In this series of posts we are going to introduce you to the 112 Meditation techniques Shiva taught to his wife Parvati. These techniques are applicable in daily life and they are means to experience the ultimate reality within us. The texts that contain these more than 5000 year old meditation tools are called the „Vigyana Bhairava Tantra“ and they describe 112 techniques that can transform our consciousness. It is a pragmatic and result oriented form of teaching that directly leads the meditator to the realization of his true nature which is blissful and ecstatic. Out of these 112 teachings, every person from every walk of life can find at least one suitable form to practice and to incorporate in his or her life. The tools given can help us to approach our daily activities with a heightened awareness and thus leading to the realization of the ultimate truth beyond the mind and its multitude of concepts. The aim of meditation is to get rid of the illusion of being a separate entity bound by the body, mind, thoughts, memories and emotions and to go beyond the limitations of conceptual duality. The methods and teachings collected in the Vigyana Bhairava Tantra are comprehensive techniques that are relevant to seekers of truth from all walks of life. Their origin is ancient but they remain relevant even in today´s hectic and stressful world – even more than ever.
The 1st technique - watching the breath
The first nine methods stated are about breathing. Buddha used the first technique extensively and made it popular throughout Asia. In this first sutra Shiva says:
“Radiant one, this experience may dawn between two breaths; After breath comes in (down) and just before turning up (out) the beneficence.“
To use this technique we need nothing else but watchfulness. As we concentrate on our breath, we become aware of two very small gaps. One gap is after we finish the exhalation (after breath comes down) and the other gap is after inhalation (just before turning up). If we watch our breath carefully we can become aware of these two breaks. Within these short stops our breathing takes a break and so does our thinking mind. By becoming aware of the breaks, we become aware of the void beyond our logical mind and by simply watching we can become aware of our infinite being.
This is a very simple but profound technique. Buddha reached his enlightened state by following this method and he then taught it to his disciples and followers. The important thing is not to rush the mind in the application of watching the breath. Beware that you just follow along with your breathing. Don´t expect the gap, don´t rush before the breath, just follow it with your attention. Feel and see how the breath enters into your nostrils, how it goes down, deeper into your body and then the gap. Follow your exhalation, how the breath exits the body and then the second gap.
Take your time, find a comfortable and silent space to practice and just become aware of the breath and the two gaps. Altough this might seem to be a very simple method, it is powerful and can directly lead you to self-realization. Try to follow any of the 112 techniques for at least three months before switching to another method to get good results.
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