The Sutra
"At the start of sneezing, during fright, in anxiety, above a chasm, flying in battle, in extreme curiosity, at the beginning of hunger, at the end of hunger, be uninterruptedly aware."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
Life constantly presents moments of sudden intensity - a sneeze, a shock, extreme hunger, standing at the edge of a cliff. In these moments, the mind stops for a split second. Normal thinking is interrupted. This technique harnesses these gaps. At the very START of any intense experience, before the mind can label it, there is pure awareness. Catch it.
Original Sanskrit
क्षुतादौ भयसन्तापे गह्वरे वा रणाद्द्रुते ।
kshutaadau bhayasantaape gahvare vaa ranaaddhrute |
Vijnanabhairava Verse 87 (Technique 64 of 112)
How to Practice
Notice moments when something suddenly interrupts your normal mind - a sneeze coming, a sudden fright, extreme hunger or its satisfaction.
At the very START of the experience, before thought labels it, be aware.
A sneeze is especially useful: just before it happens, there is a moment of total blankness. Catch that gap.
With fright: the moment before you react, there is pure awareness. Stay there.
At the edge of a height: the vertigo contains a moment of no-thought. That is the door.
Practice with any sudden intense experience. The beginning is the key, not the experience itself.
Duration
Spontaneous moments
Best Time
Whenever sudden experiences arise
Related Techniques
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