This technique focuses the meditator’s attention on a key energy point in the forehead, leading to a sudden, explosive rise of divine energy and ecstasy.
The Point of Power: Concentrating Above the Eyebrows
The instruction directs awareness to one of the most significant power points in yoga:
Concentrate without thoughts on a point between and just above the eyebrows. The Divine Energy breaks out and rises above to the crown of the head, immediately filling one completely with her ecstasy. (Verse 31)
The point of focus is the Bhrumadya, or the area of the Ajna Chakra (the third eye), located between and just above the eyebrows. This is highlighted as an “ancient practice” and the only meditation Lord Krishna gave in the Bhagavad Gita.
The Practice of Fixed Gaze
This is a powerful seated meditation, the effectiveness of which is linked to the connection between eye movement and thought:
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Close the Eyes: The practice is done seated with eyes closed.
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Fixed Gaze: Focus the gaze upwards to the point between and just above the eyebrows. The primary objective is to hold this gaze without moving the eyes.
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Thought Cessation: The movement of the eyes is connected to the flow of thoughts—when the eyes stop moving, the flow of thoughts stops. This fixed focus on the Ajna chakra is one of the quickest and most direct ways to stop thoughts from arising.
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Internal Darkness: Since the eyes are closed, the meditator will initially only see darkness. They must maintain their awareness on the specific spot within that darkness.
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Internal Light (Optional): If the practitioner is successful in maintaining the gaze, they may see a “blue or white light appearing there.” The commentary cautions not to wait for it or be disappointed if it doesn’t appear, as the important point is the unwavering focus.
Divine Ecstasy and Liberation
The promised result is immediate and intense:Â “The Divine Energy breaks out and rises above to the crown of the head, immediately filling one completely with her ecstasy.”
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This refers to the sudden and ecstatic rise of Kundalini energy up the spine to the crown (Sahasrara), a process that occurs when the unwavering concentration (firmness in concentration) is achieved and thoughts cease.
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The rush of energy fills the meditator with ecstasy and signifies liberation, as the divinity within is revealed.
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By focusing on the darkness and stillness behind the forehead, the mind is stilled, leading to a “deep sense of peace,” which then transforms into an “incredible feeling of joy”.