Dharana 53 of 112 · verse 69

Joy That Is Your Own

The great joy of union is said to belong to the self, not to the other person.

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

Recorded for study. Not offered as a guided practice, and not appropriate for anyone under 18.

The practice

The verse observes that the intense joy arising at the height of union speaks of the divine nature, and that this joy is one’s own — not something produced by another person, only occasioned by them.

What it works on

The claim is the philosophically important one in this group. If the joy belongs to you rather than to the encounter, then it is available independently of the encounter, which is exactly what the next dharana goes on to say.

Notes

  • Recorded here for completeness of the text. See the notes on dharana 52.

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.