Joyous Effort

It is good to have at least one short meditation session every day, because, as with all activities, the success of meditation practice is directly related to enthusiastic effort.

Sometimes we tend to throw in the towel if something does not work instantly, and the meditation is like any other activity. Initially it will be difficult. However, by starting with small steps, trying to meditate regularly for short periods of time, it will become easier, and our focus will become clearer and more stable.

The great Lama Tsong Khapa said, “A sour piece of fruit will not become edible by sprinkling a little bit of sugar here and there. We need to cover slowly all the fruit by sprinkling sugar over it until the whole surface is covered. Then we can eat it.”

The point is that we need to practise meditation regularly over a long period of time. As with any activity, success in meditation is directly related to persistence, endurance and enthusiasm.