The Sutra
"Put mindstuff in such inexpressible fineness above, below, and in your heart."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
The mind is usually coarse - full of gross thoughts, heavy emotions, solid opinions. This technique refines the mind to inexpressible fineness. Like gold purified in fire, the mind is placed in the fire of awareness until only the finest essence remains. This refined mindstuff is placed above (in the crown), below (in the base), and in the heart simultaneously. When the mind becomes this fine, it becomes indistinguishable from space itself.
Original Sanskrit
एवमेव दुर्विज्ञेयं शून्यं भैरवमुच्यते ।
evameva durvijnaeyam shoooyam bhairavamuchyate |
Vijnanabhairava Verse 93 (Technique 70 of 112)
How to Practice
Sit quietly and observe your current mental state. Notice its texture - is it heavy, busy, agitated?
Imagine placing your mind in a fire of pure awareness. Not destroying it, but refining it.
As thoughts arise, let them burn away. What remains is finer, subtler.
Keep refining until the mind becomes almost imperceptible - like the finest silk, like a whisper of smoke.
Place this refined awareness simultaneously above your head, below your feet, and in your heart center.
When the mind reaches this inexpressible fineness, it merges with the space that contains it.
Duration
30-45 minutes
Best Time
Early morning (4-6 AM)
Related Techniques
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