Dharana 6 • Slow is Smooth & Smooth is Surrender

Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is Surrender

Explore the harmonious blend of discipline and playful creativity in spiritual practice, drawing insights from Zen Flesh Zen Bones, the wisdom of Shiva Sutras, and the teachings of Sri Shambhavananda, as we expound the teaching and lightning-like essence of Dharana 6

The path to spiritual awakening can be a vibrant dance of discipline and playfulness, as illuminated by tales from Zen Flesh Zen Bones and insights from Babaji on present-moment mindfulness. Central to this is the Dharana 6 of the Vijnana Bhairava, emphasizing a grounded approach to experiencing the upsurge of Kundalini energy, mirroring the heart's expansive capacity. Dive deeper into this exploration by reading the full essay, joining our video sessions, or attending our live-online experiences on the first two Thursdays of every month. Click here to send a request for the Free Live-Online Experience. Namaste!

Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Surrender: Zen and Sutra Insights into Dharana 6 of the Vijnana Bhairava

Embarking on the path to spiritual growth is often framed as a solemn endeavor, demanding ceaseless, mindful effort. But it doesn't have to be a burdensome task—instead, it can be a playful and invigorating journey that engages us fully in every minute of our existence. In a recent exchange with Sri Shambhavananda, the anecdotes about Paul Reps, the contemporary Zen master and compiler of Zen Flesh Zen Bones, were illuminating. Reps illustrates that continuous mindfulness can be pursued not just through disciplined practice, but also with a touch of lightheartedness and curiosity. As we delve Dharana 6, we'll explore how the wisdom of "every minute Zen" aligns with the ancient teachings of Shiva Sutra 2.3, which states that "pauseless effort brings attainment." Our spiritual journey, as it turns out, can be a seamless blend of focus, surrender, and even a bit of playfulness—enabling us to embody mindfulness in every moment. Eventually this work paves the way for our work with Dharana 5 & 6 from the Vijnana Bhairava, which focuses on entering the natural and uplifting flow of Shakti that permeates our Heart, our Shushumna, and even our daily lives.

The tale of “Every Minute Zen” from Zen Flesh Zen Bones highlights the importance of unbroken mindfulness….

”Zen Students  are with their masters at least ten years before they presume to teach others. Nan-in was visited by Tenno, who, having passed his apprenticeship, had become a teacher. The day happened to be rainy, so Tenno wore wooden clogs and carried an umbrella. After greeting him Nan-in remarked: “I suppose you left your wooden clogs in the vestibule. I want to know if your umbrella is on the right or left side of the clogs. Tenno, confused, had no instant answer. He realized that he was unable to carry his Zen every minute. He became Nan-in’s pupil, and he studied six more years to accomplish his every-minute Zen.”

The story of every minute zen reminds us that we should be fully aware and present at all times. Paul Reps himself was known for his playful techniques to maintain mindfulness. For instance, a simple action like switching a bracelet you wear everyday from one wrist to the other could serve as a practice to be more present. The teaching here is, perhaps, that being fully present is equal parts discipline and creativity. It requires us to be committed but also to maintain a sense of playfulness. As Reps once described it, “serious play”— our everyday play of being present.

I recently had the chance to ask Babaji about pauseless presence in Monday Night Satsang. His guidance was that one can't force themselves to be continuously present; one needs to be relaxed and in tune with the flow of the moment in order to really experience the present. This mirrors the commonly used motto in high-stakes professions: "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast”— that is, we have to relax and slow down if we are ever going to rise up to the real heights of any discipline. Paul Reps emphasized the same idea in his poem, "Smooth Motion Cures Commotion," suggesting that when we move smooth we not only heal ourselves but even those around us, “If the world ship sinks will you save it,” Reps writes, “Yes you will, move smooth.” Shiva Sutra 2.3 also reflects this, teaching that “Pauseless effort brings attainment”, meaning that practicing with continuity is one of our greatest assets in our practice. How do we achieve continuity, and thus the rewards of it? Slow down and smooth out our effort, and let the rest come naturally. A metaphor that Babaji often uses is that of digging a well— if you are steady and stick with it, eventually the rewards will rush up to meet you in a natural and sustainable manner.

About a year and a half ago, Babaji advised the sangha to ‘slow down’ in their daily practice. One example of this is that of ‘over-breathing' when meditating on the breath, leading to hyperventilation and nervous system imbalances. Babaji recommended gentler breathing patterns and a focus on heart-centered meditation. For much of the sangha this was a rejuvenating experience, much our current Dharana is describing—

Slowing down and smoothing out their practice allowed them to feel the natural energy and power that is radiating from within them all the time.

Which brings us to the heart of our current Dharana. Dharana 6 of the Vijnana Bhairava guides us to focus on the lightning-like upsurge of shakti in the spine. Reaching directly for this level of experience could be like trying to move fast without first moving slow and smooth— either it is ineffective, or could cause imbalance. For this reason, the commentary on the Dharana urges us to take our time to ground our awareness, and allow the upsurge to come slowly and naturally. The take away here is that our work isn’t to push or pull energy, but to calm our mind and body deeply, bring our attention low into our base and allow the exhale to be a natural expression of this upward flowing energy. If done consciously, this experience should help us feel more grounded and present, as opposed to our energy flowing up into our heads and thoughts.

It should be noted that the upsurge of Kundalini energy discussed in this chapter is also described as an expansion of the heart center. This means that we can also practice this lightning like expansion in our hearts as we exhale, which may be more in line with your daily practice. I found this parallel to be extremely beneficial in unlocking the teachings that Babaji has been describing over the past couple of years— the effortless expansion of our hearts during the exhale. This level of experience can only be truly felt when the mind is calm and the body is relaxed.

So, let's take a moment to engage with Dharana 6. As Babaji has been guiding us, try applying this focus to your heart first, and then taking your time to bring the awareness down to your base before feeling the lightning like energy of the spine.

Dharana 5 & 6 from the Vijnana Bhairava, Paul Reps Translation

“Consider your essence as light rays rising from center to center up the vertebrae, and so rises livingness in you. // Or in the spaces between, feel this as lightning.”