Mouth Open - Mind on the Middle of Tongue
मध्यजिह्वे स्फारितास्ये मध्ये निक्षिप्य चेतनाम् । होच्चारं मनसा कुर्वंस् ततः शान्ते प्रलीयते ॥
madhyajihve sphāritāsye madhye nikṣipya cetanām | hoccāraṃ manasā kurvaṃs tataḥ śānte pralīyate ||
VBT Verse 81
The Sutra
"With mouth slightly open, keep mind in the middle of the tongue. Or, as breath comes silently in, feel the sound HH."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
Two subtle techniques. Method one: keep your mouth slightly open and rest your awareness at the exact center of your tongue. The tongue is a powerful energy point, and the center of it is a point of stillness. Method two: as you breathe in silently, feel the sound HH at the point where air enters. Both techniques use the subtle vibration of breath and mouth as a focus.
Original Sanskrit
मध्यजिह्वे स्फारितास्ये मध्ये निक्षिप्य चेतनाम् । होच्चारं मनसा कुर्वंस् ततः शान्ते प्रलीयते ॥
madhyajihve sphāritāsye madhye nikṣipya cetanām | hoccāraṃ manasā kurvaṃs tataḥ śānte pralīyate ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 81 (Technique 43 of 112)
How to Practice
Method 1: Open your mouth slightly. Let the jaw relax.
Bring your awareness to the exact middle of your tongue. Not the tip, not the back - the center.
Rest your mind here. It is a surprisingly powerful anchor for attention.
Method 2: Breathe in through the mouth silently. Notice the very subtle sound of HH.
It is not a voiced sound but the whisper of air entering. Feel this sound.
Both methods create a subtle focus that quiets the mind through attention to the micro-level of experience.
Duration
10-20 minutes
Best Time
Any time
Related Techniques
Begin Your Meditation Journey
Receive a 7-day dharana practice guide and weekly meditation teachings
Free 7-day practice guide delivered to your inbox
Discover Which Bhairava Guides Your Path
Take the free 2-minute Ashta Bhairava Quiz to find your guiding form
Take the Quiz