The Vijnana Bhairava is one of the most important Tantras of Kashmir Shaivism as far as the practical aspect of yoga of this school is concerned. It teaches 112 dharanas or ways of centring awareness and entering divine consciousness, which include ordinary and extraordinary experiences, as well as tantric methods of spiritual practice such as Kundalini, mantra and mudra. This ancient text is of great relevance for a spirituality of our times which has to integrate all aspects of life.

The present edition, translation and commentary is unique since it contains the oral teaching of the last great master of the Kashmir Shaiva tradition, Swami Lakshman Joo. In his explanation of the dharanas he gives the deep significance and practical application of various methods of yoga which give direct access to states of higher consciousness.