Sit Only on Buttocks - Sudden Centering
ध्यायेत्सर्वं शरीरं स्वं निर्विशेषं समन्ततः । दृढबुद्ध्या निराधारं तदा तत्त्वं प्रकाशते ॥
dhyayetsarvam shariram svam nirvishesham samantatah | dridhabuddhya niradharam tada tattvam prakashate ||
VBT Verse 42
The Sutra
"Without support for feet or hands, sit only on the buttocks. Suddenly, the centering."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
A sudden, physical technique. Sit balanced only on your buttocks with feet and hands lifted off the ground. In this precarious balance, the mind has no choice but to become instantly centered. You cannot think about the past or future when your body demands total present-moment attention to maintain balance. The centering happens "suddenly" - not gradually.
Original Sanskrit
ध्यायेत्सर्वं शरीरं स्वं निर्विशेषं समन्ततः । दृढबुद्ध्या निराधारं तदा तत्त्वं प्रकाशते ॥
dhyayetsarvam shariram svam nirvishesham samantatah | dridhabuddhya niradharam tada tattvam prakashate ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 42 (Technique 19 of 112)
How to Practice
Sit on the ground. Lift your feet off the floor and raise your hands so they touch nothing.
Balance entirely on your sitting bones. You may lean back slightly to find equilibrium.
The body will wobble. The mind must become completely present to maintain balance.
Do not fight the instability - let it demand your total attention.
In that demand, the mind drops all its noise. There is only THIS moment, THIS balance.
The centering is "sudden" - it happens the instant the mind fully commits to balance.
Duration
5-10 minutes (physically demanding)
Best Time
Morning - when the body is fresh
Related Techniques
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