Each Particular Perception Is Limited - Omniscience
निर्निमित्तम् भवेज् ज्ञानं निराधारम् भ्रमात्मकम् । तत्त्वतः कस्यचिन् नैतद् एवम्भावी शिवः प्रिये ॥
nirnimittam bhavej jñānaṃ nirādhāram bhramātmakam | tattvataḥ kasyacin naitad evambhāvī śivaḥ priye ||
VBT Verse 99
The Sutra
"Each particular perception is limited, disappearing. Omniscience."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
Every perception comes and goes. You see a flower - that perception arises and passes. You hear a sound - it comes and goes. Every single particular perception is limited and disappearing. But something KNOWS this disappearing. Something is aware of the coming and going. That something is omniscience - unlimited awareness that witnesses all limited perceptions. Perceive the perceiver, and you find omniscience.
Original Sanskrit
निर्निमित्तम् भवेज् ज्ञानं निराधारम् भ्रमात्मकम् । तत्त्वतः कस्यचिन् नैतद् एवम्भावी शिवः प्रिये ॥
nirnimittam bhavej jñānaṃ nirādhāram bhramātmakam | tattvataḥ kasyacin naitad evambhāvī śivaḥ priye ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 99 (Technique 87 of 112)
How to Practice
Sit quietly and notice perceptions arising and passing - sounds, physical sensations, thoughts, visual impressions.
Recognize: each one is limited. It comes, stays briefly, then disappears.
Do not hold onto any perception. Let each one come and go freely.
After watching many perceptions arise and disappear, ask: what is the one thing that does NOT disappear?
The awareness that watches all perceptions come and go - it is always present. It is not limited.
Rest as this unlimited awareness - the omniscience that witnesses all limited perceptions without being limited itself.
Duration
20-30 minutes
Best Time
Any quiet time for contemplation
Related Techniques
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