Attention Between Eyebrows - Shower of Light
भूयो भूयः परे भावे भावना भाव्यते हि या । जपः सोऽत्र स्वयं नादो मन्त्रात्मा जप्य ईदृशः ॥
bhuyo bhuyah pare bhave bhavana bhavyate hi ya | japah so'tra svayam nado mantratma japya idrishah ||
VBT Verse 28
The Sutra
"Attention between eyebrows, let mind be before thought. Let form fill with breath essence to the top of the head and there shower as light."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
One of the most powerful and widely practiced techniques in the entire text. The point between the eyebrows (Ajna chakra / third eye center) is where attention naturally concentrates when the mind becomes still. By resting awareness here and letting breath essence rise upward, a shower of light is experienced at the crown - this is the beginning of what yogis call the opening of Sahasrara.
Original Sanskrit
भूयो भूयः परे भावे भावना भाव्यते हि या । जपः सोऽत्र स्वयं नादो मन्त्रात्मा जप्य ईदृशः ॥
bhuyo bhuyah pare bhave bhavana bhavyate hi ya | japah so'tra svayam nado mantratma japya idrishah ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 28 (Technique 5 of 112)
How to Practice
Sit with spine straight. Close your eyes gently.
Bring your attention to the space between your eyebrows - the Ajna point. Do not strain or cross your eyes.
Let the mind rest at this point, BEFORE thought. This means: be aware of the space from which thoughts arise, not the thoughts themselves.
Now feel the breath essence (not the physical breath, but the subtle energy) rising from the Ajna point upward toward the crown of the head.
At the top of the head (Sahasrara), feel this energy showering down as light - like a fountain of luminous energy cascading over your form.
Remain in this state. The light may be experienced as golden, white, or a subtle inner brightness.
Do not visualize forcefully. Set the intention and allow the experience to unfold naturally.
Duration
15-25 minutes
Best Time
Pre-dawn (Brahma Muhurta) - when the Ajna center is naturally most receptive
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