Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra: State of Knowing

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 4

nāda-bindu-mayaṃ vāpi; kiṃ candrārdha-nirodhikāḥ | cakrārūḍham anackaṃ vā; kiṃ vā śakti-svarūpakam ||4||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Or also (vā api) [is it] composed of Nāda and Bindu (nāda-bindu-mayam | acc sg n)? What (kiṃ | acc sg n) [is it]? [Is it] the restraints of the half-moon (candrārdha-nirodhikāḥ | nom pl f)?
Or (vā) [is it] the unutterable (anackam | acc sg n), established in the cakra (cakrārūḍham | acc sg n)? Or (vā) what (kiṃ | acc sg n) [is it]? [Is it] of Śakti's own form (śakti-svarūpakam | acc sg n)?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 5

parāparāyāḥ sakalam; aparāyāś ca vā punaḥ | parāyā yadi tadvat syāt; paratvaṃ tad virudhyate ||5||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

[Is] the composite (sakalam | acc sg n) [assigned] to the Parā-and-Aparā [power] (parā-aparāyāḥ | gen sg)?
Or (vā) again (punaḥ) to the Aparā [power] (aparāyāḥ | gen sg) [alone]?
If (yadi) it were (syāt | 3p sg act opt) so (tadvat), [assigned] to the Parā [power] (parāyā | gen sg) [alone],
then that (tat | nom sg n) would contradict (virudhyate | 3p sg med pres) transcendence (paratvam | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 6

na hi varṇa-vibhedena; deha-bhedena vā bhavet | paratvaṃ niṣkalatvena; sakalatve na tad bhavet ||6||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For (hi) transcendence (paratvam | nom sg) would not (na) be [given] (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) by sound-differentiation (varṇa-vibhedena | ins sg), or (vā) by body-differentiation (deha-bhedena | ins sg).
Through undividedness (niṣkalatvena | ins sg) [it is given]; in the state of the composite (sakalatve | loc sg) that (tat | nom sg n) would not (na) be [so] (bhavet | 3p sg act opt).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 7

prasādaṃ kuru me nātha; niḥśeṣaṃ chinddhi saṃśayam | bhairava uvāca | sādhu sādhu tvayā pṛṣṭaṃ; tantra-sāram idam priye ||7||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker formula outside the metre

Grant (kuru | 2p sg act imp) grace (prasādam | acc sg) to me (me | dat sg), O Lord (nātha | voc sg); cut off (chinddhi | 2p sg act imp) the doubt (saṃśayam | acc sg) completely (niḥśeṣam | acc sg n).
Bhairava (bhairava | nom sg) said (uvāca | 3p sg act perf):
Good, good (sādhu sādhu)! This (idam | acc sg n), the essence of the Tantra (tantra-sāram | acc sg), has been asked (pṛṣṭam | acc sg n) by you (tvayā | ins sg), O beloved (priye | voc sg f).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 8

gūhanīyatamam bhadre; tathāpi kathayāmi te | yat kiṃcit sakalaṃ rūpaṃ; bhairavasya prakīrtitam ||8||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

O blessed one (bhadre | voc sg f), nevertheless (tathā api) I explain (kathayāmi | 1p sg act pres) to you (te | dat sg) the most secret [teaching] (gūhanīyatamam | acc sg n).
Whatever (yat | acc sg n) [has] in any way (kiṃcit | acc sg n) been proclaimed (prakīrtitam | acc sg n) as the composite form (sakalaṃ rūpam | acc sg) of Bhairava (bhairavasya | gen sg), [I will set forth].

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 9

tad asāratayā devi; vijñeyaṃ śakra-jāla-vat | māyā-svapnopamaṃ caiva; gandharva-nagara-bhramam ||9||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

That (tat | acc sg n), O Goddess (devi | voc sg), is to be known (vijñeyam | acc sg n pfp) because of its essencelessness (asāratayā | ins sg), like the illusion of Śakra's net (śakra-jāla-vat).
And indeed (ca iva) [it is] like an illusion and a dream (māyā-svapna-upamam | acc sg n), [like] the delusion of a Gandharva city (gandharva-nagara-bhramam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 10

dhyānārtham bhrānta-buddhīnāṃ; kriyā-ḍambara-vartinām | kevalaṃ varṇitam puṃsāṃ; vikalpa-nihatātmanām ||10||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For the purpose of meditation (dhyāna-artham | dat sg) [it is suitable] for those confused in understanding (bhrānta-buddhīnām | gen pl) and for those caught in the display of outward practice (kriyā-ḍambara-vartinām | gen pl).
It has been described (varṇitam | nom sg n ppp) only (kevalam) for humans (puṃsām | gen pl) whose inner selves are struck down by conceptual distinction (vikalpa-nihata-ātmanām | gen pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 11

tattvato na navātmāsau; śabda-rāśir na bhairavaḥ | na cāsau tri-śirā devo; na ca śakti-trayātmakaḥ ||11||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In reality (tattvatas), this one (asau | nom sg m) is not (na) the ninefold self (nava-ātmā | nom sg), [and] the sound-mass (śabda-rāśiḥ | nom sg) is not (na) Bhairava (bhairavaḥ | nom sg).
And (ca) this (asau | nom sg m) God (devaḥ | nom sg) is not (na) three-headed (tri-śirā | nom sg m), and (ca) not (na) of the nature of the three Śaktis (śakti-trayātmakaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 12

nāda-bindu-mayo vāpi; na candrārdha-nirodhikāḥ | na cakra-krama-sambhinno; na ca śakti-svarūpakaḥ ||12||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

[He is] not (na) composed of Nāda and Bindu (nāda-bindu-mayaḥ | nom sg m), and not also (vā api) the restraints of the half-moon (candrārdha-nirodhikāḥ | nom pl),
not (na) differentiated through the cakra-sequence (cakra-krama-sambhinnaḥ | nom sg m ppp), and (ca) not (na) of Śakti's own form (śakti-svarūpakaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 13

aprabuddha-matīnāṃ hi; etā bāla-vibhīṣikāḥ | mātṛ-modaka-vat sarvaṃ; pravṛtty-arthaṃ udāhṛtam ||13||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

These (etā | nom pl f) are indeed (hi) terrifying images for children (bāla-vibhīṣikāḥ | nom pl), for those whose minds are not awakened (apra-buddha-matīnām | gen pl).
Everything (sarvam | nom sg n) has been set forth (udāhṛtam | nom sg n ppp) for the purpose of turning toward [the teaching] (pravṛtti-artham | acc sg), like a mother's sweet (mātṛ-modaka-vat).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 14

dik-kāla-kalanonmuktā; deśoddeśāviśeṣiṇī | vyapadeṣṭum aśakyāsāv; akathyā paramārthataḥ ||14||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

[She, cosmic awareness,] is released from the calculation of direction and time (dik-kāla-kalanā-unmuktā | nom sg f ppp), undifferentiated by designation of place and region (deśa-uddeśa-aviśeṣiṇī | nom sg f).
This one (asau | nom sg f) is not possible (aśakyā | nom sg f pfp) to name (vyapadeṣṭum | inf), unspeakable (akathyā | nom sg f pfp) in the highest reality (paramārthataḥ).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 15

antaḥ-svānubhavānandā; vikalponmukta-gocarā | yāvasthā bharitākārā; bhairavī bhairavātmanaḥ ||15||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The bliss of inner self-experience (antaḥ-sva-anubhava-ānandā | nom sg f), whose field is freed from conceptual thought (vikalpa-unmukta-gocarā | nom sg f),
which state (yā avasthā | nom sg) has the form of fullness (bharita-ākārā | nom sg f), [that is] Bhairavī (bhairavī | nom sg) of the Bhairava-self (bhairava-ātmanaḥ | gen sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 16

tad vapus tattvato jñeyaṃ; vimalaṃ viśva-pūraṇam | evaṃ-vidhe pare tattve; kaḥ pūjyaḥ kaś ca tṛpyati ||16||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

That (tat | acc sg n) essence-body (vapus | acc sg) is to be known (jñeyam | acc sg n pfp) in reality (tattvatas) as pure (vimalam | acc sg n) and as filling the universe (viśva-pūraṇam | acc sg n).
In such a condition (evaṃ-vidhe | loc sg), in the highest reality (pare tattve | loc sg), who (kaḥ | nom sg m) is to be worshiped (pūjyaḥ | nom sg m pfp), and who (kaḥ | nom sg m) is satisfied (tṛpyati | 3p sg act pres)?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 17

evaṃ-vidhā bhairavasya; yāvasthā parigīyate | sā parā para-rūpeṇa; parā devī prakīrtitā ||17||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The state (avasthā | nom sg) of Bhairava (bhairavasya | gen sg), which (yā | nom sg f) is of such a kind (evaṃ-vidhā | nom sg f), [is] described (parigīyate | 3p sg pas pres).
She (sā | nom sg f) is the highest (parā | nom sg f), as the highest form (para-rūpeṇa | ins sg); [she is] proclaimed (prakīrtitā | nom sg f ppp) as the highest Goddess (parā devī | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 18

śakti-śaktimator yad vad; abhedaḥ sarvadā sthitaḥ | atas tad-dharma-dharmitvāt; parā śaktiḥ parātmanaḥ ||18||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Just as (yad-vat) non-difference (abhedaḥ | nom sg) is always (sarvadā) established (sthitaḥ | nom sg m ppp) between Śakti and the possessor of Śakti (śakti-śaktimatoḥ | gen du),
so therefore (atas), because the bearer of the attribute is identical with that attribute (tad-dharma-dharmitvāt | abl sg), the highest Śakti (parā śaktiḥ | nom sg) [is] of the highest self (parātmanaḥ | gen sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 19

na vahner dāhikā śaktir; vyatiriktā vibhāvyate | kevalaṃ jñāna-sattāyām; prārambho 'yam praveśane ||19||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The burning power (dāhikā śaktiḥ | nom sg) of fire (vahneḥ | gen sg) is not (na) conceived (vibhāvyate | 3p sg pas pres caus) as separate (vyatiriktā | nom sg f ppp).
Only (kevalam) this (ayam | nom sg m) is an entry-point (prārambhaḥ | nom sg) in leading [one] into (praveśane | loc sg) the reality of recognition (jñāna-sattāyām | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 20

śakty-avasthā-praviṣṭasya; nirvibhāgena bhāvanā | tadāsau śiva-rūpī syāt; śaivī mukham ihocyate ||20||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For one who has entered the state of Śakti (śakti-avasthā-praviṣṭasya | gen sg m ppp), meditation (bhāvanā | nom sg) [arises] through non-differentiation (nirvibhāgena | ins sg).
Then (tadā) this one (asau | nom sg m) would become of Śiva's form (śiva-rūpī | nom sg m); the Śaiva [meditation] (śaivī | nom sg f) is called (ucyate | 3p sg pas pres) the gate (mukham | nom sg) here (iha).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 21

yathālokena dīpasya; kiraṇair bhāskarasya ca | jñāyate dig-vibhāgādi; tadvac chaktyā śivaḥ priye ||21||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Just as (yathā) through the light (ālokena | ins sg) of a lamp (dīpasya | gen sg) and (ca) through the rays (kiraṇaiḥ | ins pl) of the sun (bhāskarasya | gen sg),
the distinction of directions and so on (dig-vibhāgādi | nom sg n) is known (jñāyate | 3p sg pas pres), so likewise (tadvat) Śiva (śivaḥ | nom sg) [is known] through Śakti (śaktyā | ins sg), O beloved (priye | voc sg f).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 22

śrī devy uvāca | deva-deva tri-śūlāṅka; kapāla-kṛta-bhūṣaṇa | dig-deśa-kāla-śūnyā ca; vyapadeśa-vivarjitā ||22||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker formula outside the metre

The venerable (śrī) Goddess (devī | nom sg) said (uvāca | 3p sg act perf):
O God of gods (deva-deva | voc sg), you marked with the trident (tri-śūlāṅka | voc sg), O one adorned with skulls (kapāla-kṛta-bhūṣaṇa | voc sg)!
[What is the state that is] empty of direction, place, and time (dig-deśa-kāla-śūnyā | nom sg f) and free from designation (vyapadeśa-vivarjitā | nom sg f ppp)?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 23

yāvasthā bharitākārā; bhairavasyopalabhyate | kair upāyair mukhaṃ tasya; parā devī katham bhavet | yathā samyag ahaṃ vedmi; tathā me brūhi bhairava ||23||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Which state (yā avasthā | nom sg), having the form of fullness (bharitākārā | nom sg f), of Bhairava (bhairavasya | gen sg), is experienced (upalabhyate | 3p sg pas pres)?
By which means (kair upāyaiḥ | ins pl) would (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) the highest Goddess (parā devī | nom sg) be the gate (mukham | nom sg) to him (tasya | gen sg m)?
In what way (yathā) do I (aham | nom sg) fully (samyak) know (vedmi | 1p sg act pres) it? Thus (tathā) explain (brūhi | 2p sg act imp) [it] to me (me | dat sg), O Bhairava (bhairava | voc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 24

bhairava uvāca | ūrdhve prāṇo hy adho jīvo; visargātmā paroccaret | utpatti-dvitaya-sthāne; bharaṇād bharitā sthitiḥ ||24||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker formula outside the metre

