The Sutra
"Since, in truth, bondage and freedom are relative, these words are only for those terrified with the universe. This universe is a reflection of minds. As you see many suns in water from one sun, so see bondage and liberation."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
This is one of the most radical sutras. Bondage and freedom, the very goals of all spiritual seeking, are declared relative - just words for those terrified by existence. In truth, there is neither bondage nor liberation. Like many suns reflected in water from one sun, all apparent multiplicity and division are reflections. The universe is a mirror of mind. See through the reflections to the one sun - consciousness itself, which was never bound and needs no liberation.
Original Sanskrit
बन्धमुक्त्यादिशब्दानां व्यवहारे न तत्त्वतः ।
bandhamuktyaadishabdaanaam vyavahaare na tattvatah |
Vijnanabhairava Verse 109 (Technique 86 of 112)
How to Practice
Contemplate: what if you were never actually bound? What if the spiritual search itself is based on a false premise?
Notice how the mind creates bondage through its stories: "I am limited, I am trapped, I need freedom."
Notice how the mind also creates freedom as a concept: "One day I will be free, enlightened, liberated."
See that both bondage and freedom are mental constructs - reflections in the water of mind.
Like seeing many suns reflected in many puddles when there is only one sun - see through the reflections.
What is the one sun? The consciousness that is already complete, already free, already whole. It was never bound. Bondage and freedom are only words.
Duration
30-45 minutes
Best Time
Deep night or early morning contemplation
Related Techniques
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