This Consciousness Exists as Each Being
चिद्धर्मा सर्वदेहेषु विशेषो नास्ति कुत्रचित् । अतश् च तन्मयं सर्वम् भावयन् भवजिज् जनः ॥
ciddharmā sarvadeheṣu viśeṣo nāsti kutracit | ataś ca tanmayaṃ sarvam bhāvayan bhavajij janaḥ ||
VBT Verse 100
The Sutra
"This consciousness exists as each being, and nothing else exists."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
The most direct statement in the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra: this consciousness IS each being. Not "consciousness lives in each being" or "each being has consciousness" - consciousness IS each being. And nothing else exists. There is only consciousness appearing as the multiplicity of beings. The tree is consciousness being a tree. The bird is consciousness being a bird. You are consciousness being you. Nothing else exists.
Original Sanskrit
चिद्धर्मा सर्वदेहेषु विशेषो नास्ति कुत्रचित् । अतश् च तन्मयं सर्वम् भावयन् भवजिज् जनः ॥
ciddharmā sarvadeheṣu viśeṣo nāsti kutracit | ataś ca tanmayaṃ sarvam bhāvayan bhavajij janaḥ ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 100 (Technique 83 of 112)
How to Practice
Look around at the beings near you - people, animals, plants, insects.
For each one, recognize: this is consciousness appearing as this form.
That person walking by IS consciousness - not has consciousness, IS consciousness.
That bird on the branch IS consciousness experiencing flight and singing.
Your own body IS consciousness appearing as this particular form.
Let this recognition pervade: there is only ONE thing existing - consciousness - appearing as all these different forms. Nothing else exists.
Duration
15-30 minutes
Best Time
When surrounded by living beings
Related Techniques
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