The Sutra
"Kind Devi, enter etheric presence pervading far above and below your form."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
Shiva addresses Devi with tenderness - "Kind Devi." Then the instruction: Feel the etheric presence that extends far above and below your physical body. You are not limited to this physical form. Your energetic presence extends infinitely upward into the sky and downward into the earth. Feel this extension. Your body is just the densest center of a vast field of presence.
Original Sanskrit
तत्त्वतो यत् परं तत्त्वम् अनुत्तरम् इदम् प्रभुः ॥
tattvato yat param tattvam anuttaram idam prabhuh ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 92 (Technique 69 of 112)
How to Practice
Stand or sit with spine straight. Feel your physical body clearly.
Now sense the space just around your body - a few inches out. Feel the subtle presence there.
Gradually expand this feeling upward, above your head. Feel your presence extending toward the sky.
Then extend downward, below your feet, deep into the earth.
Keep expanding in both directions. Your physical body is the center, but your etheric presence has no limit.
Rest in this vast vertical presence - you are a column of awareness connecting earth to sky.
Duration
20-30 minutes
Best Time
Dawn or twilight
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