The Sutra
"Each thing is perceived through knowing. The self shines in space through knowing. Perceive one being as knower and known."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
In every act of perception there are three elements: the knower, the knowing, and the known. A flower (known) is experienced through seeing (knowing) by you (knower). This technique says: perceive all three as one being. The knower, the process of knowing, and the known object are not separate. They are one consciousness appearing as three. When this is realized, the self shines in space - luminous, undivided, complete.
Original Sanskrit
ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं च ज्ञातारं त्रितयं वा विभावयेत् ॥
jnaanam jneyam cha jnaataaram tritayam vaa vibhaavayet ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 104 (Technique 81 of 112)
How to Practice
Look at any object. Notice the three elements: you (knower), the act of seeing (knowing), the object (known).
Usually these feel separate: I am here, the seeing happens, the object is there.
Now try to feel all three as one continuous movement of consciousness.
The object is consciousness. The seeing is consciousness. The seer is consciousness. One being.
Drop the distinctions between subject and object. Let the knowing field be one.
In this non-dual perception, the self shines in space - not as a separate entity, but as the total field of knowing.
Duration
20-30 minutes
Best Time
Any time of deep contemplation
Related Techniques
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