Meditation techniques are often seen as activities that require effort. After all, you are advised to do something – whether it’s sitting silently or not doing anything at all. In a superficial sense, all meditation techniques can be seen as doings. However, when you truly succeed in these techniques, the sense of effort disappears. It becomes spontaneous and effortless.
In the beginning, when you first start practicing meditation, there is bound to be effort. The mind is conditioned to believe that everything requires effort. So, when you’re told to be effortless, it may seem absurd. In Zen, where emphasis is placed on effortlessness, the masters instruct their disciples to “just sit” and “don’t do anything.” And the disciples try, because what else can they do? In the beginning, effort will be present, but it is important to remember that the goal is to go beyond it.
There comes a moment in your meditation practice when you are not doing anything about meditation. You are simply being there, fully present, and it happens. Whether you are sitting or standing, the inner transformation and realization occur effortlessly. You don’t have to do anything; you just need to be aware.
All the meditation techniques that are taught are designed to help you reach this state of effortlessness. They serve as stepping stones towards a moment where you are not doing anything, yet meditation happens. The inner journey cannot be achieved through effort alone, as effort creates tension and becomes a barrier. With this understanding, as you continue to make effort in your practice, you will eventually become capable of letting go of effort itself.
Effortless meditation is not about forcing yourself to be still or trying to control your thoughts. It is about surrendering to the present moment and allowing meditation to unfold naturally. When you let go of the need to do, the mind settles, and you become fully present. In this state, meditation becomes a part of your being, just like breathing.
As you progress in your meditation practice, you will notice that the effort begins to dissolve. It becomes less about trying and more about being. The techniques that once required effort become integrated into your daily life, and meditation becomes a way of being rather than something you do. It becomes a natural state of awareness that permeates every aspect of your life.
So, remember, while meditation techniques may initially require effort, the ultimate goal is to transcend effort and enter a state of effortlessness. Effort is a necessary step in the beginning, but as you continue to practice, you will gradually let go of effort and experience the true essence of meditation. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and trust that with consistent practice, the effort will give way to effortlessness.