Dharana 14 of 112 · verse 37

A Dot of Light

A subtle point of light is found at the crown or the heart, and attention absorbed into it.

Recorded, not taught

Shoonyaka does not offer this one as a guided practice. It is here because the collection is of all one hundred and twelve, and leaving it out would misrepresent the text.

Before you try this

Not offered as a guided practice here. Pressing on the eyes can raise intraocular pressure and risks real harm, particularly for anyone with glaucoma, high myopia, a retinal condition or recent eye surgery. Do not press on your eyes.

The practice

The verse describes applying gentle pressure to the closed eyes until a small point of light appears, then finding that point again at the crown or in the heart and letting attention be taken up entirely by it.

What it works on

The light this produces is a real and well-known effect of pressure on the eye. The tradition uses it as a seed for concentration. The pressure is the part Shoonyaka will not instruct.

Notes

  • The second half of the dharana works perfectly well on its own: sit with eyes closed, find whatever faint point of light is already there in the dark, and rest attention on it. That version is safe and is what we would suggest.

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.