The Sutra
"Waking, sleeping, dreaming, know you as light."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
You pass through three states every day - waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. In waking, you identify with the body. In dreaming, with the dream body. In deep sleep, with nothing. But there is a fourth element present in all three - the light of awareness. It illuminates waking experience, it illuminates dreams, and it is present even in deep sleep (otherwise who would know "I slept well"?). Know THAT as yourself.
Original Sanskrit
जाग्रत्स्वप्नसुषुप्तादौ स्फुटतरभयावहे ।
jaagratsvapnasushuptaadau sphutatarabhaayaavahe |
Vijnanabhairava Verse 97 (Technique 74 of 112)
How to Practice
During waking hours, repeatedly remind yourself: "I am the light that illuminates this experience."
Before sleep, set the intention: "I will recognize myself as light even in dreams."
When you wake, before opening your eyes, notice: awareness was present before thoughts started. That is the light.
If you wake from deep sleep, catch the transition moment - from no-content to first-content. The light was there before content.
Practice recognizing this same continuous light across all three states.
Eventually, a fourth state (turiya) is recognized - the light itself, unchanging through all states.
Duration
All states - 24 hours
Best Time
Transitions between states: falling asleep, waking up
Related Techniques
Begin Your Meditation Journey
Receive a 7-day dharana practice guide and weekly meditation teachings
Free 7-day practice guide delivered to your inbox
Discover Which Bhairava Guides Your Path
Take the free 2-minute Ashta Bhairava Quiz to find your guiding form
Take the Quiz