Rhythmic Swaying in a Moving Vehicle
चलासने स्थितस्याथ शनैर् वा देहचालनात् । प्रशान्ते मानसे भावे देवि दिव्यौघम् आप्नुयात् ॥
calāsane sthitasyātha śanair vā dehacālanāt | praśānte mānase bhāve devi divyaugham āpnuyāt ||
VBT Verse 83
The Sutra
"In a moving vehicle, by rhythmically swaying, experience. Or in a still vehicle, by letting yourself swing in slowing invisible circles."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
An everyday meditation. When traveling in a vehicle - car, train, bus - let the natural swaying movement become your meditation. Do not resist the rhythm. Merge with it. The rhythmic movement lulls the thinking mind while keeping awareness alert. Or in a parked vehicle, create subtle circular swaying. This is meditation without effort, using the vehicle of the vehicle.
Original Sanskrit
चलासने स्थितस्याथ शनैर् वा देहचालनात् । प्रशान्ते मानसे भावे देवि दिव्यौघम् आप्नुयात् ॥
calāsane sthitasyātha śanair vā dehacālanāt | praśānte mānase bhāve devi divyaugham āpnuyāt ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 83 (Technique 20 of 112)
How to Practice
While traveling in any vehicle, close your eyes if safe to do so.
Feel the natural rhythm of movement - the swaying, bumping, rocking.
Instead of resisting or bracing against the movement, let your body flow with it.
Match your awareness to the rhythm. Let each sway carry your attention deeper inward.
Alternative: in a stationary seat, create very subtle invisible circles with your body.
Make the circles smaller and slower until the movement nearly stops - but the awareness remains.
This is meditation woven into travel - no special time or place needed.
Duration
Duration of the journey
Best Time
During any travel
Related Techniques
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