Vajra (Tib. dorje; thunderbolt, lightning) Meditation is a stilled and peaceful state of mind, without any obstacles to concentration, settled single-pointedly on one object. Vajra Meditation has the associated mental factor of physical and mental pliability (Tib. shin jang), which is serenely exhilarating and blissful. Vajra meditation leads to the non-dual perception of empty form and bliss.
In a dark space, place a dark-blue blindfold over the eyes, reciting: “I cover my eyes with the blindfold of withdrawal, that I may see the luminous Empty Forms of Truth.”
Bring the attention to the center of the forehead. Avoid external and internal stimulation, and turn the attention within. Gently direct the gaze to the space directly in front and slightly above the forehead. In Vajra Meditation, the concentration is not ‘inside’ or ‘on’ a point in the body, but rather a hand span-beyond the forehead. Avoid tension on the eyes or forehead. Gentle, loving, steady concentration is required. By continuously looking into this space, one will eventually gaze into infinite space.
The Vajra Yoga masters understood the fleeting nature of the mind, which prevents us from experiencing the luminous Empty Forms. The mind can be tamed gradually, not by force, but through mantra recitation. Mantra recitation is the key that helps us transcend sensorial distraction and conceptual thought. We select a mantra according to temperament and predispositions.
- For those seeking or requiring purification: om vajrasattva hum
- For those seeking or requiring protection: om tare tuttare ture so’ha
- For those seeking or requiring non-referential bliss: om ah hum ho ham ksha
- For those seeking or requiring to develop compassion: om mani peme hum
- For those seeking Pure Land birth for themselves and others: om amideva hrih
- For those seeking or requiring non-dual wisdom: tadyatha om gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi so’ha
Mentally recite the mantra and lovingly gazing into the space in front, which will develop into concentration on the inner light. Recitation is continuous. Breathing is natural and free, without willful control or modification. It goes on by itself. Any strenuous effort will only interfere with the process, for it creates resistance to the natural flow of meditation. Reciting the mantra and gazing is all that is needed. Eventually we experience the withdrawal of the sensory currents and feel numbness set in, and gather at the center of the forehead.
While concentrating on the space a hand-span in front and slightly above the forehead, darkness will fade and Light will emerge. Is best to gaze at the middle of whatever lights or forms appear, and continue reciting silently, slowly, and softly, so as not to disturb the gaze. We may see lights of various color; red, blue, green, yellow, white, or flashes of light, or we may see smoke, fireflies, or various other signs. It is important to not be diverted by these initial sights, but to continue reciting the mantra, and gazing. Eventually, with practice, we will see the luminous Empty Forms.
Great Middle Way 