1. Overview of the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra The Vigyan Bhairav Tantra (विज्ञान भैरव तंत्र) is one of the most ancient and revered texts in the Tantric and Kashmir Shaivism traditions. Unlike the common Western misconception of Tantra as solely sexual practice, this text is a purely meditative and philosophical scripture. It is structured as a dialogue between the deity Shiva (Bhairav) and his consort Devi (Shakti), wherein Shiva reveals 112 meditation techniques (dharanas) to attain self-realization, liberation, or heightened consciousness.