The Sutra
"When vividly aware through some particular sense, keep in the awareness."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
There are moments in every day when a sense becomes extraordinarily vivid - the color of a sunset, the taste of first morning tea, the sound of rain. In these moments, awareness is naturally heightened. This technique says: STAY THERE. Do not move on. When awareness peaks through any sense, hold that peak. Keep in the heightened awareness itself, not in what caused it.
Original Sanskrit
योगिनोऽन्तर्मुखत्वेन स विशेषोऽपि गीयते ॥
yoginontarmukhatvena sa visheshopi geeyate ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 86 (Technique 63 of 112)
How to Practice
Throughout your day, notice moments when one of your senses becomes unusually vivid.
It could be: a striking color, an unexpected sound, an intense taste, a sudden touch.
In that moment of vivid awareness, STOP. Do not move to the next experience.
Stay in the heightened awareness. Not in the object that caused it, but in the awareness itself.
The object will pass, but the heightened awareness can be maintained.
This is the simplest form of continuous meditation - catching the peaks of awareness that life naturally provides.
Duration
Spontaneous moments throughout the day
Best Time
All day - whenever vividness arises
Related Techniques
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