained by Nand Lal Dashora. Despite Tantra's often dark and mystical reputation, I approached the text without any preconceived notions, ready to explore this Indic tradition that I believe is more misunderstood than neglected. As part of Indic traditions, yoga and tantra both can work as transformative techniques when applied by humans and could pave the way to attain higher consciousness.

Written in the 7th-8th century, it is a 1200-year-old granth; some scholars claim that the original work is much older (2000-5000 years old). It is difficult to determine the exact date. The book brings out tantra as the most powerful ancient guide for inner awakening.

To my amazement, the author of this ancient Indian textbook is unknown, but the credit is unquestionably given to Shiva. It is presented as a dialogue between Shiva and his consort, Parvati, where her questions range from the most fundamental questions, like Who are you? What is the secret of the universe? What is the nature of reality? They are the quintessential questions of someone seeking enlightenment. In response, Shiva unveils 112 transformative meditation techniques, offering direct paths to self-realisation.

While it's considered a revelation from Shiva, various scholars and spiritual teachers have translated and commented on the text over the centuries, making it accessible to a wider audience. Notable modern commentators include Swami Lakshmanjoo, Jaideva Singh, Osho, and many others. Some scholars have claimed that the 112 techniques of gaining higher knowledge are exhaustive and that Shiva has covered all possible ways of achieving advanced meditation.

Vigyan Bhairav it's a timeless wisdom, a secret text from ancient India. Originally a Sanskrit text, Vijñāna Bhairav is made of three words: ‘Vijñāna’ means inner science, ‘Bhairav’ stands for Shiva, the supreme consciousness, and ‘tantra’ means techniques.   It is said that Buddhists have learned from this text. Sufis have also borrowed from the priceless knowledge shared in the book. This is the source book of all meditation techniques that are known all over the world.

The ultimate goal of these powerful 112 tantras or techniques of meditation, varying from breathing techniques to ways of focusing on different parts of one’s body, the sounds one hears, etc., is to connect human consciousness with cosmic consciousness. It mostly unveils several breathing techniques. The mind is attracted to rhythms, and the breath is the most natural rhythm a human can relate to. Watch the rhythm of your breaths and the gaps between two breaths. These tiny, often missed pauses or gaps between two breaths can reset your mind.

The most noticeable aspect of this book is that it does not focus on beliefs but only on techniques. In other words, the methods mentioned in the book need no beliefs in any religion. Just the seeker’s breath and awareness are called upon at all times. Most of the techniques ask for the seeker’s complete presence. The book exhorts the seeker to simply notice the pause between inhale and exhale, as this pause between breaths can transform one’s state.

The book mentions bare techniques without any floral or magical discussion of its results. It does not talk about divine revelations or what magical outcomes the sadhak would be blessed with, but it simply states the techniques. Moreover, it is very easy to feel that one’s knowledge has become one’s experience. The moment one learns about a technique, one might be deceived into talking about it as an experience, about the subjective aspect. However, Shiva has remained silent about the experience and does not make any claims about how the techniques will bring a sadhak closer to Him or how His grace will fall on the sadhak. This approach of higher knowledge is a rarity!

As a Tantra text, its divine revelations come across as remarkably scientific. It posits that human physiology is a biological structure, and our instincts aren't easily tamed by mere moral teachings. True transformation, therefore, requires a scientific method to alter your inner consciousness. Tantra won't just tell you the answers; it offers practical techniques to discover them. It begins with the body because that's our undeniable reality, accepting "things as they are" without condemnation.

The Vigyan Bhairav Tantra belongs to a form of yoga tantra called ‘Kashmir Shaivism’. Kashmir Shaivism is a philosophy of non-dualism or monism. It believes that the individual is not separate from God, and we are not separate from each other. There is only one, there is only God. There is no Reality but God. The fact that we look separate from each other is an illusion.

The book contains a great deal of practical wisdom. Its message is meant to be applied in our day-to-day lives. Although it was written a long time ago, its message is eternal. It is meant for all times. These techniques can be followed by anyone, irrespective of their religion, to attain higher consciousness.

Vijñāna Bhairav Tantra Rudrayamal Tantra Ka Gurh Rahasya explained by Nand Lal Dashora

Number Of Pages:102

Publication Year: 2014

Publisher: Randhir Prakashan, Hardwar (India)