Ranjit Chaudhri - Vigyan Bhairava Tantra: 112 Meditations for Self Realization

Vigyan Bhairava Tantra

112 MEDITATIONS FOR SELF REALIZATION

Translation & Commentary
RANJIT CHAUDHRI

PRAKASH BOOKS

This book is
compiled and gifted to book-lovers by
The Rddler

Published 2008 by

Prakash Books India Pvt. Ltd.

1, Ansari Road, Daryaganj New Delhi 110 002, India.

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2008 Prakash Books India Pvt. Ltd.

2008 Text Ranjit Chaudhri

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored. in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright holder

ISBN: 978-81-7234-292-0

Printed & bound in India

This book is
compiled and gifted to book-lovers by
The Rddler

I would first like to thank God for giving me the inspiration, strength and wisdom to write this book.

There are a few wonderful individuals who have helped me with this book, who I wish to thank. Professor Udai Banerjee for his help with the original text, Mrs. Maina Bhagat and Gagan Das for their help in getting the book published, my wife for her support and encouragement, Varez Dadina for her beautiful illustrations and Dr. Anjana Srivastava for her editing. At other times, I have also been helped by Mr. S. C. Mahtab, Bhawani Mahtab, Mona Puri and Sandeep Jalan.

To all of you, my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.

To God, With love and gratitude.

Vigyan Bhairava Tantra

112 MEDITATIONS FOR SELF REALIZATION

T he Vigyan Bhairava Tantra is one of the most important spiritual texts of the world. It is a text that shows you how to reach God. It has been written solely for that purpose. There is no other text like it. It is meant for all those who are dissatisfied with their lives and wish to experience the joy of union with God. It will make your life joyful again, irrespective of your religion, caste, gender, position in society, or financial condition.

The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra contains 112 meditation techniques for self realization. These are meditations given by God. They are meant for all. There are 112 techniques to cover all types of people, through all time. Some of these techniques are for people who lived in the past, and some are for those who will live in the future. These 112 meditations cover people of all kinds, keeping in mind their differing natures and temperament. You will find at least one technique here that is ideally suited for you. That technique will take you very quickly to God.

The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra is sometimes simply known as Vigyan Bhairava. Vigyan (pronounced Vig-yaan. means knowledge or understanding. In the context of this text, it is sometimes translated as consciousness. Bhairava means God. Vigyan Bhairava means either knowledge of God or God consciousness. Both meanings are applicable here. It is a text that teaches us how to know and understand God fully. We can only know God fully when we reach God, or become one with God. Vigyan Bhairava gives 112 techniques through which one can unite with God.

The text is a dialogue between Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati between God and the Goddess. The Goddess is, in reality, not separate from God. She has taken on the form of being separate here, to help mankind. She asks God those questions that we, as individuals seeking enlightenment, would ask.

In the text, Lord Shiva gives 112 meditation techniques for enlightenment. Most meditation techniques practiced today are derived, in one form or another, from one of the meditations given in the Vigyan Bhairava Tantra . This text was probably revealed to an unknown Kashmir master. Most of the meditations are beautifully simple. They do not require an abundance of intelligence to understand or to practice them. But do not let their simplicity fool you. They open a door to eternity. They are like truth simple, yet capable of unlocking the mysteries of life.

The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra belongs to a form of yoga and tantra called Kashmir Shaivism. Kashmir Shaivism is a philosophy of non-dualism or monism. Most religions are dualistic. There is the individual and there is God. The individual is separate from God, and at the end of his or her life, is judged by God. Therefore in religions, we (the individuals. are separate from God and also distinct from each other. In the philosophy of non-dualism, we are 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. Our sense organs do not show us the complete picture. Deep down, we are all connected. For example, we look separate from trees. A human being defines the boundary of his body by his skin. Similarly, we know where a tree begins and where it ends. A human being looks separate from a tree. However, humans breathe in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide. Trees do just the opposite. We are now beginning to understand that by destroying our forests, and our environment, we are in fact destroying ourselves. We cannot survive on our planet, if there are no trees. Yoga and tantra understood this centuries ago. They teach that all forms of life are deeply connected. We are all part of God. There is no Reality apart from God.

The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra contains a great deal of practical wisdom. Its message is meant to be applied in our day-to-day lives. It shows us directly how to bring peace and joy into our lives. Although it was written over 2000 years ago, its message is eternal. It was meant for all times .