The Sutra
"As, subjectively, letters flow into words and words into sentences, and as, objectively, circles flow into worlds and worlds into principles, find at last these converging in our being."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
This technique reveals a profound parallel between inner and outer reality. Subjectively, letters combine into words, and words into sentences - small units flowing into larger meanings. Objectively, circles (atoms, cells) combine into worlds, and worlds into universal principles. Both streams - the inner world of language and the outer world of matter - converge in our being. We are the meeting point where subjective and objective become one. Find this convergence, and duality dissolves.
Original Sanskrit
यावद् इच्छा निकालं यत् ज्ञानमात्रात्मकं ततः ।
yaavad icchaa nikaalam yat jnaanamaatmaatmakam tatah |
Vijnanabhairava Verse 129 (Technique 106 of 112)
How to Practice
Consider how letters, meaningless alone, flow into meaningful words. Words flow into sentences that carry understanding.
See this as an inner, subjective process: small units of consciousness combining into larger wholes.
Now consider the outer world: circles (atoms) combine into molecules, molecules into cells, cells into bodies, bodies into worlds, worlds into cosmic principles.
See both processes happening simultaneously - the inner flow of meaning and the outer flow of form.
Now find where these two streams converge. They meet in your being. You are where subjective and objective unite.
Rest in this convergence point. You are not the inner alone, not the outer alone, but the being where all streams meet.
Duration
20-35 minutes
Best Time
Contemplative periods - morning or evening
Related Techniques
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