Vijnana Bhairava · Day 16
Day 16 — Emptiness at the End of Om
This dharana uses a drawn-out sacred sound as a support, then rests in the emptiness that opens when the sound fades.
Original Verse
Verified from source textSource: Vijnana Bhairava Tantra — The Mystery Within, Verse 39
Sanskrit
प्रणवादिसमुच्चारात् प्लुतान्ते शून्यभावनात् ।शून्यया परया शक्त्या शून्यतामेति भैरवि ॥
Transliteration
praṇavādi-samuccārāt plutānte śūnyabhāvanātśūnyayā parayā śaktyā śūnyatām eti bhairavi
Literal Translation
O Bhairavi, through the recitation of Om and other such seed sounds, and through meditation on emptiness at the end of the prolonged utterance, one arrives at emptiness by means of emptiness, the highest Shakti.
Plain English Rendering
“Sound Om or another simple sacred syllable gently. As the sound lengthens and fades, rest in the open emptiness at its end, letting awareness become quiet and spacious.”
Literal translations remain close to the source text. Plain English renderings are interpretive contemplative renderings for accessibility and reflection.
Meaning
The source points to recitation of Om or similar seed sounds, followed by contemplation of emptiness at the end of the prolonged sound.
The subtle vibration matters as a doorway, but the verse emphasizes what opens when the sound dissolves: spacious emptiness.
Arriving at emptiness through emptiness means allowing the fading sound to reveal open awareness without grasping for a special experience.
The Practice
- 1Sit quietly.
- 2Let the body and breath settle.
- 3Sound Om softly and naturally, without forcing the voice or breath.
- 4Allow the sound to lengthen only as much as feels easy.
- 5Listen to the subtle resonance as it fades.
- 6At the end of the sound, rest in the open silence.
- 7Let attention remain inward, quiet, and spacious.
- 8Repeat gently, giving more attention to the silence than to performance.
Practice for 10 minutes, keeping the sound comfortable and unforced.
What to Notice
- subtle resonance as sound fades
- increased inward quietness
- continuity of awareness through sound and silence
- less identification with mental activity
Common Misunderstandings
- This is not about creating intense sensations.
- Do not force the voice, breath, or concentration.
- The subtle vibration may be extremely quiet or simple.
- Stillness is more important than intensity.
Reflection Prompt
“What remains when the sound has faded and attention does not rush to the next thing?”
Connection to Inner Freedom
Inner freedom deepens as awareness learns to rest at the end of sound, where grasping briefly relaxes and open silence becomes clear.