The Sutra
"As waves come with water and flames with fire, so the universal waves with us."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
Waves cannot exist separate from water. Flames cannot exist apart from fire. In the same way, you cannot exist apart from the universe. You are not IN the universe - you are a wave OF the universe. This contemplation dissolves the illusion of separateness. When you truly feel that you are a wave of the cosmic ocean, the fear of individual death dissolves.
Original Sanskrit
स्वतन्त्रया चारुशक्त्या तमाम्भस्यां शिवो भवेत् ॥
svatantrayaa charushaktyaa tamamvhasyam shivo bhavet ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 84 (Technique 61 of 112)
How to Practice
Contemplate the image: waves are not separate from the ocean. They ARE the ocean, moving.
Flames are not separate from fire. They ARE fire, dancing.
In the same way, you are not separate from existence. You ARE existence, expressing itself.
Feel this in your body. Every breath is the universe breathing through you.
Every thought is the cosmic mind thinking in you. Every heartbeat is the universal pulse.
When this is felt - not just understood intellectually - separateness dissolves. You are the wave AND the ocean.
Duration
15-25 minutes
Best Time
Near a body of water, or any contemplative moment
Related Techniques
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