Inventory of Tantric Texts as illustrations of the Path of Inner Yoga via Phosphene Meditations: an introduction

/ Jan

For exploring the essence of the path of light yoga through phosphene meditations and its connection to sacred geometry in the tantric tradition, I recommend the “Meru Tantra” and the other “Mathematical/Geometrical Tantra” traditions found within Sri Vidya and Kashmir Shaivism. (The term Mathematical Tantra is not an established category in traditional tantra but is a way to highlight the mathematical and geometric aspects inherent in tantric practices.)

Here’s a number of classical Vedic and Meditative texts and why these texts are significant:

1. The Meru Tantra

The Meru Tantra is a key text in the Sri Vidya tradition that focuses on the worship of the Sri Yantra, the ultimate symbol of sacred geometry. This yantra consists of nine interlocking triangles, creating a pattern of 43 smaller triangles, often perceived as a representation of the cosmos and the human body. The Meru Tantra offers instructions on meditating upon the yantra, including visualizing it as a three-dimensional Meru Mountain structure.

Relevance to Phosphene Meditation:

  • When practicing dhyana (meditation), practitioners often visualize the Sri Yantra’s geometric patterns with their eyes closed.
  • The natural phosphene-like geometrical forms (grids, spirals, dots) that appear during meditation align closely with the yantra’s structure. The Meru Tantra encourages concentrating on these light patterns as a bridge between the inner and outer cosmos.

2. The Spanda Kārikās (Shaiva Tantra)

The Spanda Kārikās, a seminal text in Kashmir Shaivism, revolves around the principle of spanda—the subtle vibration or pulsation of universal consciousness. This text emphasizes that all creation arises from the dynamic interplay of light and energy within consciousness.

Relevance to Phosphene Meditation:

  • The vibratory nature of spanda is often experienced as flickering or pulsating light during meditation, resembling phosphene phenomena.
  • The Spanda Kārikās describe focusing on inner light and subtle vibrations as a direct path to realizing Paramashiva (the supreme consciousness).

3. Vijnana Bhairava Tantra

This text, one of the most esoteric in the Shaiva tradition, contains 112 dharanas (meditative techniques), many of which involve focusing on light, darkness, and internal visions. Techniques like gazing into light or meditating on the space behind closed eyes directly connect to phosphene phenomena.

Key Verses for Phosphenes:

  • Verse 30: Meditating on the inner light arising spontaneously.
  • Verse 49: Focusing on flickering lights or darkness to dissolve duality and realize the infinite.

This text bridges the physiological experience of phosphene-like light with the spiritual realization of non-duality.

4. The Saundaryalahari

As discussed earlier, the Saundaryalahari integrates tantric yantras and kundalini practices, highlighting visualizations of sacred patterns and light during meditation. It emphasizes aligning with Tripurasundari, the embodiment of light and beauty, through meditating on yantras and luminous phenomena.

5. Shyamaladandakam

The Shyamaladandakam, a hymn dedicated to Devi Shyama (Kali or Saraswati), incorporates meditative practices involving light and geometry. It invites practitioners to visualize mandalas and focus on the light of the bindu, the central point of yantras. This point of light is sometimes the first to happen during a phosphene meditation, quickly or slowly enhancing in shape and becoming a real portal towards more light!

What kind of practices we can distilate from these texts?

To integrate phosphene meditation with the tantric path of light yoga:

  1. Sri Yantra Visualization (Meru Tantra):
    Visualize the yantra’s concentric triangles and lotus petals during meditation, aligning inner light phenomena with sacred geometry.
  2. Meditating on Spanda (Spanda Kārikās):
    Focus on the pulsation of light or vibration felt within the body and mind, using phosphene patterns as a meditative anchor.
  3. Inner Light Practices (Vijnana Bhairava Tantra):
    Meditate on the light or patterns that naturally arise behind closed eyes, letting them guide you into a deeper state of awareness.
  4. Yantra Gazing (Saundaryalahari):
    Gaze at a physical or visualized yantra until its image is imprinted, then close your eyes and meditate on the afterimage as a luminous phosphene-like field.

Why These Texts Work for Phosphene Meditation

The tantric path sees all phenomena—internal or external—as tools for realization. Phosphenes, experienced as patterns of light and energy, naturally align with the sacred geometry and vibrational principles detailed in these texts. These texts teach that the light we see in meditation is a manifestation of our inner Shakti, guiding us toward the union of the individual self with the universal consciousness. Explore the inner light path, you will be amazed!

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