Vijnana Bhairava · Day 13
Day 13 — The Subtle Point of Attention
This dharana gathers the senses inward and lets attention become concentrated at a subtle point, until the mind begins to settle into stillness.
Original Verse
Verified from source textSource: Vijnana Bhairava Tantra — The Mystery Within, Verse 36
Sanskrit
कररुद्धदृगस्त्रेण भ्रूमेदाद्द्वाररोधनात् ।दृष्टे बिन्दौ क्रमाल्लीने तन्मध्ये परमा स्थितिः ॥
Transliteration
kararuddhadṛgastreṇa bhrūmedād dvārarodhanātdṛṣṭe bindau kramāl līne tanmadhye paramā sthitiḥ
Literal Translation
Using the hands as instruments to cover the eyes and close the openings, and through the piercing at the eyebrow center, the bindu is perceived. As one is gradually absorbed into it, the supreme state is found there.
Plain English Rendering
“Let the senses turn inward and allow attention to gather at a subtle point. As the mind becomes absorbed there little by little, a deeper stillness is revealed.”
Literal translations remain close to the source text. Plain English renderings are interpretive contemplative renderings for accessibility and reflection.
Meaning
The source describes a practice of closing the sensory openings with the hands and allowing attention to become gathered at the eyebrow center.
The bindu is the subtle point that becomes perceptible when attention is concentrated and inwardly absorbed. It should be approached as a contemplative support, not as something to force or dramatize.
The supreme state is indicated through gradual absorption into that subtle point. The emphasis is inward quieting and steadiness.
The Practice
- 1Sit quietly.
- 2Let the breath remain natural.
- 3Allow the senses to relax inward.
- 4If comfortable, lightly close or cover the eyes without pressure.
- 5Bring gentle attention toward the eyebrow center.
- 6Notice any subtle point of gathered attention.
- 7Rest with that point without straining.
- 8Let attention become absorbed little by little in the stillness around it.
Practice for 10 minutes, keeping the face, eyes, and breath relaxed.
What to Notice
- the senses becoming quieter
- attention gathering into a subtle point
- reduced mental agitation
- stillness around concentrated awareness
Common Misunderstandings
- Do not press on the eyes or strain the face.
- Do not chase visual effects.
- The bindu is a contemplative support, not an achievement.
- The practice is gradual inward absorption, not forceful concentration.
Reflection Prompt
“What is revealed when the senses quiet and attention gathers into one subtle point?”
Connection to Inner Freedom
Inner freedom grows as awareness is no longer pulled outward by every sensory movement. Attention becomes steady, inward, and capable of resting in a deeper stillness.