Bhairava (bhairava | nom sg) said (uvāca | 3p sg act perf):
Upward (ūrdhve | loc sg n) [goes] the exhalation (prāṇaḥ | nom sg), indeed (hi) downward (adhas) the inhalation (jīvaḥ | nom sg); the Supreme (parā | nom sg f), whose essence is emission (visargātmā | nom sg f), should rise (uccaret | 3p sg act opt).
At the place of the two origins (utpatti-dvitaya-sthāne | loc sg), through filling [with breath] (bharaṇāt | abl sg), [there is] the filled state (bharitā sthitiḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 25

maruto 'ntar bahir vāpi; viyad-yugmānivartanāt | bhairavyā bhairavasyettham; bhairavi vyajyate vapuḥ ||25||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Of the breath (marutaḥ | gen sg), inside (antar) or also (vā api) outside (bahis), through non-returning (anivartanāt | abl sg) from the pair of spaces (viyad-yugmāt | abl sg),
through Bhairavī (bhairavyā | ins sg) the essence-body (vapuḥ | nom sg) of Bhairava (bhairavasya | gen sg) is thus (ittham) revealed (vyajyate | 3p sg pas pres), O Bhairavī (bhairavi | voc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 26

na vrajen na viśec chaktir; marud-rūpā vikāsite | nirvikalpatayā madhye; tayā bhairava-rūpatā ||26||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Śakti (śaktiḥ | nom sg), in the form of breath (marud-rūpā | nom sg f), should not (na) go out (vrajet | 3p sg act opt) and should not (na) enter (viśet | 3p sg act opt), in the unfolded [state] (vikāśite | loc sg n ppp).
Through non-differentiation (nirvikalpatayā | ins sg), in the middle (madhye | loc sg), the state of Bhairava's form (bhairava-rūpatā | nom sg) arises through her (tayā | ins sg f).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 27

kumbhitā recitā vāpi; pūritā vā yadā bhavet | tad-ante śānta-nāmāsau; śaktyā śāntaḥ prakāśate ||27||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When (yadā) [the breath] has been exhaled (recitā | nom sg f ppp) and retained (kumbhitā | nom sg f ppp), or also (vā api) inhaled (pūritā | nom sg f ppp) [and retained] (bhavet | 3p sg act opt),
at the end of that (tad-ante | loc sg), through Śakti (śaktyā | ins sg), the peaceful one (śāntaḥ | nom sg m) reveals itself; this one (asau | nom sg m) is the state named Śānta (śānta-nāmā | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 28

āmūlāt kiraṇābhāsāṃ; sūkṣmāt sūkṣmatarātmikam | cintayet tāṃ dvi-ṣaṭ-kānte; śyāmyantīm bhairavodayaḥ ||28||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should meditate (cintayet | 3p sg act opt) on this [energy] (tāṃ | acc sg f), [as it rises] from the root (āmūlāt | abl sg) as ray-radiance (kiraṇa-ābhāsām | acc sg f), of the nature of what is subtler and subtler (sūkṣmāt-sūkṣmatarātmikam | acc sg n).
[When it] comes to rest (śyāmyantīm | acc sg f pca) at the end of the twelve [finger-breadths above the head, dvādaśānta] (dviṣaṭ-kānte | loc sg), [there is] the arising of Bhairava (bhairava-udayaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 29

udgacchantīṃ taḍit-rūpām; prati-cakraṃ kramāt kramam | ūrdhvaṃ muṣṭi-trayaṃ yāvat; tāvad ante mahodayaḥ ||29||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

[One should meditate on the energy as] ascending (udgacchantīm | acc sg f pca), lightning-shaped (taḍit-rūpām | acc sg f), from center to center (prati-cakraṃ | acc sg), step by step (kramāt kramam), upward (ūrdhvam) as far as (yāvat) three fists [above the crown] (muṣṭi-trayaṃ | acc sg n); then (tāvat), at the end (ante | loc sg), [there is] the great arising (mahodayaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 30

krama-dvādaśakaṃ samyag; dvādaśākṣara-bheditam | sthūla-sūkṣma-para-sthityā; muktvā muktvāntataḥ śivaḥ ||30||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

[One should meditate on] the twelvefold [system] of the sequence (krama-dvādaśakam | acc sg n), properly (samyak), divided into twelve syllables (dvādaśākṣara-bheditam | acc sg n ppp).
Having released [again and again] (muktvā muktvā | abs) through the states of gross, subtle, and highest (sthūla-sūkṣma-para-sthityā | ins sg), [the practitioner reaches] Śiva (śivaḥ | nom sg) at the end (antataḥ).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 31

tayāpūryāśu mūrdhāntaṃ; bhaṅktvā bhrū-kṣepa-setunā | nirvikalpaṃ manaḥ kṛtvā; sarvordhve sarvagodgamaḥ ||31||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having quickly (aśu) filled [oneself] (āpūrya | abs) with this [energy] (tayā | ins sg f) up to the end of the head (mūrdhāntam | acc sg), and having broken through (bhaṅktvā | abs) by the bridge of eyebrow-projection (bhrū-kṣepa-setunā | ins sg),
and having made (kṛtvā | abs) the mind (manaḥ | acc sg) free of thought (nirvikalpam | acc sg n), above all (sarvordhve | loc sg n) [there is] the upward emergence into the all-going (sarvagodgamaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 32

śikhi-pakṣaiś citra-rūpair; maṇḍalaiḥ śūnya-pañcakam | dhyāyato 'nuttare śūnye; praveśo hṛdaye bhavet ||32||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

[The practitioner should meditate on] the fivefold emptiness (śūnya-pañcakam | acc sg), through the variegated circular forms (citra-rūpair maṇḍalaiḥ | ins pl) of peacock feathers (śikhi-pakṣaiḥ | ins pl).
For one meditating (dhyāyataḥ | gen sg m pca), entry (praveśaḥ | nom sg) into the heart (hṛdaye | loc sg), into the unsurpassed emptiness (anuttare śūnye | loc sg), would occur (bhavet | 3p sg act opt).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 33

īdṛśena krameṇaiva; yatra kutrāpi cintanā | śūnye kuḍye pare pātre; svayaṃ līnā vara-pradā ||33||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Indeed (eva), wherever at all (yatra kutrā api) meditation (cintanā | nom sg) [is directed] by such a method (īdṛśena krameṇa | ins sg) — in emptiness (śūnye | loc sg), on a wall (kuḍye | loc sg), in the highest (pare | loc sg n), in a worthy vessel (pātre | loc sg) — [it] becomes dissolved (līnā | nom sg f ppp) by itself (svayam), granting blessing (vara-pradā | nom sg f).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 34

kapālāntar mano nyasya; tiṣṭhan mīlita-locanaḥ | krameṇa manaso dārḍhyāt; lakṣayet laṣyam uttamam ||34||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having placed (nyasya | abs) the mind (manaḥ | acc sg) inside the skull (kapālāntar) and remaining (tiṣṭhan | nom sg m pca) [there] with closed eyes (mīlita-locanaḥ | nom sg m),
one should gradually (krameṇa | ins sg), through firmness (dārḍhyāt | abl sg) of mind (manaso | gen sg), perceive (lakṣayet | 3p sg act opt) the supreme object of perception (lakṣyam uttamam | acc sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 35

madhya-nāḍī madhya-saṃsthā; bisa-sūtrābha-rūpayā | dhyātāntar-vyomayā devyā; tayā devaḥ prakāśate ||35||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The middle nāḍī (madhya-nāḍī | nom sg), situated in the middle (madhya-saṃsthā | nom sg f), with a form like a lotus-fiber thread (bisa-sūtrābha-rūpayā | ins sg f), [is] meditated on (dhyātā | nom sg f ppp) as the Goddess of inner space (antar-vyomayā devyā | ins sg).
Through her (tayā | ins sg f) the God (devaḥ | nom sg) reveals himself (prakāśate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 36

kara-ruddha-dṛg-astreṇa; bhrū-bhedād dvāra-rodhanāt | dṛṣṭe bindau kramāl līne; tan-madhye paramā sthitiḥ ||36||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through closing the gates (dvāra-rodhanāt | abl sg) and through piercing the eyebrow-center (bhrū-bhedāt | abl sg), with the instrument of sight closed by the hand (kara-ruddha-dṛg-astreṇa | ins sg), [when] the bindu (bindau | loc sg) is seen (dṛṣṭe | loc absl sg m ppp),
when [it] is gradually (kramāt | abl sg) dissolved (līne | loc absl sg m ppp), in the middle of that (tan-madhye | loc sg) [there is] the highest state (paramā sthitiḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 37

dhāmāntaḥ-kṣobha-sambhūta;-sūkṣmāgni-tilakākṛtim | binduṃ śikhānte hṛdaye; layānte dhyāyato layaḥ ||37||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

[The practitioner should contemplate] the bindu (binduṃ | acc sg), whose form (ākṛtim | acc sg) is that of a subtle fire-tilaka (sūkṣma-agni-tilaka | kd/tp), arisen from the inner stirring of the light-place (dhāma-antaḥ-kṣobha-sambhūta | tp abl ppp), at the end of the crest (śikhānte | loc sg) [or] in the heart (hṛdaye | loc sg).
For one meditating (dhyāyataḥ | gen sg m pca), at the end of dissolution (layānte | loc sg), dissolution (layaḥ | nom sg) [arises].

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 38

anāhate pātra-karṇe; 'bhagna-śabde sarid-drute | śabda-brahmaṇi niṣṇātaḥ; param brahmādhigacchati ||38||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One immersed (niṣṇātaḥ | nom sg m ppp) in the unstruck [sound] (anāhate | loc sg m), in the vessel-ear (pātra-karṇe | loc sg), in the unbroken sound (abhagna-śabde | loc sg), [as] in a swiftly flowing stream (sarid-drute | loc sg m), in sound-Brahman (śabda-brahmaṇi | loc sg), attains (adhigacchati | 3p sg act pres) the highest Brahman (param brahma | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 39

praṇavādi-samuccārāt; plutānte śūnya-bhāvanāt | śūnyayā parayā śaktyā; śūnyatām eti bhairavi ||39||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through the complete utterance (samuccārāt | abl sg) of the Praṇava and other [sounds] (praṇava-ādi | tp abl), through meditation on emptiness (śūnya-bhāvanāt | abl sg) at the end (ante | loc sg) of the lengthened [sound] (pluta | tp loc ppp), [the practitioner] goes (eti | 3p sg act pres) to emptiness (śūnyatām | acc sg), O Bhairavī (bhairavi | voc sg), through the highest empty Śakti (śūnyayā parayā śaktyā | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 40

yasya kasyāpi varṇasya; pūrvāntāv anubhāvayet | śūnyayā śūnya-bhūto 'sau; śūnyākāraḥ pumān bhavet ||40||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Of whatever sound (yasya kasya varṇasya | gen sg) at all (api), one should experience (anubhāvayet | 3p sg act opt caus) the beginning and the end (pūrvāntau | acc du).
Through emptiness (śūnyayā | ins sg f), this person (asau pumān | nom sg), having become empty (śūnya-bhūtaḥ | nom sg m ppp), would become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) of the form of emptiness (śūnyākāraḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 41

tantryādi-vādya-śabdeṣu; dīrgheṣu krama-saṃsthiteḥ | ananya-cetāḥ praty-ante; para-vyoma-vapur bhavet ||41||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In the lengthened sounds (dīrgheṣu śabdeṣu | loc pl) of stringed and other instruments (tantrī-ādi-vādya | tp loc), while the sequence continues (krama-saṃsthiteḥ | gen sg), [the practitioner], whose mind is directed to nothing else (ananya-cetāḥ | nom sg m), would become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt), at the end (praty-ante | loc sg), the body of the highest space (para-vyoma-vapuḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 42

piṇḍa-mantrasya sarvasya; sthūla-varṇa-krameṇa tu | ardhendu-bindu-nādāntaḥ; śūnyoccārād bhavec chivaḥ ||42||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through the sequence of gross sounds (sthūla-varṇa-krameṇa | ins sg) of the whole Piṇḍa-mantra (piṇḍa-mantrasya sarvasya | gen sg), but (tu) [proceeding through] half-moon, bindu, and sound-end (ardhendu-bindu-nādāntaḥ | nom sg), [the practitioner] becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) Śiva (śivaḥ | nom sg) through the utterance of emptiness (śūnya-uccārāt | abl sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 43

