The Sutra
"As a hen mothers her chicks, mother particular knowings, particular doings, in reality."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
A hen mothers her chicks - she watches over them with warm attention, not controlling but caring. Do the same with your experiences. Mother your particular knowings and doings. When you eat, mother that eating with warm attention. When you work, mother that working with gentle awareness. Not controlling, not judging, just warmly attending. This mothering quality transforms every experience into meditation.
Original Sanskrit
विचारयन्ति यं यं तु तत्तत्तत्त्वं प्रकाशते ॥
vichaarayanti yam yam tu tattattattvam prakaashate ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 108 (Technique 85 of 112)
How to Practice
Choose any ordinary activity - eating, walking, working, conversing.
Bring to it the quality of a mother watching her child - warm, attentive, caring, not controlling.
Mother your thoughts. When a thought arises, attend to it warmly - "Yes, I see you" - then let it play.
Mother your actions. When you do something, give it your full warm attention without being rigid about it.
Mother your feelings. When emotions arise, do not judge or suppress - attend to them with care.
This quality of warm, motherly attention to each particular experience is a profound meditation that transforms ordinary life into sacred awareness.
Duration
Continuous throughout activities
Best Time
All day - during all activities
Related Techniques
Begin Your Meditation Journey
Receive a 7-day dharana practice guide and weekly meditation teachings
Free 7-day practice guide delivered to your inbox
Discover Which Bhairava Guides Your Path
Take the free 2-minute Ashta Bhairava Quiz to find your guiding form
Take the Quiz