Written references to the Vignana Bhairava Tantra  date from about 700 - 800 AD, but it is considered to  be much older, most likely coming from an oral  tradition in Southern India that stretches back into the  dim mists of time. The Tantra contains 163 verses,  written in the ancient energy-based language of  Sanskrit, of which 112 are called Dharanas or  Centering Techniques. The Sanskrit word Vignana means Consciousness  and Bhairava describes the three-fold universal divine aspect of Shiva. Vignana Bhairava therefore means  Universal Divine Consciousness and the 112  Dharanas contain precise instructions on how to  contact this transcendental level of the mind. The Tantra takes the form of a conversation between  Shiva and his consort Parvati, who asks Shiva to  reveal the various ways to Self Realization. In his  answer Shiva describes 112 ways to enter into the  universal and transcendental state of pure  consciousness. In Sanskrit this is called the state of  Samadhi.  We became aware of the Vignana Bhairava Tantra  about 3 years ago and started studying the verses in  depth at the beginning of this year, using the works of  Swami Lakshmanjoo and Jiadeva Singh to bring out  the most accurate translation and instruction for each  Dharana. Since then we have experimented with only 12 of  these Dharanas and have been amazed by the  results. Practising just one or two Dharanas after our  regular daily meditations has produced effects far  beyond our expectations and thoroughly enriched our  lives. So much so that we decided to set up 3  Workshops at the Coronation Hall in Alton Barnes this  summer to share these little known techniques with  anyone who is interested in raising their own level  consciousness to new heights.
Experience in deep meditation has shown us that this  transcendental state of pure consciousness or  Samadhi is found at the source of thought itself. Every thought we have comes from this peaceful,  silent level of the mind, rising like bubbles through the  subconscious until they burst onto the conscious level  of the mind as perceived thoughts. During each Workshop we will be teaching you a  superb meditation technique from the first Dharana of  the Tantra, which will help settle the mind down to this  silent level of pure consciousness. The technique  uses a combination of breath awareness attached to  particular sound vibrations and visualisation of two  subtle energy centres. Using the experience gained from this meditation  technique we will then practice a number of other  Dharanas which will cover various techniques  associated with:-   Empty Space of the Sushumna Nadi  Shakti Energy of the 7 Chakras Inner Light of the Cranium Prana Shakti of the Third Eye Curled Tongue Mudra The Internal Space of the Heart Lotus Dvadashanta Energy Centres Omnipresence We will break for refreshments about half-way through  the Workshop and after practicing the last Dharana we will teach you how to pronounce and chant a number  of Sanskrit Mantras, which can be used to improve  your daily experience of life on all levels. The entrance fee (in cash) will be taken at the door. Please confirm  your intention to attend. Email: samadhiworkshop@yahoo.co.uk  Stuart Dike: 07805 410 606 Dave Tarr: 07818 068 753
SAMADHI MEDITATION WORKSHOP CALENDAR VENUE : AVEBURY SOCIAL CENTRE, HIGH STREET, AVEBURY, WILTSHIRE. SN8 1RF. WORKSHOP: SUNDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 2012. 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. COURSE FEE: £20.00 THERE WILL BE WORKSHOPS IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER - DATES AND TIMES TO   BE CONFIRMED