Easy but Deep EP.4: Why Hasn’t Meditation Given Results After So Long?
From Luang Pu Dhammachayo’s guidance at Wat Phra Dhammakaya — “Easy but Deep” Series, Episode 4
Friday, 10 April 2020 (B.E. 2563)
Many people have been meditating for a long time but feel they haven’t gotten any results. Luang Pu Dhammachayo teaches that the main reason is we’ve been doing it the wrong way — starting from the moment we close our eyes.
Core Problem: We Tense Up Without Realizing It
Luang Pu teaches that the word “comfortable” (sabai) means feeling relaxed — not happy, but not suffering either. Ask yourself: have you truly relaxed your body and mind completely? Or are you just sitting there going through the motions?
The problem is we close our eyes tightly, squeeze our eyelids shut, press our eyeballs down to look inside the abdomen, trying to force a clear image — just like when we squint to see something clearly with our physical eyes.
Solution: Adjust Your Method Correctly
- Truly relax — don’t just sit there; feel relaxation in both body and mind
- Close your eyes gently — don’t squeeze shut, don’t press your eyeballs
- Don’t force the image — let the mind see naturally and gently, without straining
- Willing to start fresh — every time you sit, accept that you need to adjust, then begin again
- Do it correctly and it’s easy — no long hours needed, no forcing; just do it the right way
Lesson Summary
EP.4 teaches that the reason meditation isn’t working isn’t because we haven’t practiced enough — it’s because we tense up without realizing it. Once you adjust your method correctly, everything becomes easier.
“Do it correctly and it’s easy.” — Luang Pu Dhammachayo
Watch the original video: Easy but Deep EP.4: Why Hasn’t Meditation Given Results? (YouTube)
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Source: YouTube ID eKqIoMtKyRw — Easy but Deep 1 EP.4: Why Hasn’t Meditation Given Results After So Long?
Why Hasn’t Meditation Given Results After So Long? — Adjust Your Method
Luang Pu Dhammachayo teaches that the reason meditation isn’t working is because we tense up without realizing it. This article explains how to fix the problem and make meditation truly effective.
Reasons Meditation Isn’t Working
1. Tensing the eyeballs: Pressing eyes upward causes headaches
2. Closing eyelids too tightly: Tenses facial muscles
3. Forcing images: Straining to visualize causes stress
4. Sitting too long: Not resting when needed causes fatigue
5. Using force: Forcing the mind to be calm instead of letting go gently
How to Fix the Problem
1. Close eyes gently: Don’t close tightly — half-open, half-closed is best
2. Don’t press eyeballs: Let eyes relax naturally, look downward gently
3. Think lightly: Like a star or clear crystal ball — don’t force
4. Chant gently: “Samma Araham” in your mind, very softly
5. Let go naturally: Don’t control — let the mind calm itself
Signs You’re Doing It Right
- You feel relaxed, not tense
- Your mind gradually becomes calm
- Sometimes light or visions appear
- You feel warmth at the center of the body
- You can sit longer without discomfort
Key Secret
Luang Pu Dhammachayo teaches: “The easier it is, the more effective it becomes.” Don’t use force, don’t strain, don’t force. Let the mind relax naturally, and meditation will arise on its own.
Try adjusting your meditation method correctly, and you’ll realize that meditation isn’t as difficult as you thought. 🙏
