107. Mediation for Bliss

The pineal gland is a pea-sized, pinecone-shaped organ situated at the centre of the brain, directly behind the middle of two eyebrows. Physiologically it produces neurotransmitters melatonin and serotonin that are responsible for the sleep cycles as well as moods, respectively. It is also referred to as the ‘third eye’ as it contains photoreceptors like normal physical eyes.

Various cultures have described it in different ways such as the seat of the soul; responsible for spiritual enlightenment; a sixth sense which sees beyond what the five senses can see; a symbol of spiritual awakening; a connection between the physical and spiritual world. In the Indian context, the space between the eyebrows is called Agya Chakra and represents the pineal gland.

This background will help us understand Krishna’s method to control senses and mind when he says, “Shutting out all thoughts of external enjoyment, with the gaze fixed on the space between the eye-brows, equalizing the flow of the incoming and outgoing breath in the nostrils, and thus controlling the senses, mind and intellect, the sage who becomes free from desire and fear, is liberated forever” (5.27-5.28). This is a method or technique offered by the Lord to Arjuna to help him control his senses, mind and intellect.

Vigyaan Bhairav Tantra contains 112 such methods given by Lord Shiva and one such technique says, “Concentrate without thoughts on a point between the eyebrows. The Divine Energy breaks out and rises above to the crown of the head, immediately filling one completely with her ecstasy.”

Pain is an automatic tool to bring our attention to the injured areas, and this helps us in survival. Similarly, it is bringing conscious attention to the area between the eyebrows to activate the pineal gland, and this activation will fill us with internal ecstasy without the help of any senses.