The Role of Practice

As we have pointed out, the conceptual models espoused by differ­ent traditions differ in their perception of the inner work. Some deny that to reach enlightenment is a process that requires effort; others emphasize the necessity for concentrated practice and meditation. In order to go beyond simplistic views and one-sided notions of self-realization, we must comprehend the complex nature of the laws governing the process of awakening. Only through critical exami­nation and experiential knowledge can we grasp the reality of the spiritual path and embrace the sudden and gradual dimensions of enlightenment in holistic understanding. 

the necessity of practice

We have already spoken about the need for clarity in understanding the basic principles of the path. We have also mentioned the impor­tance of cultivating an enquiring mind and developing sensitivity to the realm of pure subjectivity. However, regardless of our level of inner preparedness and awakening, we are still certain to encounter numerous hindrances in our experience of the self on the level of its continuance, depth and purity. What we face here is the imperfection of our relative consciousness and our lack of inner integrity. Due to the gravitational force of unconsciousness — the primary obstacle in our ability to move beyond the mind and consistently uphold the light of I am — we simply cannot maintain that which we have awakened, nor can we establish its final depth. Before long we realize that without committed practice, even real experiences of awakening cannot bring us to a stable place within the inner realm. Only by seeing this clearly does our attitude towards practice become more humble and open.

Practice should be understood as an organic extension of under­standing, self-knowledge and awakening. It should not be mechani­cal or based on exaggerated effort. It needs to be implemented in a very natural way so that concentration and other exertions initially necessary are eventually transmuted into an effortless flow of inner abidance.

The dynamics between effort and effortlessness should be carefully balanced according to the level of one’s awakening and energetic expansion. For example, beginners cannot afford to be too relaxed and spontaneous, but must apply a great deal of mindful­ness and discipline to skillfully deal with the disturbing nature of the mind and the strong pull of lower intelligence. As we evolve, our effort can become lighter and more transparent.

Although grace does play a vital role in our evolutionary prog­ress, it does not diminish the necessity of the inner work. Practice manifests out of a deep command within the soul to use all means available to accelerate her spiritual enlightenment — it is an expres­sion of our innermost collaboration with the divine will. If we fail to actively participate in our own evolution, how can we expect the divine to assist us? Waiting indolently for grace to do the inner work for us is an arrogant approach. It is no different than expecting water to spring from the ground without first digging a well. One needs to be ready to receive grace, and through conscious cooperation with one’s evolution, to increasingly mature into that readiness.

the tools of the inner work

Across the vast spectrum of spiritual traditions, different methods and tools are offered as a means to reach inner awakening. However, in all mature schools of enlightenment, the heart of an adept’s effort is the practice of meditation. Meditation, in the broadest sense of the term, denotes the effort of consciousness to maintain a focus on the self. For our meditation to be real, this internal concentration of energy and consciousness must be based on self-knowledge and a certain degree of awakening. We need to sensitively practice self-enquiry in order to turn consciousness back to its source; and for our awakened experience to deepen and become permanent, we need the regular internalization and concentration of energy and conscious­ness of sitting meditation.

The nature of the inner work changes as we focus on different areas of awakening: the work with awareness demands a great deal of concentration and mindfulness; the work with the heart is based on opening to sensitivity, prayer and the divine; the work with being is founded upon the art of letting go and the vertical expansion of energy; the work with the ego and the mind requires self-observation, non-identification and the cultivation of purity. Spiritual practice has to be applied intelligently, with both our potential and our limitations taken into consideration. Practice is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve a natural state, free of effort. The responsibility of a teacher is to prescribe a practice according to the specific needs of the student. The responsibility of the student is to understand the nature of that practice, and to recognize the point of its completion.

right effort

It is not enough to practice ‘hard’. Practice has to be correct, and our effort has to be right. Practice that is not skillful can create the opposite of its desired effect — it can damage rather than help us. Unskillful practice is a serious problem on the spiritual scene that prevents many seekers from making real progress in spite of their sincere efforts. This is unfortunate, but an important lesson can be learned here: even our most genuine efforts go to waste when they are not founded on self-knowledge and real understanding. Lack of prog­ress on the path and the suffering that results can be seen not only as a call to awaken, but also as a call to awaken from bad practice.

What is right effort? Right effort is a fluid response to both our gen­eral evolutionary needs, and the specific needs of the moment. Through right effort we are able to assist in the process of our own evolution in a highly effective and intelligent way. 

We must be able to clearly see what we need to accomplish through practice and thereby determine the right effort to make. For instance, we apply self-remembrance in order to attain a continu­ity of presence, or we apply concentration to gain control over the mechanical mind. Only when we are clear about our target does our effort have the proper quality of energy and consciousness.

Right effort on the path directly coincides with our ability to meet our true self. It is an evolutionary movement towards our higher being rooted in the realm of pure subjectivity that reflects our optimal contribution to the awakening process.