nija-dehe sarva-dikkaṃ; yugapad bhāvayed viyat | nirvikalpa-manās tasya; viyat sarvam pravartate ||43||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In one's own body (nija-dehe | loc sg), one should bring to awareness (bhāvayet | 3p sg caus opt) space (viyat | acc sg) simultaneously (yugapat) in all directions (sarva-dikkam | acc sg).
For this one (tasya | gen sg m), whose mind is free of conceptions (nirvikalpa-manāḥ | nom sg m), everything (sarvam | nom sg n) unfolds (pravartate | 3p sg med pres) as space (viyat | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 44

pṛṣṭa-śūnyaṃ mūla-śūnyaṃ; yugapad bhāvayec ca yaḥ | śarīra-nirapekṣiṇyā; śaktyā śūnya-manā bhavet ||44||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Whoever (yaḥ | nom sg m) simultaneously (yugapat) brings to awareness (bhāvayet | 3p sg caus opt) the upper emptiness (pṛṣṭha-śūnyam | acc sg n) and the root emptiness (mūla-śūnyam | acc sg n), becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt), through the power independent of the body (śarīra-nirapekṣiṇyā śaktyā | ins sg), of empty mind (śūnya-manāḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 45

pṛṣṭa-śūnyaṃ mūla-śūnyaṃ; hṛc-chūnyam bhāvayet sthiram | yugapan nirvikalpatvān; nirvikalpodayas tataḥ ||45||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should bring to awareness (bhāvayet | 3p sg caus opt) the upper emptiness (pṛṣṭha-śūnyam | acc sg n), the root emptiness (mūla-śūnyam | acc sg n), and the heart-emptiness (hṛc-chūnyam | acc sg n) firmly (sthiram | acc sg n).
Then (tataḥ), from freedom from conception (nirvikalpatvāt | abl sg), the arising of the conception-free state (nirvikalpa-udayaḥ | nom sg) [occurs] at the same time (yugapat).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 46

tanū-deśe śūnyataiva; kṣaṇa-mātraṃ vibhāvayet | nirvikalpaṃ nirvikalpo; nirvikalpa-svarūpa-bhāk ||46||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

At one place of the body (tanū-deśe | loc sg), one should bring to awareness (vibhāvayet | 3p sg caus opt), even for just a moment (kṣaṇa-mātram | acc sg n), emptiness itself (śūnyatā eva).
Conception-free (nirvikalpam | acc sg n), the conception-free one (nirvikalpaḥ | nom sg m) becomes a participant in the own form of freedom from conception (nirvikalpa-svarūpa-bhāk | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 47

sarvaṃ deha-gataṃ dravyaṃ; viyad-vyāptaṃ mṛgekṣaṇe | vibhāvayet tatas tasya; bhāvanā sā sthirā bhavet ||47||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Everything (sarvam | acc sg n) that is substance located in the body (deha-gataṃ dravyam | acc sg), O gazelle-eyed one (mṛgekṣaṇe | voc sg f), one should bring to awareness (vibhāvayet | 3p sg caus opt) as pervaded by space (viyad-vyāptam | acc sg n ppp).
Thereby (tataḥ), for this one (tasya | gen sg m), that meditation (sā bhāvanā | nom sg) becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) firm (sthirā | nom sg f).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 48

dehāntare tvag-vibhāgam; bhitti-bhūtaṃ vicintayet | na kiṃcid antare tasya; dhyāyann adhyeya-bhāg bhavet ||48||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Inside the body (deha-antare | loc sg), one should contemplate (vicintayet | 3p sg act opt) the skin-boundary (tvag-vibhāgam | acc sg) as having become wall-like (bhitti-bhūtam | acc sg n ppp).
Meditating (dhyāyan | nom sg m pca) that nothing (na kiṃcit | acc sg n) [is] inside it (tasya | gen sg m; antare | loc sg), [the practitioner] becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) a participant in what is not to be meditated on (adhyeya-bhāk | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 49

hṛdyākāśe nilīnākṣaḥ; padma-sampuṭa-madhya-gaḥ | ananya-cetāḥ subhage; paraṃ saubhāgyam āpnuyāt ||49||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One whose sense-organs are absorbed (nilīna-akṣaḥ | nom sg m), situated in the heart-space (hṛdy-ākāśe | loc sg), gone into the middle of the lotus-cavity (padma-sampuṭa-madhya-gaḥ | nom sg m), with mind directed to nothing else (ananya-cetāḥ | nom sg m), O fortunate one (subhage | voc sg f), may attain (āpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt) the highest blessedness (paraṃ saubhāgyam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 50

sarvataḥ sva-śarīrasya; dvādaśānte mano-layāt | dṛḍha-buddher dṛḍhī-bhūtaṃ; tattva-lakṣyam pravartate ||50||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through the dissolution of mind (mano-layāt | abl sg) in the dvādaśānta (dvādaśānte | loc sg) of one's own body (sva-śarīrasya | gen sg), everywhere (sarvatas), the firm-established aim of reality (dṛḍhī-bhūtaṃ tattva-lakṣyam | nom sg) comes forth (pravartate | 3p sg med pres) for one of firm insight (dṛḍha-buddheḥ | gen sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 51

yathā tathā yatra tatra; dvādaśānte manaḥ kṣipet || prati-kṣaṇaṃ kṣīṇa-vṛtter; vailakṣaṇyaṃ dinair bhavet ||51||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

However (yathā tathā), wherever (yatra tatra), one should direct (kṣipet | 3p sg act opt) the mind (manaḥ | acc sg) into the dvādaśānta (dvādaśānte | loc sg).
When the mental movement has waned (kṣīṇa-vṛtteḥ | gen sg) moment by moment (prati-kṣaṇam | acc sg), an extraordinary condition (vailakṣaṇyam | nom sg n) arises (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) within days (dinaiḥ | ins pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 52

kālāgninā kāla-padād; utthitena svakam puram | pluṣṭam vicintayed ante; śāntābhāsas tadā bhavet ||52||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should contemplate (vicintayet | 3p sg act opt) one's own body-city (svakaṃ puram | acc sg) as burned (pluṣṭam | acc sg n ppp) by the fire of time (kāla-agninā | ins sg), risen (utthitena | ins sg m ppp) from the foot of time [or from the foot] (kāla-padāt | abl sg).
At the end (ante | loc sg), then (tadā), a peaceful appearance (śānta-ābhāsaḥ | nom sg) arises (bhavet | 3p sg act opt).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 53

evam eva jagat sarvaṃ; dagdhaṃ dhyātvā vikalpataḥ | ananya-cetasaḥ puṃsaḥ; pum-bhāvaḥ paramo bhavet ||53||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having meditated (dhyātvā | abs) in just this way (evam eva), from conception (vikalpataḥ | abl sg), on the whole world (jagat sarvam | acc sg) as burned (dagdham | acc sg n ppp), for the person (puṃsaḥ | gen sg) whose mind is directed to nothing else (ananya-cetasaḥ | gen sg), the highest human state (pum-bhāvaḥ paramaḥ | nom sg) would arise (bhavet | 3p sg act opt).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 54

sva-dehe jagato vāpi; sūkṣma-sūkṣmatarāṇi ca | tattvāni yāni nilayaṃ; dhyātvānte vyajyate parā ||54||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having meditated (dhyātvā | abs) on the tattvas (tattvāni | acc pl n), which (yāni | acc pl n), in one's own body (sva-dehe | loc sg) or also (vā api) in the world (jagataḥ | gen sg), are subtle and ever subtler (sūkṣma-sūkṣmatarāṇi | acc pl n), as [returning] into dissolution (nilayam | acc sg), at the end (ante | loc sg) the Supreme (parā | nom sg f) is revealed (vyajyate | 3p sg pas pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 55

pināṃ ca durbalāṃ śaktiṃ; dhyātvā dvādaśa-gocare | praviśya hṛdaye dhyāyan; muktaḥ svātantryam āpnuyāt ||55||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having meditated (dhyātvā | abs) on Śakti (śaktim | acc sg) as strong (pīnāṃ | acc sg f) and weak (durbalāṃ | acc sg f) in the field of the twelve (dvādaśa-gocare | loc sg), the liberated one (muktaḥ | nom sg m ppp), having entered the heart (praviśya | abs; hṛdaye | loc sg), meditating (dhyāyan | nom sg m pca), may attain (āpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt) freedom (svātantryam | acc sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 56

bhuvanādhvādi-rūpeṇa; cintayet kramaśo 'khilam | sthūla-sūkṣma-para-sthityā; yāvad ante mano-layaḥ ||56||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should contemplate (cintayet | 3p sg act opt) the whole (akhilam | acc sg n), in sequence (kramaśaḥ), in the form of world-sphere, path, and so on (bhuvana-adhva-ādi-rūpeṇa | ins sg).
Through the states of gross, subtle, and highest (sthūla-sūkṣma-para-sthityā | ins sg), [this proceeds] until (yāvat) at the end (ante | loc sg) the dissolution of mind (mano-layaḥ | nom sg) [occurs].

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 57

asya sarvasya viśvasya; paryanteṣu samantataḥ | adhva-prakriyayā tattvaṃ; śaivaṃ dhyatvā mahodayaḥ ||57||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having meditated (dhyātvā | abs), by the method of the paths (adhva-prakriyayā | ins sg), at the boundaries (paryanteṣu | loc pl) of this whole universe (asya sarvasya viśvasya | gen sg), all around (samantataḥ), on the Śaiva reality (tattvaṃ śaivam | acc sg), [there is] a great arising (mahā-udayaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 58

viśvam etan mahā-devi; śūnya-bhūtaṃ vicintayet | tatraiva ca mano līnaṃ; tatas tal-laya-bhājanam ||58||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

This whole universe (viśvam etat | acc sg), O great Goddess (mahā-devi | voc sg), one should contemplate (vicintayet | 3p sg act opt) as having become empty (śūnya-bhūtam | acc sg n ppp).
And (ca) right there (tatra eva) the mind (manaḥ | nom sg) is dissolved (līnam | nom sg n ppp); thereby (tataḥ) [it becomes] the vessel of that dissolution (tad-laya-bhājanam | nom sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 59

ghaṭādi-bhājane dṛṣṭim; bhittīs tyaktvā vinikṣipet | tal-layaṃ tat-kṣaṇād gatvā; tal-layāt tan-mayo bhavet ||59||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Into a vessel such as a pot and the like (ghaṭa-ādi-bhājane | loc sg), having left out (tyaktvā | abs) the walls (bhittīḥ | acc pl), one should direct (vinikṣipet | 3p sg act opt) the gaze (dṛṣṭim | acc sg) inside.
Having gone (gatvā | abs) in that very moment (tat-kṣaṇāt | abl sg) into its dissolution (tad-layam | acc sg), one becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt), through that dissolution (tad-layāt | abl sg), made of that (tan-mayaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 60

nirvṛkṣa-giri-bhittyādi;-deśe dṛṣṭiṃ vinikṣipet | vilīne mānase bhāve; vṛtti-kṣīṇaḥ prajāyate ||60||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

