This technique as mentioned in Vigyan Bhairav Tantra text is the first of two verses focusing on the direct visualization and ascent of energy through the chakra system, marking a shift towards active concentration and visualization practices.
The Inner Journey: Ray of Light to the Highest Center
The instruction introduces a powerful visualization for raising the dormant energy:
Meditate on the energy in the form of a bright ray of light, rising from the root energy center, becoming subtler and subtler, until finally dissolving at the highest center. Then God appears. (Verse 28)
This technique is a practice for raising Kundalini, the energy lying dormant at the base of the spine (Mooladhara Chakra). The goal is to move this energy through the subtle body’s central channel (Sushumna Nadi) to the crown of the head (Sahasrara Chakra).
The Chakra and Nadi System
The verse provides a brief but essential background on the subtle body structure for this meditation:
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Subtle Body: It is composed of chakras (energy centers, visualized as round balls of light for this practice) and nadis (channels).
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Central Channel (Sushumna Nadi): This is the most important channel, starting at the Mooladhara Chakra at the base of the spine and extending upwards through the inner channel of the spine to the Ajna Chakra, finally terminating at the Sahasrara Chakra at the top of the head.
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Kundalini: The dormant energy located at the Mooladhara Chakra. Its ascent to the Sahasrara Chakra is known as the “union of the God and the Goddess, Shiva and Shakti”, representing the union of individual energy and consciousness with the Universal.
Practice Instructions (Visualization)
This technique requires a visualization process lasting up to 30 minutes:
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Posture and Focus: Sit comfortably with eyes closed and focus attention on the root chakra (Mooladhara) at the base of the central channel.
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Visualize Ascent: Imagine a ray of bright light rising from the Mooladhara Chakra up the spine, through the translucent central channel (Sushumna).
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Piercing the Centers: The light must be visualized “piercing each energy center” in succession (Mooladhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddhi, Ajna).
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Subtle Dissolution: As the light rises, it must be visualized as becoming “subtler and subtler,” getting fainter until it finally dissolves at the highest center (Sahasrara Chakra).
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Repetition:Â After dissolving, start the process again from the root center, imagining a new ray of light rising upwards.
The Meaning of Divine Appearance
“Then God appears” refers to the state of complete bliss and liberation achieved when the Kundalini energy successfully rises to and unites at the crown chakra. The union is described as the individual energy and consciousness rejoining the Supreme energy and consciousness, breaking the “pot” of the ego or separate identity. As the saint Kabir explained, once the pot is broken, the water inside (God within) rejoins the water outside (God outside)—”there is only God everywhere”.
Warning: Practices that directly try to raise Kundalini are “very powerful” and can be “dangerous,” mandating the guidance of a master. Stop immediately if any discomfort is felt.