Hour 40 Meditation – Bindu Awareness and Shambhavi Mudra
Bindu Awareness and Shambhavi Mudra
Overview: The Divine Eye Within
The inner and outer dualities dissolve at a point of convergence in the silence of meditation. The Bindu, the minuscule dot from which the universe emanates and ultimately returns, is this point.
We are awakened to this mystical point by the ancient yogic gesture of inner gazing, known as Shambhavi Mudra. It is a doorway to the Self beyond self, a bridge to higher states of consciousness, and a gateway to trance-like awareness.
Shambhavi Mudra: What is it?
In the gaze-centered yoga technique known as Shambhavi Mudra, the practitioner fixes their attention on the Ajna Chakra, or midbrow point, without putting undue strain on their eyes.
“The yogi achieves the highest state of Shiva when the mind and prana are absorbed in the Bindu through the gaze.” — Pradipika Hatha Yoga
Dissolving the ego and activating the third eye is a psycho-spiritual technique rather than just a physical one.
Comprehending the Bindu: The Origin
| Symbolism | Description |
| Source of Creation | All sound, light, and form arise from the Bindu |
| Ajna Chakra Center | The seat of intuitive perception and divine insight |
| Lalita Chakra | In tantric yoga, Bindu is the essence of nectar or Amrita |
| Nada Bindu | Union of inner sound and inner light—gateway to enlightenment |
The meeting place of the seen and the seer, the meditator and the meditated, is thought to be Bindu’s awareness.
How to Perform Shambhavi Mudra
Get ready by sitting in Padmasana, Siddhasana, or any other stable position.
Maintain a straight spine, relaxed shoulders, and a soft jaw.
Place your hands on your knees in the Jnana Mudra.
The Mudra Method:
Take Action
1. Gently close your eyes and inhale deeply a few times.
2. Open the eyes halfway now, slowly. Maintain a relaxed gaze.
3. Focus your attention—not strain—on the Ajna Chakra, which is located halfway between the eyebrows.
4.Maintain a steady gaze, as if peering through the brow inward.
5 Maintain inner witnessing of the sensation at the Bindu while keeping the body motionless.
Length: Practice for 3–5 minutes, then work your way up to 15–20 minutes.
After releasing the mudra, always observe your breath and remain silent.
Important Practice Notes
| Aspect | Caution or Tip |
| Eye Strain | Never force or cross the eyes; the focus is internal, not muscular. |
| Mental Distraction | Use breath or mantra (like SOHAM) if thoughts arise. |
| Emotional Release | Some may experience tears, visions, or energetic sensations—observe without attachment. |
| Contraindications | Avoid if prone to migraines, high blood pressure, or severe anxiety—unless under expert guidance. |
Energetic and psychic effects
Engaging in Shambhavi Mudra exercises:
| Center | Effect |
| Ajna Chakra | Enhances clarity, intuition, and psychic vision |
| Sahasrara Chakra | Opens access to transcendental awareness |
| Third Eye | Deepens insight and ability to witness thoughts |
| Kundalini | Assists in the upward movement of energy from Muladhara |
Shambhavi in the Yogic Text Reference
According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika (4.36–37), Samadhi can be attained through Shambhavi Mudra.
Shiva Samhita (5.72) advises looking at the Bindu to become one with the highest light.
The technique of inner fixation leading to blissful awareness is mentioned in the Vigyan Bhairava Tantra.
According to Osho’s commentary, it is the “divine gesture of Shiva’s own trance.”
The Significance of Shambhavi Mudra
Shambhavi = Belonging to the auspicious one, Shiva or Shambhu
The mudra represents the inner smile and consciousness’s observing gaze.
It is the cyclone’s stillness, the eye’s seer.
The Inconspicuous Advantages of Shambhavi Mudra
Mental, spiritual, and physical:
- bolsters the optic nerves
- improves memory and focus
- Ajna Chakra Awakening
- enhances the balance of hormones
- lessens mental chatter
- Activates the inner senses
- relieves headaches caused by tension
- increases one-pointed awareness and facilitates access to Turiya state
- increases the relaxation of the face
- dissolves ego identity and encourages calm and stillness
Bindu and Shambhavi in Tantric Meditation
The Bindu is more than just a point in the Sri Vidya and Kundalini Tantra systems; it is:
The origin of form and sound
Amrita’s (the nectar of immortality) origin
The point where Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna nadis converge
All deities emerge from the inner yantra’s center.
As a result, using Shambhavi to meditate on Bindu turns into a full tantric ritual.
Combining Other Methods
Effect of Combined Practice:
- Japa + Shambhavi
- While looking, mentally recite the mantra (OM or Soham).
- Trataka + Shambhavi
- Gaze at the candles first, then take in the Bindu
- Pranayama + Shambhavi
- For increased stillness, practice after Nadi Shodhana.
- Antar Mouna + Shambhavi
- Incorporate inner witnessing to cultivate silence.
Reflective Questions
How does it feel to look expectantly into the Bindu?
During this mudra, do I notice a change in awareness from “doing” to “being”?
Is the subtle energy rising through my spine something I’m aware of?
What distinguishes Shambhavi’s inner seeing from ordinary looking?
Even after the practice is over, is it okay for me to take a nap in the area behind the gaze?
Final Thought: The Eye That Perceives the Invisible
A portal opens when the eyes focus inward and land on the eternal dot, leading to the mystical world within rather than the outside world.
Through the practice of Shambhavi Mudra, we come to understand that true vision is entirely dependent on presence and has nothing to do with the eyes.
We don’t search anymore.
We no longer make an effort.
We just become the object of the gaze.
We transform into the Bindu.
And the entire cosmos throbs in silence at that hallowed still point.