The Sutra
"With your entire consciousness in the very start of desire, of knowing, know."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
Every desire has a beginning - a first spark before it becomes a full flame. Every act of knowing has a start - a first stirring before it becomes a thought. This technique says: place your entire consciousness at that very first instant. Not in the middle or end of desire, but at its birth. Not in the completed knowledge, but in the moment knowing begins. At the very start, before anything has formed, pure consciousness is revealed.
Original Sanskrit
आनन्दभरितस्तद्वत्प्राणक्षय इवात्मनः ।
aanandabharitastadvatpraanakshaya ivaatmanah |
Vijnanabhairava Verse 127 (Technique 104 of 112)
How to Practice
Watch your inner world carefully for the arising of any desire or thought.
The moment a desire begins to stir - before it has a name, before it has an object - catch that instant.
Place your entire consciousness there. Not partial attention, but your WHOLE being at that starting point.
Similarly with knowing: when understanding begins to dawn, catch the very first moment of its arising.
At the start, before desire or knowing take shape, there is pure energy, pure potential. Rest there.
In that starting point, consciousness meets itself. The one who knows and the knowing are not yet separate. This is the knowing beyond knowledge.
Duration
20-30 minutes
Best Time
Morning meditation or quiet contemplation
Related Techniques
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