At a place without trees, a mountain, a wall, or the like (nirvṛkṣa-giri-bhitti-ādi-deśe | loc sg), one should direct (vinikṣipet | 3p sg act opt) the gaze (dṛṣṭim | acc sg) into it.
When the mental state (mānase bhāve | loc sg) is dissolved (vilīne | loc absl sg m ppp), [a state] whose movements have waned (vṛtti-kṣīṇaḥ | nom sg m ppp) is born (prajāyate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 61

ubhayor bhāvayor jñāne; dhyātvā madhyaṃ samāśrayet | yugapac ca dvayaṃ tyaktvā; madhye tattvam prakāśate ||61||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In the recognition (jñāne | loc sg) of two states (ubhayor bhāvayoḥ | gen du), having meditated (dhyātvā | abs), one should resort to (samāśrayet | 3p sg act opt) the middle (madhyam | acc sg n).
Having abandoned (tyaktvā | abs) both (dvayam | acc sg n) simultaneously (yugapat), reality (tattvam | nom sg n) shines (prakāśate | 3p sg med pres) in the middle (madhye | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 62

bhāve tyakte niruddhā cin; naiva bhāvāntaraṃ vrajet | tadā tan-madhya-bhāvena; vikasaty atibhāvanā ||62||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When a state (bhāve | loc sg) has been abandoned (tyakte | loc absl sg m ppp), [and] awareness (cit | nom sg f) has been restrained (niruddhā | nom sg f ppp), it should indeed not (na eva) go (vrajet | 3p sg act opt) to another state (bhāva-antaram | acc sg n).
Then (tadā), through the state of that middle (tan-madhya-bhāvena | ins sg), intense meditation (atibhāvanā | nom sg) unfolds (vikasati | 3p sg act pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 63

sarvaṃ dehaṃ cin-mayaṃ hi; jagad vā paribhāvayet | yugapan nirvikalpena; manasā paramodayaḥ ||63||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should fully bring to awareness (paribhāvayet | 3p sg caus opt) the whole body (sarvaṃ deham | acc sg), for [it is] composed of consciousness (cin-mayam | acc sg m), or (vā) the world (jagat | acc sg n).
At once (yugapat), through the conception-free mind (nirvikalpena manasā | ins sg), [there is] the highest arising (parama-udayaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 64

vāyu-dvayasya saṃghaṭṭād; antar vā bahir antataḥ | yogī samatva-vijñāna;-samudgamana-bhājanam ||64||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through the collision (saṃghaṭṭāt | abl sg) of the two breaths (vāyu-dvayasya | gen sg), inside (antar) or outside (bahis), at the end (antataḥ), [the] yogin (yogī | nom sg) [becomes] a vessel for the arising of the knowledge of equality (samatva-vijñāna-samudgamana-bhājanam | nom sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 65

sarvaṃ jagat sva-dehaṃ vā; svānanda-bharitaṃ smaret | yugapat svāmṛtenaiva; parānanda-mayo bhavet ||65||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should remember (smaret | 3p sg act opt) the whole world (sarvaṃ jagat | acc sg) or (vā) one's own body (sva-deham | acc sg) as filled with one's own bliss (sva-ānanda-bharitam | acc sg n ppp).
At once (yugapat), precisely (eva) through one's own nectar (sva-amṛtena | ins sg), one becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) made of highest bliss (para-ānanda-mayaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 66

kuhanena prayogeṇa; sadya eva mṛgekṣaṇe | samudeti mahānando; yena tattvaṃ prakāśate ||66||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through the application (prayogeṇa | ins sg) of a device (kuhanena | ins sg), O gazelle-eyed one (mṛgekṣaṇe | voc sg f), great bliss (mahā-ānandaḥ | nom sg) arises (samudeti | 3p sg act pres) immediately (sadya eva).
Through this (yena | ins sg m), reality (tattvam | nom sg n) shines (prakāśate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 67

sarva-sroto-nibandhena; prāṇa-śaktyordhvayā śanaiḥ | pipīla-sparśa-velāyām; prathate paramaṃ sukham ||67||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through the binding of all streams (sarva-sroto-nibandhena | ins sg), through the upward Prāṇa-Śakti (prāṇa-śaktyā ūrdhvayā | ins sg), gradually (śanaiḥ), at the moment of the ant-like touch (pipīla-sparśa-velāyām | loc sg), the highest happiness (paramaṃ sukham | nom sg) appears (prathate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 68

vahner viṣasya madhye tu; cittaṃ sukha-mayaṃ kṣipet | kevalaṃ vāyu-pūrṇaṃ vā; smarānandena yujyate ||68||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Into the middle (madhye | loc sg) of fire (vahneḥ | gen sg) and poison (viṣasya | gen sg), one should direct (kṣipet | 3p sg act opt) thought (cittam | acc sg n), composed of happiness (sukha-mayam | acc sg n).
Alone (kevalam), or (vā) filled with breath (vāyu-pūrṇam | acc sg n ppp), it is joined (yujyate | 3p sg pas pres) with the bliss of love (smara-ānandena | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 69

śakti-saṃgama-saṃkṣubdha;-śaktyāveśāvasānikam | yat sukham brahma-tattvasya; tat sukhaṃ svākyam ucyate ||69||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The happiness (yat sukham | nom sg) that is stirred by union with Śakti and culminates in entering Śakti (śakti-saṃgama-saṃkṣubdha-śakti-āveśa-avasānikam | nom sg n) [is the happiness] of Brahman-reality (brahma-tattvasya | gen sg).
That happiness (tat sukham | nom sg) is called (ucyate | 3p sg pas pres) one's own (svākyam | nom sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 70

lehanāmanthanākoṭaiḥ; strī-sukhasya bharāt smṛteḥ | śakty-abhāve 'pi deveśi; bhaved ānanda-samplavaḥ ||70||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

From the fullness of memory (bharāt smṛteḥ | abl sg/gen sg) of happiness with a woman (strī-sukhasya | gen sg), through licking, rubbing, and pressing (lehana-āmanthana-ākoṭaiḥ | ins pl), O mistress of the gods (deveśi | voc sg), even (api) in the absence of Śakti (śakti-abhāve | loc sg), a flood of bliss (ānanda-samplavaḥ | nom sg) arises (bhavet | 3p sg act opt).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 71

ānande mahati prāpte; dṛṣṭe vā bāndhave cirāt | ānandam udgataṃ dhyātvā; tal-layas tan-manā bhavet ||71||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When great joy (ānande mahati | loc sg) has been attained (prāpte | loc absl sg m ppp), or (vā) when, after a long time (cirāt | abl sg), a friend (bāndhave | loc sg) has been seen (dṛṣṭe | loc absl sg m ppp),
[and] having meditated (dhyātvā | abs) on the arisen joy (ānandam udgatam | acc sg), he becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt), with mind directed to that (tat-manāḥ | nom sg m), dissolved in that (tat-layaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 72

jagdhi-pāna-kṛtollāsa;-rasānanda-vijṛmbhaṇāt | bhāvayed bharitāvasthāṃ; mahānandas tato bhavet ||72||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

From the expansion of the taste-bliss of delight produced by eating and drinking (jagdhi-pāna-kṛtollāsa-rasa-ānanda-vijṛmbhaṇāt | abl sg),
[the practitioner] should meditate (bhāvayet | 3p sg act opt caus) on the state of fullness (bharitāvasthām | acc sg); from that (tataḥ) great bliss (mahānandaḥ | nom sg) arises (bhavet | 3p sg act opt).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 73

gītādi-viṣayāsvādā;sama-saukhyaikatātmanaḥ | yoginas tan-mayatvena; mano-rūḍhes tadātmatā ||73||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For the yogin (yoginaḥ | gen sg), whose self has become one with the incomparable happiness of savoring song and other sense-objects (gītādi-viṣayāsvādāsama-saukhyekatātmanaḥ | gen sg),
through being wholly that (tan-mayatvena | ins sg), from the rising of the mind (mano-rūḍheḥ | abl sg), identity with that [happiness] (tad-ātmatā | nom sg) [arises].

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 74

yatra yatra manas tuṣṭir; manas tatraiva dhārayet | tatra tatra parānanda;-svārūpaṃ sampravartate ||74||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Wherever (yatra yatra) the mind (manas | nom sg) [finds] contentment (tuṣṭiḥ | nom sg), precisely there (tatra eva) one should hold (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt) the mind (manas | acc sg).
Right there (tatra tatra) the own form of the highest bliss (parānanda-svārūpam | nom sg) unfolds (sampravartate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 75

anāgatāyāṃ nidrāyām; praṇaṣṭe bāhya-gocare | sāvasthā manasā gamyā; parā devī prakāśate ||75||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When sleep (nidrāyām | loc sg) has not yet come (anāgatāyām | loc absl sg f ppp), [and] when the outer field of perception (bāhya-gocare | loc sg) has vanished (praṇaṣṭe | loc absl sg m ppp), this state (sā avasthā | nom sg) is to be reached (gamyā | nom sg f pfp) by the mind (manasā | ins sg).
[Therein] the highest Goddess (parā devī | nom sg) shines (prakāśate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 76

tejasā sūrya-dīpāder; ākāśe śabalī-kṛte | dṛṣṭir niveśyā tatraiva; svātma-rūpam prakāśate ||76||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When space (ākāśe | loc sg) has been made variegated (śabalī-kṛte | loc absl sg m ppp) by the light (tejasā | ins sg) of sun, lamp, and the like (sūrya-dīpa-ādeḥ | gen sg), the gaze (dṛṣṭiḥ | nom sg) is to be placed (niveśyā | nom sg f pfp) into it.
Right there (tatra eva) the form of one's own self (sva-ātma-rūpam | nom sg) shines (prakāśate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 77

karaṅkiṇyā krodhanayā; bhairavyā lelihānayā | khecaryā dṛṣṭi-kāle ca; parāvāptiḥ prakāśate ||77||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through Karaṅkiṇī (karaṅkiṇyā | ins sg), Krodhanā (krodhanayā | ins sg), Bhairavī (bhairavyā | ins sg), Lelihānā (lelihānayā | ins sg), and Khecarī (khecaryā | ins sg), and (ca) at the moment of seeing (dṛṣṭi-kāle | loc sg), the highest attainment (parā-avāptiḥ | nom sg) shines (prakāśate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 78

mṛdvāsane sphijaikena; hasta-pādau nirāśrayam | nidhāya tat-prasaṅgena; parā pūrṇā matir bhavet ||78||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having placed (nidhāya | abs) hands and feet (hasta-pādau | acc du) without support (nirāśrayam | acc sg n), [while sitting] on a soft seat (mṛdu-āsane | loc sg) with only one buttock (sphijā ekena | ins sg), through maintaining that [posture] (tat-prasaṅgena | ins sg), the insight (matiḥ | nom sg) becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) highest (parā | nom sg f) and full (pūrṇā | nom sg f ppp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 79

upaviśyāsane samyag; bāhū kṛtvārdha-kuñcitau | kakṣa-vyomni manaḥ kurvan; śamam āyāti tal-layāt ||79||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having seated oneself (upaviśya | abs) properly (samyak) on the seat (āsane | loc sg), having made (kṛtvā | abs) both arms (bāhū | acc du) half-bent (ardha-kuñcitau | acc du m ppp), [and] directing (kurvan | nom sg m pca) the mind (manaḥ | acc sg) into the armpit-space (kakṣa-vyomni | loc sg), one reaches (āyāti | 3p sg act pres) peace (śamam | acc sg) through its dissolution (tad-layāt | abl sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 80

sthūla-rūpasya bhāvasya; stabdhāṃ dṛṣṭiṃ nipātya ca | acireṇa nirādhāraṃ; manaḥ kṛtvā śivaṃ vrajet ||80||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having cast (nipātya | abs) the unmoving gaze (stabdhāṃ dṛṣṭim | acc sg) onto the gross form of an object (sthūla-rūpasya bhāvasya | gen sg), and (ca) having made (kṛtvā | abs) the mind (manaḥ | acc sg) supportless (nirādhāram | acc sg n) without delay (acireṇa), one should reach (vrajet | 3p sg act opt) Śiva (śivam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 81

madhya-jihve sphāritāsye; madhye nikṣipya cetanām | hoccāraṃ manasā kurvaṃs; tataḥ śānte pralīyate ||81||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having placed (nikṣipya | abs) awareness (cetanām | acc sg) in the middle (madhye | loc sg), at the middle of the tongue (madhya-jihve | loc sg) and in the opened mouth (sphārita-āsye | loc sg), and mentally (manasā | ins sg) performing (kurvan | nom sg m pca) the utterance of the sound ha (ha-uccāram | acc sg), one then (tataḥ) dissolves (pralīyate | 3p sg med pres) in peace (śānte | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 82

āsane śayane sthitvā; nirādhāraṃ vibhāvayan | sva-dehaṃ manasi kṣīṇe; kṣaṇāt kṣīṇāśayo bhavet ||82||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

While being (sthitvā | abs) on a seat (āsane | loc sg) or bed (śayane | loc sg) and bringing to awareness (vibhāvayan | nom sg m pca) one's own body (sva-deham | acc sg) as supportless (nirādhāram | acc sg n), when the mind (manasi | loc sg) has waned (kṣīṇe | loc absl sg n ppp), one would be (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) instantly (kṣaṇāt | abl sg) of exhausted inner store [of impressions] (kṣīṇa-āśayaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 83

calāsane sthitasyātha; śanair vā deha-cālanāt | praśānte mānase bhāve; devi divyaugham āpnuyāt ||83||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When the [practitioner] is situated (sthitasya | gen sg m ppp) on a moving seat (cala-āsane | loc sg), or else (atha vā), through slow (śanaiḥ) movement of the body (deha-cālanāt | abl sg), when the mental state (mānase bhāve | loc sg) is calmed (praśānte | loc absl sg m ppp), he may attain (āpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt), O Goddess (devi | voc sg), the divine stream (divya-ogham | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 84

