Dharana 79 of 112 · verse 52

The Body Consumed by Fire

Imagine a fire rising from the foot and taking the whole body, then rest in the calm after.

00:00Ready

10 minutes. Seated, eyes closed.

Advanced10 min

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Before you try this

A strong practice. Skip it if you are anxious, grieving, unwell, or have a history of trauma involving fire or bodily harm. Stop and open your eyes if it becomes frightening rather than calming.

The practice

Sit and imagine a fire beginning at the right foot and moving slowly upward, taking the whole body as it goes, until nothing of the form is left. Do not hurry it and do not stop before it is complete. Then stay in the calm brightness that remains when there is nothing left to burn.

What it works on

The image is severe and the purpose is precise: to loosen the identification with the body that every other practice keeps running into. The text is clear that what follows is calm rather than horror, and the resting afterwards is the real dharana.

Notes

  • The ending is the practice. Never stop halfway through the burning.
  • Do not use this one on a distressing day. Dharana 30 or 46 will serve better.

Practise gently

Shoonyaka offers educational and contemplative material, not medical, psychological or religious authority. Nothing here diagnoses or treats any condition. Stop any practice that leaves you dizzy, frightened or unwell, and treat a strong reaction as a reason to rest rather than to push on.