From the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra: “In rain during a black night, enter that blackness as the form of forms”
Winter is settling all across the northern hemisphere and many of us are feeling the need to turn in. And even if you are in sunnier climes, this meditation can be very nourishing and restorative if you’ve been on the go and are needing to deeply rest. If you are feeling fear during these uncertain times, this meditation can also help to release that anxiety.
In the Essene tradition, they say darkness is the ultimate truth, because beyond darkness there is nothing. To practise the meditation, find a place where there is no light source – not one single crack of light, so you can’t see your hand in front of your face. This could be anywhere – you could black out the windows, or you could even do it in a broom cupboard, just so long as there is absolutely no light coming into the space. There are two stages of 20 minutes each. Before you start, set a timer for 20 and 40 minutes so you can relax into the meditation.
- To begin the meditation, sound a gong. Stare into the darkness with open eyes – do not close your eyes. Befriend the darkness. It is possible that your mind might give rise to certain fears, even terror – all the bogey men that are hiding in our subconscious come out to play! If that happens, just keep staring into the darkness and witnessing your mind and emotions. Don’t do anything, no expression, just keep witnessing what is happening inside. And keep staring into the darkness. 20 mins.
- Lie down in the foetal position and imagine you are returning back to the cosmic womb of all creation. You are relaxing, resting and dissolving into the cosmic womb of the absolute. If you find this hard to imagine, don’t worry, just relax and let go. 20 mins.
- Ring the gong three times to finish the meditation.
This meditation is deeply healing for fears, phobias and depression. It takes some perseverance, but if you keep on staring into the darkness you will be lifted out of your fears and depression. It is also very enlightening. Because when we are able to face absolute void, we find it is connected to the very essence of life.
Enjoyed this meditation? Want to try more like it? Check out Sarita’s online Vigyan Bhairav Tantra club, or by email, or or see her book, Divine Sexuality.
Picture of a starry night above Death Valley copyright Mbz1