A Meditators Trap

Many people wait for special feelings or sensations to arise when they meditate. That is the worst kind of meditator. You are basically not meditating when you begin to do that.

Sadly, many unfortunate meditators don’t realise they are no longer meditating when they fall into waiting for a particular sensation or experience. This is because most haven’t studied meditation before they begin to practise. If you explain all the special feelings you have experienced when meditating to a lama who truly knows meditation, it is almost certain that they will simply dismiss them, and might possibly rebuke you.

What you need to do if you are a beginner, is to receive and follow authentic meditation instructions.

Whatever the case, don’t sit there on your cushion waiting for ‘that special feeling’ to visit you again. Real experience in meditation is about gradually improving your understanding of mind and honing the ability to identify whatever appears to it.

Meditators require a broad and stable mind, not one that chases after every pleasant “experience” that comes its way.

12 June 2025, Thrangu Sekhar One-Week Retreat