ākāśaṃ vimalam paśyan; kṛtvā dṛṣṭiṃ nirantarām | stabdhātmā tat-kṣaṇād devi; bhairavaṃ vapur āpnuyāt ||84||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Seeing (paśyan | nom sg m pca) the pure sky (ākāśaṃ vimalam | acc sg) and having made (kṛtvā | abs) the gaze (dṛṣṭim | acc sg) uninterrupted (nirantarām | acc sg f), one may attain (āpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt), with unmoving self (stabdha-ātmā | nom sg), in that moment (tat-kṣaṇāt | abl sg), O Goddess (devi | voc sg), the Bhairava body-form (bhairavaṃ vapuḥ | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 85

līnaṃ mūrdhni viyat sarvam; bhairavatvena bhāvayet | tat sarvam bhairavākāra;-tejas-tattvaṃ samāviśet ||85||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should bring to awareness (bhāvayet | 3p sg caus opt) the whole space (viyat sarvam | acc sg), dissolved (līnam | acc sg n ppp) in the head (mūrdhni | loc sg), as Bhairava-being (bhairavatvena | ins sg).
All this (tat sarvam | acc sg n) should enter (samāviśet | 3p sg act opt) completely into the principle of the light of Bhairava-form (bhairava-ākāra-tejas-tattvam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 86

kiñcij jñātaṃ dvaita-dāyi; bāhyālokas tamaḥ punaḥ | viśvādi bhairavaṃ rūpaṃ; jñātvānanta-prakāśa-bhṛt ||86||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Limited known [object] (kiṃcid jñātam | nom sg n ppp), giving rise to duality (dvaita-dāyi | nom sg n), outer light (bāhya-ālokaḥ | nom sg), and again (punaḥ) darkness (tamaḥ | nom sg): having known (jñātvā | abs) the [states] beginning with Viśva (viśva-ādi | acc sg) as Bhairava-form (bhairavaṃ rūpam | acc sg), [one becomes] the bearer of infinite light (ananta-prakāśa-bhṛt | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 87

evam eva durniśāyāṃ; kṛṣṇa-pakṣāgame ciram | taimiram bhāvayan rūpam; bhairavaṃ rūpam eṣyati ||87||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In just this way (evam eva), on a dark night (durniśāyām | loc sg), at the coming of the dark fortnight (kṛṣṇa-pakṣa-āgame | loc sg), if [the practitioner] brings to awareness (bhāvayan | nom sg m pca) the dark form (taimiraṃ rūpam | acc sg) for a long time (ciram), he will attain (eṣyati | 3p sg act fut) the Bhairava-form (bhairavaṃ rūpam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 88

evam eva nimīlyādau; netre kṛṣṇābham agrataḥ | prasārya bhairavaṃ rūpam; bhāvayaṃs tan-mayo bhavet ||88||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Likewise (evam eva), having first (ādau | loc sg) closed (nimīlya | abs) both eyes (netre | acc du), [one perceives] before oneself (agrataḥ) something appearing black (kṛṣṇa-ābham | acc sg n). Having opened [the eyes] (prasārya | abs) and bringing to awareness (bhāvayan | nom sg m pca) the Bhairava-form (bhairavaṃ rūpam | acc sg), one becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) made of that (tan-mayaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 89

yasya kasyendriyasyāpi; vyāghātāc ca nirodhataḥ | praviṣṭasyādvaye śūnye; tatraivātmā prakāśate ||89||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When the [practitioner], through disturbance (vyāghātāt | abl sg) and (ca) restraint (nirodhataḥ | abl sg) of even (api) any one sense faculty whatsoever (yasya kasya indriyasya | gen sg), has entered (praviṣṭasya | gen sg m ppp) the nondual emptiness (advaye śūnye | loc sg), right there (tatra eva) the self (ātmā | nom sg) shines (prakāśate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 90

abindum avisargaṃ ca; akāraṃ japato mahān | udeti devi sahasā; jñānaughaḥ parameśvaraḥ ||90||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For one reciting (japataḥ | gen sg m pca) the sound a (akāram | acc sg), without bindu (abindum | acc sg m) and (ca) without visarga (avisargam | acc sg m), O Goddess (devi | voc sg), the great stream of recognition (mahān jñāna-oghaḥ | nom sg) suddenly (sahasā) rises (udeti | 3p sg act pres) as Parameśvara (parameśvaraḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 91

varṇasya savisargasya; visargāntaṃ citiṃ kuru | nirādhāreṇa cittena; spṛśed brahma sanātanam ||91||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Direct (kuru | 2p sg act imp) awareness (citim | acc sg) to the visarga-end (visarga-antam | acc sg) of a sound provided with visarga (varṇasya savisargasya | gen sg).
With a supportless mind (nirādhāreṇa cittena | ins sg), one should touch (spṛśet | 3p sg act opt) eternal Brahman (brahma sanātanam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 92

vyomākāraṃ svam ātmānaṃ; dhyāyed digbhir anāvṛtam | nirāśrayā citiḥ śaktiḥ; svarūpaṃ darśayet tadā ||92||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should meditate (dhyāyet | 3p sg act opt) on one's own self (svam ātmānam | acc sg), uncovered (anāvṛtam | acc sg m ppp) by directions (digbhiḥ | ins pl), as space-formed (vyoma-ākāram | acc sg).
Then (tadā) the supportless (nirāśrayā | nom sg f) awareness-Śakti (citiḥ śaktiḥ | nom sg) should reveal (darśayet | 3p sg caus opt) her own form (svarūpam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 93

kiṃcid aṅgaṃ vibhidyādau; tīkṣṇa-sūcyādinā tataḥ | tatraiva cetanāṃ yuktvā; bhairave nirmalā gatiḥ ||93||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having first (ādau | loc sg) pierced (vibhidya | abs) some limb (kiṃcid aṅgam | acc sg) with a sharp needle or the like (tīkṣṇa-sūcī-ādinā | ins sg), and then (tataḥ) having connected (yuktvā | abs) awareness (cetanām | acc sg) right there (tatra eva), [there is] a pure access (nirmalā gatiḥ | nom sg) into Bhairava (bhairave | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 94

cittādy-antaḥ-kṛtir nāsti; mamāntar bhāvayed iti | vikalpānām abhāvena; vikalpair ujjhito bhavet ||94||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should bring to awareness (bhāvayet | 3p sg caus opt) thus (iti): In me (mama antar) there is no inner construction (antaḥ-kṛtiḥ | nom sg) of thought and the like (citta-ādi | tp nom).
Through the absence (abhāvena | ins sg) of conceptions (vikalpānām | gen pl), one becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) abandoned by conceptions (vikalpaiḥ | ins pl) [and] liberated (ujjhitaḥ | nom sg m ppp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 95

māyā vimohinī nāma; kalāyāḥ kalanaṃ sthitam | ity-ādi-dharmaṃ tattvānāṃ; kalayan na pṛthag bhavet ||95||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Māyā (māyā | nom sg) is called (nāma) bewildering (vimohinī | nom sg f), [and] kalana (kalanam | nom sg), the limiting activity, of kalā (kalāyāḥ | gen sg), is established (sthitam | nom sg n ppp).
Whoever thus (iti) contemplates (kalayan | nom sg m pca) the beginning-with-this attribute of the tattvas (ādi-dharmam tattvānām | acc sg/gen pl) becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) not (na) separate (pṛthak).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 96

jhagitīcchāṃ samutpannām; avalokya śamaṃ nayet | yata eva samudbhūtā; tatas tatraiva līyate ||96||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having perceived (avalokya | abs) a desire (icchām | acc sg) that has suddenly (jhagiti) arisen (samutpannām | acc sg f ppp), one should lead it (nayet | 3p sg act opt caus) to peace (śamam | acc sg).
Right where (yata eva) it has arisen (samudbhūtā | nom sg f ppp), from there (tataḥ), right there (tatra eva), it dissolves (līyate | 3p sg med pres) again.

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 97

yadā mamecchā notpannā; jñānaṃ vā kas tadāsmi vai | tattvato 'haṃ tathā-bhūtas; tal-līnas tan-manā bhavet ||97||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When (yadā) my (mama | gen sg) desire (icchā | nom sg) has not (na) arisen (utpannā | nom sg f ppp), or (vā) knowledge (jñānam | nom sg) [has not arisen], who (kaḥ | nom sg m) am I then (tadā asmi | 1p sg act pres)? Truly (vai)!
In reality (tattvataḥ), one should become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt): I (aham) have become thus (tathā-bhūtaḥ | nom sg m ppp), dissolved in that (tad-līnaḥ | nom sg m ppp), with mind directed to that (tan-manāḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 98

icchāyām athavā jñāne; jāte cittaṃ niveśayet | ātma-buddhyānanya-cetās; tatas tattvārtha-darśanam ||98||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When desire (icchāyām | loc sg) or else (athavā) knowledge (jñāne | loc sg) has arisen (jāte | loc absl sg n ppp), one should place (niveśayet | 3p sg caus opt) the mind (cittam | acc sg) [therein].
With insight as the self (ātma-buddhyā | ins sg), with mind directed to nothing else (ananya-cetāḥ | nom sg m), from that (tataḥ) the vision of the meaning of reality (tattva-artha-darśanam | nom sg) arises.

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 99

nirnimittam bhavej jñānaṃ; nirādhāram bhramātmakam | tattvataḥ kasyacin naitad; evam-bhāvī śivaḥ priye ||99||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Knowledge (jñānam | nom sg) would be (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) without cause (nirnimittam | nom sg n), supportless (nirādhāram | nom sg n), and of the nature of confusion (bhrama-ātmakam | nom sg n).
In reality (tattvataḥ), this (etat | nom sg n) does not (na) belong to anyone in particular (kasyacit | gen sg); one who contemplates thus (evam-bhāvī | nom sg m) is Śiva (śivaḥ | nom sg), O beloved (priye | voc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 100

cid-dharmā sarva-deheṣu; viśeṣo nāsti kutracit | ataś ca tan-mayaṃ sarvam; bhāvayan bhavajij janaḥ ||100||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Consciousness as essence (cit-dharmā | nom sg m) [is] in all bodies (sarva-deheṣu | loc pl); a distinction (viśeṣaḥ | nom sg) does not exist (na asti) anywhere (kutracit).
Therefore (ataḥ ca), the person (janaḥ | nom sg), bringing everything (sarvam | acc sg n) to awareness (bhāvayan | nom sg m pca) as made of that (tan-mayam | acc sg n), [is] the conqueror of becoming (bhava-jit | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 101

kāma-krodha-lobha-moha;-mada-mātsarya-gocare | buddhiṃ nistimitāṃ kṛtvā; tat tattvam avaśiṣyate ||101||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In the field (gocare | loc sg) of desire, anger, greed, delusion, pride, and envy (kāma-krodha-lobha-moha-mada-mātsarya | dv loc), having made (kṛtvā | abs) the insight (buddhim | acc sg) motionless (nistimitām | acc sg f), that reality (tat tattvam | nom sg) remains (avaśiṣyate | 3p sg pas pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 102

indra-jāla-mayaṃ viśvaṃ; vyastaṃ vā citra-karma-vat | bhramad vā dhyāyataḥ sarvam; paśyataś ca sukhodgamaḥ ||102||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For the meditator (dhyāyataḥ | gen sg m pca) who sees (paśyataḥ | gen sg m pca) everything (sarvam | acc sg n) as made of Indra's net (indra-jāla-mayam | acc sg n), as the manifold universe (viśvaṃ vyastam | acc sg), or (vā) like a picture-work (citra-karmavat), or (vā) as moving (bhramat | acc sg n pca), the arising of happiness (sukha-udgamaḥ | nom sg) also (ca) occurs.

