How to Enter into the Path of Meditation

First the physical posture. Sit comfortably but keep your spine straight like a stack of golden coins but not tense. Rest your hand naturally in your lap. Imagine your body is like a mountain stable and moving and deeply grounded. Let everything settle just as it is.

Next, take a deep breath and exhale slowly three times. Release all tension from your shoulders, your face, and your mind. Don't try to change your breathing. Just let it flow naturally.

Leave your eyes open, gazing softly into the space in the front of you, neither focusing nor wandering.

In the texts it says, “leaving the three doors – body, speech and mind in total relaxation.”

Next, pointing out the mind. Now look directly at your own mind. Do not look for a thing or a shape. Look at the one who is thinking. If a thought arises, let it be. If no thought arises, let it be.

In the gap between the past thought and the future thought there is a clear awake awareness. This is rigpa – the natural state of mind. It is like the clear sky, wide, empty, and yet completely aware. 

In the texts it says, "Look directly at this fresh naked awareness itself.”

Next, resting in nonconceptual presence. Don't meditate, but don't be distracted either. Do not follow the past. Do not invite the future. Stay exactly in this present moment.

If a thought comes, let it pass like a bird crossing in the sky. If a sound occurs, let it dissolve back into silence. Simply rest in this natural clarity. Just be presence.

In this presence, you do not need any effort. You are not making the mind calm. You are simply recognizing that the mind is already calm at its base.

In the texts it says, "Resting in the unaltered uncontrived state.”

Next, slowly bring your attention back. Now the next step is the dedication. We dedicate this peace and clarity to the benefit of all sentient beings. May everyone realize their true nature. May we all remain connected to our true nature. May we dedicate the virtue for the sake of all beings.