At the Edge of a Deep Well - Wondrousness
तनूनां कालभेदेन परिणामापरं मतम् । स्वबुद्ध्या सततं शैवं ध्यायन्शैवो जनः क्रमात् ॥
tanoonam kalabhedena parinamaparam matam | svabuddhya satatam shaivam dhyayanshivo janah kramat ||
VBT Verse 58
The Sutra
"At the edge of a deep well look steadily into its depths until - the wondrousness."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
Stand at the edge of a deep well (or any deep opening) and look steadily into its depths. The depth pulls your awareness downward. Fear and fascination merge. The mind, drawn into the bottomless dark, loses its grip on the familiar. What arises is "wondrousness" - a state beyond thought where the mystery of existence reveals itself.
Original Sanskrit
तनूनां कालभेदेन परिणामापरं मतम् । स्वबुद्ध्या सततं शैवं ध्यायन्शैवो जनः क्रमात् ॥
tanoonam kalabhedena parinamaparam matam | svabuddhya satatam shaivam dhyayanshivo janah kramat ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 58 (Technique 35 of 112)
How to Practice
Find a deep well, cliff edge, deep pool, or any place with visible depth. (Practice safely!)
Stand at the edge and look steadily downward into the depths.
Let your gaze go deeper and deeper. Do not resist the pull.
The depth creates a natural fascination - the mind becomes one-pointed without effort.
Fear may arise. Let it be there without reacting. It sharpens awareness.
As the mind dissolves into depth, wondrousness arises - a wordless awe at the mystery of existence.
Duration
5-10 minutes
Best Time
Any time the opportunity arises
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