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 103

na cittaṃ nikṣiped duḥkhe; na sukhe vā parikṣipet | bhairavi jñāyatāṃ madhye; kiṃ tattvam avaśiṣyate ||103||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One should not (na) cast (nikṣipet | 3p sg act opt) the mind (cittam | acc sg) into suffering (duḥkhe | loc sg), nor (vā) distract [it] (parikṣipet | 3p sg act opt) into joy (sukhe | loc sg).
O Bhairavī (bhairavi | voc sg), it should be known (jñāyatām | 3p sg pas imp) what reality (kiṃ tattvam | nom sg) remains (avaśiṣyate | 3p sg pas pres) in the middle (madhye | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 104

vihāya nija-deha-sthaṃ; sarvatrāsmīti bhāvayan | dṛḍhena manasā dṛṣṭyā; nānyekṣiṇyā sukhī bhavet ||104||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having abandoned (vihāya | abs) what is located in one's own body (nija-deha-stham | acc sg n) and bringing to awareness (bhāvayan | nom sg m pca), “I am everywhere” (sarvatra asmi iti), one becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt), with firm mind (dṛḍhena manasā | ins sg) and with a gaze (dṛṣṭyā | ins sg) that does not (na) look at another (anya-īkṣiṇyā | ins sg f), happy (sukhī | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 105

ghaṭādau yac ca vijñānam; icchādyaṃ vā mamāntare | naiva sarva-gataṃ jātam; bhāvayan iti sarva-gaḥ ||105||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

And (ca) whatever awareness (yat vijñānam | nom sg) [is] in a pot and the like (ghaṭa-ādau | loc sg), or (vā) will and so on (icchā-ādyam | nom sg n), [is] not merely (na eva) arisen (jātam | nom sg n ppp) in my (mama | gen sg) interior (antare | loc sg), but all-pervading (sarva-gatam | nom sg n ppp): whoever brings [this] to awareness (bhāvayan | nom sg m pca) thus (iti) becomes all-pervading (sarva-gaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 106

grāhya-grāhaka-saṃvittiḥ; sāmānyā sarva-dehinām | yogināṃ tu viśeṣo 'sti; sambandhe sāvadhānatā ||106||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The awareness of graspable and grasper (grāhya-grāhaka-saṃvittiḥ | nom sg) is common (sāmānyā | nom sg f) to all embodied beings (sarva-dehinām | gen pl).
But (tu) among yogins (yoginām | gen pl) there is (asti | 3p sg act pres) a distinction (viśeṣaḥ | nom sg): attentiveness (sāvadhānatā | nom sg) in the relation (sambandhe | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 107

svavad anya-śarīre 'pi; saṃvittim anubhāvayet | apekṣāṃ sva-śarīrasya; tyaktvā vyāpī dinair bhavet ||107||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

As with one's own [body] (svavat), so one should bring to awareness (anubhāvayet | 3p sg caus opt) consciousness (saṃvittim | acc sg) also (api) in another body (anya-śarīre | loc sg).
Having abandoned (tyaktvā | abs) dependence on one's own body (apekṣāṃ sva-śarīrasya | acc sg/gen sg), one becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt), in a few days (dinaiḥ | ins pl), all-pervading (vyāpī | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 108

nirādhāraṃ manaḥ kṛtvā; vikalpān na vikalpayet | tad-ātma-paramātmatve; bhairavo mṛga-locane ||108||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having made (kṛtvā | abs) the mind (manaḥ | acc sg) supportless (nirādhāram | acc sg n), one should not (na) construct (vikalpayet | 3p sg caus opt) conceptions (vikalpān | acc pl).
In the selfhood of that self as the highest self (tad-ātma-parama-ātmatve | loc sg), [there is] Bhairava (bhairavaḥ | nom sg), O gazelle-eyed one (mṛga-locane | voc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 109

sarvajñaḥ sarva-kartā ca; vyāpakaḥ parameśvaraḥ | sa evāhaṃ śaiva-dharmā; iti dārḍhyāc chivo bhavet ||109||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The highest Lord (parameśvaraḥ | nom sg) is all-knowing (sarvajñaḥ | nom sg m), doer of all (sarva-kartā | nom sg), and (ca) all-pervading (vyāpakaḥ | nom sg m).
“This one (saḥ) indeed is I (eva aham), having Śaiva attributes (śaiva-dharmā | nom sg m)”: from this firmness (dārḍhyāt | abl sg), one becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) Śiva (śivaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 110

jalasyevormayo vahner; jvālā-bhaṅgyaḥ prabhā raveḥ | mamaiva bhairavasyaitā; viśva-bhaṅgyo vibheditāḥ ||110||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Like (iva) the waves of water (jalasya ūrmayaḥ | gen sg, nom pl), the movements of the flame of fire (vahneḥ jvālā-bhaṅgyaḥ | gen sg, nom pl), [and] the rays of the sun (prabhāḥ raveḥ | nom pl, gen sg),
[so] these differentiated waves of the universe (etāḥ viśva-bhaṅgyaḥ vibheditāḥ | nom pl) are indeed (eva) of me, Bhairava (mama bhairavasya | gen sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 111

bhrāntvā bhrāntvā śarīreṇa; tvaritam bhuvi pātanāt | kṣobha-śakti-virāmeṇa; parā saṃjāyate daśā ||111||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having turned around (bhrāntvā bhrāntvā | abs) again and again with the body (śarīreṇa | ins sg) and quickly (tvaritam) come to the earth (bhuvi | loc sg) through falling (pātanāt | abl sg),
through the cessation of the power of agitation (kṣobha-śakti-virāmeṇa | ins sg), the highest state (parā daśā | nom sg) arises (saṃjāyate | 3p sg med pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 112

ādhāreṣv athavā 'śaktyā; 'jñānāc citta-layena vā | jāta-śakti-samāveśa;-kṣobhānte bhairavaṃ vapuḥ ||112||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

[Whether] in the supports (ādhāreṣu | loc pl), or (athavā) through inability (aśaktyā | ins sg), from ignorance (ajñānāt | abl sg), or through dissolution of mind (citta-layena | ins sg),
at the end of the agitation of the arisen entry into Śakti (jāta-śakti-samāveśa-kṣobhānte | loc sg), the Bhairava body-form (bhairavaṃ vapuḥ | acc sg) [appears].

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 113

sampradāyam imam devi; śṛṇu samyag vadāmy aham | kaivalyaṃ jāyate sadyo; netrayoḥ stabdha-mātrayoḥ ||113||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Listen (śṛṇu | 2p sg act imp) to this transmission (imam sampradāyam | acc sg), O Goddess (devi | voc sg); I (aham | nom sg) speak (vadāmi | 1p sg act pres) [it] properly (samyak).
Liberation (kaivalyam | nom sg) arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres) immediately (sadyas), as soon as the two eyes are merely unmoving (netrayoḥ stabdha-mātrayoḥ | loc du).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 114

saṃkocaṃ karṇayoḥ kṛtvā; hy adho-dvāre tathaiva ca | anackam ahalaṃ dhyāyan; viśed brahma sanātanam ||114||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having made (kṛtvā | abs) a closing (saṃkocam | acc sg) at the two ears (karṇayoḥ | loc du), indeed (hi), and likewise (tathā eva ca) at the lower gate (adho-dvāre | loc sg),
meditating (dhyāyan | nom sg m pca) on [the sound] without vowel (anackam | acc sg n) and without consonant (ahalam | acc sg n), he may enter (viśet | 3p sg act opt) eternal Brahman (brahma sanātanam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 115

kūpādike mahā-garte; sthitvopari nirīkṣaṇāt | avikalpa-mateḥ samyak; sadyas citta-layaḥ sphuṭam ||115||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having stood (sthitvā | abs) above (upari) a great pit such as a well and the like (kūpādike mahā-garte | loc sg), through looking into it (nirīkṣaṇāt | abl sg),
for the conception-free mind (avikalpa-mateḥ | gen sg), completely (samyak) and immediately (sadyas), clearly (sphuṭam), the dissolution of mind (citta-layaḥ | nom sg) [arises].

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 116

yatra yatra mano yāti; bāhye vābhyantare 'pi vā | tatra tatra śivāvasthā; vyāpakatvāt kva yāsyati ||116||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Wherever (yatra yatra) the mind (manaḥ | nom sg) goes (yāti | 3p sg act pres), outside (bāhye | loc sg n) or (vā) also (api vā) inside (abhyantare | loc sg n),
right there (tatra tatra) [is] the state of Śiva (śiva-avasthā | nom sg); because of [his] all-pervasiveness (vyāpakatvāt | abl sg), where (kva) will it go (yāsyati | 3p sg act fut)?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 117

yatra yatrākṣa-mārgeṇa; caitanyaṃ vyajyate vibhoḥ | tasya tan-mātra-dharmitvāc; cil-layād bharitātmatā ||117||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Wherever (yatra yatra), through the path of a sense faculty (akṣa-mārgeṇa | ins sg), the consciousness (caitanyam | nom sg) of the all-pervading one (vibhoḥ | gen sg) becomes manifest (vyajyate | 3p sg pas pres),
through dissolution in consciousness (cil-layāt | abl sg), because of its (tasya | gen sg) mere suchness (tan-mātra-dharmitvāt | abl sg), filled selfhood (bharitātmatā | nom sg) [arises].

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 118

kṣutādyante bhaye śoke; gahvare vā raṇād drute | kutūhale kṣudhādyante; brahma-sattā-mayī daśā ||118||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

At the beginning or end of sneezing (kṣutādyante | loc sg), in fear (bhaye | loc sg), in grief (śoke | loc sg), or (vā) in an abyss (gahvare | loc sg), while fleeing (drute | loc sg m ppp) from battle (raṇāt | abl sg),
in curiosity (kutūhale | loc sg) [and] at the beginning or end of hunger (kṣudhādyante | loc sg), [there is] the state made of the reality of Brahman (brahma-sattā-mayī daśā | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 119

vastuṣu smaryamāṇeṣu; dṛṣṭe deśe manas tyajet | sva-śarīraṃ nirādhāraṃ; kṛtvā prasarati prabhuḥ ||119||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

With remembered things (vastuṣu smaryamāṇeṣu | loc pl), at a seen place (dṛṣṭe deśe | loc sg), he may abandon (tyajet | 3p sg act opt) the mind (manas | acc sg).
Having made (kṛtvā | abs) one's own body (sva-śarīram | acc sg) supportless (nirādhāram | acc sg n), the Lord (prabhuḥ | nom sg) spreads forth (prasarati | 3p sg act pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 120

kvacid vastuni vinyasya; śanair dṛṣṭiṃ nivartayet | taj jñānaṃ citta-sahitaṃ; devi śūnyālayo bhavet ||120||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having placed [the gaze] (vinyasya | abs) on some (kvacit) object (vastuni | loc sg), he may slowly (śanaiḥ) withdraw (nivartayet | 3p sg act caus opt) the gaze (dṛṣṭim | acc sg).
O Goddess (devi | voc sg), [when he withdraws] this knowledge connected with the mind (tad jñānaṃ citta-sahitam | acc sg), he becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) a dwelling-place of emptiness (śūnya-ālayaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 121

bhakty-udrekād viraktasya; yādṛśī jāyate matiḥ | sā śaktiḥ śāṅkarī nityam; bhāvayet tāṃ tataḥ śivaḥ ||121||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Whatever insight (yādṛśī matiḥ | nom sg) arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres) through the surge of devotion (bhakti-udrekāt | abl sg) of one who is detached (viraktasya | gen sg m ppp),
that (sā | nom sg f) [is] the Śakti of Śaṅkara (śaktiḥ śāṅkarī | nom sg); he may meditate (bhāvayet | 3p sg act caus opt) on her (tām | acc sg f) constantly (nityam), then (tataḥ) [he is] Śiva (śivaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 122

vastv-antare vedyamāne; sarva-vastuṣu śūnyatā | tām eva manasā dhyātvā; vidito 'pi praśāmyati ||122||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

