The practice
Listen for the moment you assert yourself — I am, this is mine, that was me. At that exact moment, do not complete the assertion. Let the mind drop to whatever has no support under it, and rest there.
What it works on
The assertion of self happens dozens of times an hour and almost never gets looked at. Catching it mid-sentence gives the practice a doorway that recurs constantly, and the text says peace comes from the force of the fall rather than from any effort afterwards.
Notes
- It happens in speech as much as in thought. Both work.
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.