A common difficulty in meditation is unconsciously using the eyes to try to see an inner image. Pressing or straining the eyes can create tension in the eyes, face, and nervous system. The key is to return to comfort and stop trying to force inner vision.
Inner seeing is not ordinary looking
Inner perception does not require the physical eyes to stare at a point. Familiarity with the object of meditation can gradually make inner imagery easier, while the essential practice remains gentle stillness.
Return to ease
If tension appears around the eyes or head, relax and begin again. It can be helpful to start from a place that feels comfortable and gradually bring the mind toward the center of the body. There is no need to compare our experience with anyone else’s.
When excessive effort is released, the mind can become softer, lighter, and more balanced. Meditation can then develop without turning the practice into physical strain.
This article is an original summary and rephrasing based on teachings in the “Easy but Deep 2” series, not a word-for-word transcript.