When another object (vastv-antare | loc sg) is being perceived (vedyamāne | loc sg n pfp), [there appears] emptiness (śūnyatā | nom sg) in all things (sarva-vastuṣu | loc pl).
Having meditated (dhyātvā | abs) precisely (eva) on that (tām | acc sg f) with the mind (manasā | ins sg), he becomes calm (praśāmyati | 3p sg act pres), even though (api) [the object] is still known (viditaḥ | nom sg m ppp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 123

kiṃcij-jñair yā smṛtā śuddhiḥ; sā śuddhiḥ śambhu-darśane | na śucir hy aśucis tasmān; nirvikalpaḥ sukhī bhavet ||123||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Whatever purity (yā śuddhiḥ | nom sg) is taught (smṛtā | nom sg f ppp) by those who know a little (kiṃcij-jñaiḥ | ins pl), that purity (sā śuddhiḥ | nom sg) [applies] in Śambhu's vision (śambhu-darśane | loc sg).
For (hi) [there is] neither (na) pure (śuciḥ | nom sg m) [nor] impure (aśuciḥ | nom sg m); therefore (tasmāt) the one free of distinctions (nirvikalpaḥ | nom sg m) may be (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) happy (sukhī | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 124

sarvatra bhairavo bhāvaḥ; sāmānyeṣv api gocaraḥ | na ca tad-vyatirekteṇa; paro 'stīty advayā gatiḥ ||124||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Everywhere (sarvatra) [there is] Bhairava (bhairavaḥ | nom sg), the state of being (bhāvaḥ | nom sg); even (api) in ordinary [things] (sāmānyeṣu | loc pl) [he is] accessible (gocaraḥ | nom sg).
And (ca) [when it is known]: There is (asti | 3p sg act pres) no (na) other (paraḥ | nom sg m) apart from this (tad-vyatirekteṇa | ins sg n ppp), thus (iti) [this is] the nondual course (advayā gatiḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 125

samaḥ śatrau ca mitre ca; samo mānāvamānayoḥ | brahmaṇaḥ paripūrṇatvāt; iti jñātvā sukhī bhavet ||125||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Equal (samaḥ | nom sg m) [he should be] toward enemy (śatrau | loc sg) and (ca) friend (mitre | loc sg), and (ca) equal (samaḥ | nom sg m) in honor and dishonor (māna-avamānayoḥ | loc du).
Having known (jñātvā | abs) that (iti), because of the fullness (paripūrṇatvāt | abl sg) of Brahman (brahmaṇaḥ | gen sg), [all is complete], he may be (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) happy (sukhī | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 126

na dveṣam bhāvayet kvāpi; na rāgam bhāvayet kvacit | rāga-dveṣa-vinirmuktau; madhye brahma prasarpati ||126||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Nowhere (kvā api) should he cultivate (bhāvayet | 3p sg act caus opt) hatred (dveṣam | acc sg); nowhere (kvacit) should he cultivate (bhāvayet | 3p sg act caus opt) attachment (rāgam | acc sg).
In freedom from attachment and hatred (rāga-dveṣa-vinirmuktau | loc sg), in the middle (madhye | loc sg), Brahman (brahma | nom sg) spreads forth (prasarpati | 3p sg act pres).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 127

yad avedyaṃ yad agrāhyaṃ; yac chūnyaṃ yad abhāva-gam | tat sarvam bhairavam bhāvyaṃ; tad-ante bodha-sambhavaḥ ||127||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Whatever (yad | acc sg n) is unknowable (avedyam | acc sg n pfp), whatever (yad | acc sg n) is ungraspable (agrāhyam | acc sg n pfp), whatever (yad | acc sg n) is empty (śūnyam | acc sg n), whatever (yad | acc sg n) goes to nonbeing (abhāva-gam | acc sg n),
all that (tat sarvam | acc sg n) is to be brought to awareness (bhāvyam | acc sg n pfp) as Bhairava (bhairavam | acc sg n); at its end (tad-ante | loc sg) [there is] the arising of awakening (bodha-sambhavaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 128

nitye nirāśraye śūnye; vyāpake kalanojjhite | bāhyākāśe manaḥ kṛtvā; nirākāśaṃ samāviśet ||128||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having directed (kṛtvā | abs) the mind (manaḥ | acc sg) to the outer space (bāhya-ākāśe | loc sg), which is eternal (nitye | loc sg n), supportless (nirāśraye | loc sg n), empty (śūnye | loc sg n), all-pervading (vyāpake | loc sg n), and free of limitation (kalana-ujjhite | loc sg n ppp),
he may completely enter (samāviśet | 3p sg act opt) the non-space (nirākāśam | acc sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 129

yatra yatra mano yāti; tat tat tenaiva tat-kṣaṇam | parityajyānavasthityā; nistaraṅgas tato bhavet ||129||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Wherever (yatra yatra) the mind (manaḥ | nom sg) goes (yāti | 3p sg act pres), just that (tat tat | acc sg n), indeed (eva), by that very means (tena | ins sg), in that moment (tat-kṣaṇam | acc sg), he should completely abandon (parityajya | abs).
Through non-abiding (anavasthityā | ins sg), then (tataḥ), he may become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) waveless (nistaraṅgaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 130

bhayā sarvaṃ ravayati; sarvado vyāpako 'khile | iti bhairava-śabdasya; santatoccāraṇāc chivaḥ ||130||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Through radiance (bhayā | ins sg), he makes everything (sarvam | acc sg n) resound (ravayati | 3p sg act caus pres); [he is] giver of all (sarvadaḥ | nom sg m), all-pervading (vyāpakaḥ | nom sg m) in the whole (akhile | loc sg).
Thus (iti), through continual utterance (santata-uccāraṇāt | abl sg) of the word Bhairava (bhairava-śabdasya | gen sg), [one becomes] Śiva (śivaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 131

ahaṃ mamedam ity-ādi; pratipatti-prasaṅgataḥ | nirādhāre mano yāti; tad-dhyāna-preraṇāc chamī ||131||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

From the occasion (pratipatti-prasaṅgataḥ | abl sg) of an apprehension such as (ity-ādi) “I” (aham | nom sg), “mine” (mama | gen sg), “this” (idam | nom sg n),
the mind (manaḥ | nom sg) goes (yāti | 3p sg act pres) into the groundless (nirādhāre | loc sg); through the impulse of meditation on that (tad-dhyāna-preraṇāt | abl sg), [it becomes] peaceful (śamī | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 132

nityo vibhur nirādhāro; vyāpakaś cākhilādhipaḥ | śabdān pratikṣaṇaṃ dhyāyan; kṛtārtho 'rthānurūpataḥ ||132||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

“Eternal” (nityaḥ | nom sg m), “all-pervading” (vibhuḥ | nom sg m), “groundless” (nirādhāraḥ | nom sg m), “pervading” (vyāpakaḥ | nom sg m), and (ca) “Lord of the whole” (akhila-adhipaḥ | nom sg m):
whoever meditates (dhyāyan | nom sg m pca) on the words (śabdān | acc pl) every moment (pratikṣaṇam) becomes fulfilled (kṛtārthaḥ | nom sg m), according to their meaning (artha-anurūpataḥ | abl sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 133

atattvam indrajālābham; idaṃ sarvam avasthitam | kiṃ tattvam indrajālasya; iti dārḍhyāc chamaṃ vrajet ||133||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

All this (idaṃ sarvam | nom sg n) is without reality (atattvam | nom sg n), existing (avasthitam | nom sg n ppp) like an illusion (indrajāla-ābham | nom sg n).
“What reality (kiṃ tattvam | nom sg) does an illusion (indrajālasya | gen sg) have?” Thus (iti), through firmness [in this insight] (dārḍhyāt | abl sg), he may go (vrajet | 3p sg act opt) to peace (śamam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 134

ātmano nirvikārasya; kva jñānaṃ kva ca vā kriyā | jñānāyattā bahir-bhāvā; ataḥ śūnyam idaṃ jagat ||134||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Where (kva) [would there be] knowledge (jñānam | nom sg) of the unchanging self (ātmano nirvikārasya | gen sg), and where even (kva ca vā) action (kriyā | nom sg)?
The outer states (bahir-bhāvāḥ | nom pl) are dependent on knowledge (jñāna-āyattāḥ | nom pl m ppp); therefore (ataḥ), this world (idaṃ jagat | nom sg) [is] empty (śūnyam | nom sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 135

na me bandho na mokṣo me; bhītasyaitā vibhīṣikāḥ | pratibimbam idam buddher; jaleṣv iva vivasvataḥ ||135||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

For me (me | gen sg) [there is] no (na) bondage (bandhaḥ | nom sg) and no (na) liberation (mokṣaḥ | nom sg), for me (me | gen sg); these (etāḥ | nom pl f) [are] terrifying images (vibhīṣikāḥ | nom pl) for the fearful one (bhītasya | gen sg m ppp).
This (idam | nom sg n) [is] a reflection (pratibimbam | nom sg) of the buddhi (buddheḥ | gen sg), like (iva) [the reflection] of the sun (vivasvataḥ | gen sg) in waters (jaleṣu | loc pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 136

indriya-dvārakaṃ sarvaṃ; sukha-duḥkhādi-saṃgamam | itīndriyāṇi saṃtyajya; svasthaḥ svātmani vartate ||136||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Every contact with pleasure, pain, and so on (sarvaṃ sukha-duḥkha-ādi-saṃgamam | acc sg) [is] mediated through the gates of the senses (indriya-dvārakam | acc sg n).
Thus (iti), having completely abandoned (saṃtyajya | abs) the senses (indriyāṇi | acc pl), the one established in himself (svasthaḥ | nom sg m) abides (vartate | 3p sg med pres) in his own self (svātmani | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 137

jñāna-prakāśakaṃ sarvaṃ; sarveṇātmā prakāśakaḥ | ekam eka-svabhāvatvāt; jñānaṃ jñeyaṃ vibhāvyate ||137||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Everything (sarvam | nom sg n) is illuminator of knowledge (jñāna-prakāśakam | nom sg n), and through everything (sarveṇa | ins sg n) [the] self (ātmā | nom sg) is illuminating (prakāśakaḥ | nom sg m).
Because of sameness of nature (eka-svabhāvatvāt | abl sg), knowledge (jñānam | nom sg) and the knowable (jñeyam | nom sg n pfp) are contemplated (vibhāvyate | 3p sg pas pres) as one (ekam | nom sg n).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 138

mānasaṃ cetanā śaktir; ātmā ceti catuṣṭayam | yadā priye parikṣīṇaṃ; tadā tad bhairavaṃ vapuḥ ||138||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The mental (mānasaṃ | nom sg n), awareness (cetanā | nom sg), power (śaktiḥ | nom sg), and (ca) self (ātmā | nom sg) — this is (iti) the fourfold set (catuṣṭayam | nom sg).
When (yadā), O beloved (priye | voc sg), [this fourfold set] is exhausted (parikṣīṇam | nom sg n ppp), then (tadā) that (tad | nom sg n) [is] the Bhairava body-form (bhairavaṃ vapuḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 139

nistaraṅgopadeśānāṃ; śatam uktaṃ samāsataḥ | dvādaśābhyadhikaṃ devi; yaj jñātvā jñāna-vij janaḥ ||139||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Of the teachings of wavelessness (nistaraṅgopadeśānām | gen pl), one hundred (śatam | nom sg), exceeding by twelve (dvādaśa-abhyadhikam | nom sg n), have been taught (uktam | nom sg n ppp) in brief (samāsataḥ),
O Goddess (devi | voc sg). Having known (jñātvā | abs) this (yat | acc sg), one becomes a person skilled in knowledge (jñāna-vit janaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 140

atra caikatame yukto; jāyate bhairavaḥ svayam | vācā karoti karmāṇi; śāpānugraha-kārakaḥ ||140||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Here (atra), if [one] is joined (yuktaḥ | nom sg m ppp) even (ca) to just one of these [ways] (ekatame | loc sg), one becomes (jāyate | 3p sg med pres) Bhairava (bhairavaḥ | nom sg) himself (svayam).
Through speech (vācā | ins sg), he performs (karoti | 3p sg act pres) actions (karmāṇi | acc pl); [he is] maker of curse and blessing (śāpa-anugraha-kārakaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 141

ajarāmaratām eti; so 'ṇimādi-guṇānvitaḥ | yoginīnām priyo devi; sarva-melāpakādhipaḥ ||141||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

He (saḥ | nom sg m) attains (eti | 3p sg act pres) agelessness and deathlessness (ajara-amaratām | acc sg), endowed with the qualities such as Aṇimā and the rest (aṇimādi-guṇa-anvitaḥ | nom sg m ppp).
He [is] dear (priyaḥ | nom sg m) to the yoginīs (yoginīnām | gen pl), O Goddess (devi | voc sg), and Lord of all Melāpaka assemblies (sarva-melāpaka-adhipaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 142

jīvann api vimukto 'sau; kurvann api na lipyate | śrī devī uvāca | idaṃ yadi vapur deva; parāyāś ca maheśvara ||142||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker formula outside the metre

Even (api) while living (jīvan | nom sg m pca), this one (asau | nom sg m) is completely liberated (vimuktaḥ | nom sg m ppp); even (api) while acting (kurvan | nom sg m pca), he is not (na) bound (lipyate | 3p sg pas pres).
The venerable (śrī) Devī (devī | nom sg) said (uvāca | 3p sg act perf): If (yadi) this (idam | nom sg n), O God (deva | voc sg), is the essence-body (vapuḥ | nom sg) of the Supreme (parāyāḥ | gen sg), and (ca), O Maheśvara (maheśvara | voc sg) ...

