The practice
Take a short series of Sanskrit vowels. Sound them aloud, one at a time, unhurried. Then go through the same series again in a whisper. Then a third time silently, as thought only. Then let even the thought of them go, and sit in what remains.
What it works on
A ladder practice. Each pass removes one layer of grossness — voice, then breath, then mental form — and the final instruction removes the ladder itself. What the dharana is really teaching is the letting go at the end, which the three passes make possible.
Notes
- Which twelve letters differs between lineages. Any small fixed set you keep to throughout will serve.
- The silent pass usually wants to be the longest.
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.