Dharana 51 of 112 · verse 67

The Senses Closed and Rising Delight

With the senses withdrawn, a fine tingling rises through the spine.

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. Deliberately forcing energy movement can produce agitation, insomnia and real distress, and this is territory for a teacher who knows you rather than a website.

The practice

The verse describes closing off the senses so that attention has nowhere outward to go, and a subtle energy then rising slowly up the centre of the body with a sensation the text compares to an ant walking on the skin, ending in great delight.

What it works on

This is a description of an experience rather than a set of steps, and the tradition treats spontaneous energy movement of this kind as something to be accompanied rather than pursued. Shoonyaka presents it for recognition, not as an exercise to attempt.

Notes

  • If something like this arises during ordinary sitting, the traditional advice is simple: do not chase it and do not resist it. Keep the practice you were doing.

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.