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 143

evam-ukta-vyavasthāyāṃ; japyate ko japaś ca kaḥ | dhyāyate ko mahā-nātha; pūjyate kaś ca tṛpyati ||143||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

In this order thus taught (evam-ukta-vyavasthāyām | loc sg), who (kaḥ | nom sg m) is recited (japyate | 3p sg pas pres), and (ca) what (kaḥ | nom sg m) is japa (japaḥ | nom sg)?
Who (kaḥ | nom sg m), O great Lord (mahā-nātha | voc sg), is meditated on (dhyāyate | 3p sg pas pres), who (kaḥ | nom sg m) is worshiped (pūjyate | 3p sg pas pres), and (ca) who is satisfied (tṛpyati | 3p sg act pres)?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 144

hūyate kasya vā homo; yāgaḥ kasya ca kiṃ katham | śrī bhairava uvāca | eṣātra prakriyā bāhyā; sthūleṣv eva mṛgekṣaṇe ||144||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker formula outside the metre

To whom (kasya | gen sg) is offering made (hūyate | 3p sg pas pres), or (vā) [what is] the fire-offering (homaḥ | nom sg)? To whom (kasya | gen sg) [does] the sacrifice (yāgaḥ | nom sg) [belong], and (ca) what (kim | nom sg n), how (katham) [is it]?
The venerable (śrī) Bhairava (bhairava | nom sg) said (uvāca | 3p sg act perf): This (eṣā | nom sg f) procedure (prakriyā | nom sg) here (atra) is external (bāhyā | nom sg f), only (eva) in gross things (sthūleṣu | loc pl), O gazelle-eyed one (mṛga-īkṣaṇe | voc sg f).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 145

bhūyo bhūyaḥ pare bhāve; bhāvanā bhāvyate hi yā | japaḥ so 'tra svayaṃ nādo; mantrātmā japya īdṛśaḥ ||145||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Whatever meditation (yā bhāvanā | nom sg) is meditated on (bhāvyate | 3p sg pas pres) again and again (bhūyo bhūyaḥ) in the highest state (pare bhāve | loc sg), indeed (hi),
that (saḥ | nom sg m) is japa (japaḥ | nom sg) here (atra); the sound (nādaḥ | nom sg), [resounding] by itself (svayam), is mantra-essential (mantrātmā | nom sg), to be recited (japyaḥ | nom sg m pfp), and of such a kind (īdṛśaḥ | nom sg m).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 146

dhyānaṃ hi niścalā buddhir; nirākārā nirāśrayā | na tu dhyānaṃ śarīrākṣi;-mukha-hastādi-kalpanā ||146||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Meditation (dhyānam | nom sg) is indeed (hi) an unmoving buddhi (niścalā buddhiḥ | nom sg), formless (nirākārā | nom sg f) and supportless (nirāśrayā | nom sg f).
But (tu) meditation (dhyānam | nom sg) is not (na) the imagination of body, eyes, face, hands, and so on (śarīra-akṣi-mukha-hasta-ādi-kalpanā | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 147

pūjā nāma na puṣpādyair; yā matiḥ kriyate dṛḍhā | nirvikalpe mahā-vyomni; sā pūjā hy ādarāl layaḥ ||147||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Pūjā (pūjā | nom sg), so called (nāma), is not (na) [that done] with flowers and the like (puṣpa-ādyaiḥ | ins pl); rather, [it is] that insight (yā matiḥ | nom sg) which is made (kriyate | 3p sg pas pres) firm (dṛḍhā | nom sg f).
In the conception-free great space (nirvikalpe mahā-vyomni | loc sg), this (sā | nom sg f) pūjā (pūjā | nom sg) is indeed (hi), from devotion (ādarāt | abl sg), dissolution (layaḥ | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 148

atraikatama-yukti-sthe; yotpadyeta dinād dinam | bharitākāratā sātra; tṛptir atyanta-pūrṇatā ||148||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Whatever fullness-form (bharita-ākāratā | nom sg) may arise (utpadyeta | 3p sg med opt) here (atra), from day (dināt | abl sg) to day (dinam | acc sg), in one established in any one method (ekatama-yukti-sthe | loc sg m),
that (sā | nom sg f) is here (atra) satisfaction (tṛptiḥ | nom sg), the utmost fullness (atyanta-pūrṇatā | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 149

mahā-śūnyālaye vahnau; bhūtākṣa-viṣayādikam | hūyate manasā sārdhaṃ; sa homaś cetanā-srucā ||149||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Into the fire (vahnau | loc sg) of the altar of the great emptiness (mahā-śūnya-ālaye | loc sg), elements, senses, sense-objects, and the like (bhūta-akṣa-viṣaya-ādikam | acc sg n) are offered (hūyate | 3p sg pas pres) together with (sārdham) the mind (manasā | ins sg).
This (saḥ | nom sg m) is homa (homaḥ | nom sg), with the ladle of consciousness (cetanā-srucā | ins sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 150

yāgo 'tra parameśāni; tuṣṭir ānanda-lakṣaṇā | kṣapaṇāt sarva-pāpānāṃ; trāṇāt sarvasya pārvati ||150||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Yāga (yāgaḥ | nom sg) here (atra), O highest mistress (parameśāni | voc sg), is contentment (tuṣṭiḥ | nom sg), marked by bliss (ānanda-lakṣaṇā | nom sg f).
Through the destruction (kṣapaṇāt | abl sg) of all sins (sarva-pāpānām | gen pl) and through the protection (trāṇāt | abl sg) of everything (sarvasya | gen sg n), O Pārvatī (pārvati | voc sg), ...

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 151

rudra-śakti-samāveśas; tat kṣetram bhāvanā parā | anyathā tasya tattvasya; kā pūjā kāś ca tṛpyati ||151||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

The entry into Rudra's Śakti (rudra-śakti-samāveśaḥ | nom sg), that (tat | nom sg n) [is] the field (kṣetram | nom sg), [that is] the highest meditation (bhāvanā parā | nom sg).
Otherwise (anyathā), what pūjā (kā pūjā | nom sg) [could there be] for this reality (tasya tattvasya | gen sg), and (ca) what [instance] (kā | nom sg f) would be satisfied (tṛpyati | 3p sg act pres)?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 152

svatantrānanda-cin-mātra;-sāraḥ svātmā hi sarvataḥ | āveśanaṃ tat-svarūpe; svātmanaḥ snānam īritam ||152||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

One's own self (svātmā | nom sg) is indeed (hi) everywhere (sarvataḥ) the essence consisting only of freedom, bliss, and consciousness (svatantra-ānanda-cin-mātra-sāraḥ | nom sg).
The immersion (āveśanam | nom sg) of one's own self (svātmanaḥ | gen sg) in its own form (tat-svarūpe | loc sg) is taught (īritam | nom sg n ppp) as bathing (snānam | nom sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 153

yair eva pūjyate dravyais; tarpyate vā parāparaḥ | yaś caiva pūjakaḥ sarvaḥ; sa evaikaḥ kva pūjanam ||153||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

With whatever substances (yair dravyaiḥ | ins pl) indeed (eva) worship is performed (pūjyate | 3p sg pas pres), or (vā) [by which] the Parāpara (parāparaḥ | nom sg m) is satisfied (tarpyate | 3p sg pas pres),
and (ca) whatever worshiper (yaḥ pūjakaḥ | nom sg) [there is]: all (sarvaḥ | nom sg m) is indeed (eva) this one (sa ekaḥ | nom sg m). Where (kva) [could there be] worship (pūjanam | nom sg)?

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 154

vrajet prāṇo viśej jīva; icchayā kuṭilākṛtiḥ | dīrghātmā sā mahādevī; para-kṣetram parāparā ||154||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Prāṇa (prāṇaḥ | nom sg) may go out (vrajet | 3p sg act opt), jīva (jīvaḥ | nom sg) may enter (viśet | 3p sg act opt); through the will (icchayā | ins sg), [there arises] the curved form (kuṭila-ākṛtiḥ | nom sg).
This (sā | nom sg f) Mahādevī (mahādevī | nom sg) has an extended essence (dīrgha-ātmā | nom sg), [she is] the highest field (para-kṣetram | nom sg), transcendent and immanent (parāparā | nom sg f).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 155

asyām anucaran tiṣṭhan; mahānandamaye 'dhvare | tayā devyā samāviṣṭaḥ; param bhairavam āpnuyāt ||155||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Following (anucaran | nom sg m pca) and abiding (tiṣṭhan | nom sg m pca) in her (asyām | loc sg f), in the sacrificial path made of great bliss (mahā-ānandamaye adhvare | loc sg),
pervaded (samāviṣṭaḥ | nom sg m ppp) by this Goddess (tayā devyā | ins sg), he may attain (āpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt) the highest Bhairava (param bhairavam | acc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 156

ṣaṭ-śatāni divā rātrau; sahasrāṇy eka-viṃśatiḥ | japo devyāḥ samuddiṣṭaḥ; sulabho durlabho jaḍaiḥ ||156||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Six hundred (ṣaṭ-śatāni | nom pl) [and] twenty-one (eka-viṃśatiḥ | nom sg) thousand (sahasrāṇi | nom pl) [occur] by day (divā) and by night (rātrau | loc sg).
The japa (japaḥ | nom sg) of the Devī (devyāḥ | gen sg) is thus taught (samuddiṣṭaḥ | nom sg m ppp): easy to attain (sulabhaḥ | nom sg m), [yet] difficult to attain (durlabhaḥ | nom sg m) for the dull (jaḍaiḥ | ins pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 157

ity etat kathitaṃ devi; paramāmṛtam uttamam | etac ca naiva kasyāpi; prakāśyaṃ tu kadācana ||157||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Thus (iti) this (etat | nom sg n), O Goddess (devi | voc sg), has been taught (kathitam | nom sg n ppp) as the highest, supreme nectar (parama-amṛtam uttamam | nom sg).
And (ca) this (etat | nom sg n) is by no means (na eva) ever (kadācana) to be made public (prakāśyam | nom sg n pfp), even (api) to anyone (kasya | gen sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 158

para-śiṣye khale krūre; abhakte guru-pādayoḥ | nirvikalpa-matīnāṃ tu; vīrāṇām unnatātmanām ||158||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

[This knowledge is not to be revealed] to a disciple of another [teaching] (para-śiṣye | loc sg), to a base person (khale | loc sg), to a cruel one (krūre | loc sg), to one not devoted (abhakte | loc sg) to the two feet of the Guru (guru-pādayoḥ | loc du).
But (tu) [it belongs] to the heroes (vīrāṇām | gen pl) of uplifted soul (unnatātmanām | gen pl), whose minds are free of conceptions (nirvikalpa-matīnām | gen pl).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 159

bhaktānāṃ guru-vargasya; dātavyaṃ nirviśaṅkayā | grāmo rājyam puraṃ deśaḥ; putra-dāra-kuṭumbakam ||159||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

To the devoted ones (bhaktānām | gen pl) of the line of Gurus (guru-vargasya | gen sg), it is to be given (dātavyam | nom sg n pfp) without hesitation (nirviśaṅkayā | ins sg).
Village (grāmaḥ | nom sg), kingdom (rājyam | nom sg), city (puram | nom sg), land (deśaḥ | nom sg), son, wife, and household (putra-dāra-kuṭumbakam | nom sg) [are to be given up].

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 160

sarvam etat parityajya; grāhyam etan mṛgekṣaṇe | kim ebhir asthirair devi; sthiram param idaṃ dhanam | prāṇā api pradātavyā; na deyaṃ paramāmṛtam ||160||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

Having abandoned (parityajya | abs) all this (sarvam etat | nom sg n), this (etat | nom sg n) is to be grasped (grāhyam | nom sg n pfp), O gazelle-eyed one (mṛga-īkṣaṇe | voc sg f).
What [use] (kim | nom sg n) [is there] with these unstable things (ebhir asthiraiḥ | ins pl), O Goddess (devi | voc sg)? This highest treasure (idaṃ param dhanam | nom sg) is lasting (sthiram | nom sg n).
Even (api) the life-breaths (prāṇāḥ | nom pl) are to be given (pradātavyāḥ | nom pl m pfp), [but] the highest nectar (parama-amṛtam | nom sg n) is not (na) to be given (deyam | nom sg n pfp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 161

śrī devī uvāca | deva-deva mahādeva; paritṛptāsmi śaṅkara | rudra-yāmala-tantrasya; sāram adyāvadhāritam ||161||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker formula outside the metre

The venerable (śrī) Devī (devī | nom sg) said (uvāca | 3p sg act perf):
O God of gods (deva-deva | voc sg), O Mahādeva (mahādeva | voc sg), I am (asmi | 1p sg act pres) completely satisfied (paritṛptā | nom sg f ppp), O Śaṅkara (śaṅkara | voc sg).
The essence (sāram | nom sg) of the Rudrayāmala-Tantra (rudra-yāmala-tantrasya | gen sg) has today (adya) certainly been understood (avadhāritam | nom sg n ppp).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra 162

sarva-śakti-prabhedānāṃ; hṛdayaṃ jñātam adya ca | ity uktvānanditā devī; kaṇṭhe lagnā śivasya tu ||162||

Metre: Anuṣṭubh

And (ca) the heart (hṛdayam | nom sg) of all differentiations of the Śaktis (sarva-śakti-prabhedānām | gen pl) has today (adya) been known (jñātam | nom sg n ppp).
Having spoken (uktvā | abs) thus (iti), the delighted Goddess (ānanditā devī | nom sg) was (tu) clinging (lagnā | nom sg f ppp) to Śiva's (śivasya | gen sg) neck (kaṇṭhe | loc sg).

Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal