The practice
Hold that the ground of things has no cause behind it and nothing underneath it holding it up — and further, that no perception or piece of knowledge you have is that ground. Keep both halves. Do not resolve the discomfort of having ruled out your own instruments.
What it works on
The second clause is what gives this dharana its bite. Having described the unconditioned, the verse immediately says your knowing of it is not it, which closes the last exit and leaves the contemplation with nowhere to become a conclusion.
Notes
- If you arrive at an understanding, that understanding is covered by the second clause too.
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.