Adyashanti explored Zen Buddhism for 14 years and found himself constantly working to perfect one meditation technique after another. This process of trying to control or manipulate his mind was counter-productive in the long run. Then he started to let go of the idea of what meditation was supposed to be and be present to the experience of what he calls "True Meditation." Adyashanti found himself returning to his natural state of being. The peace and stillness he was striving for was already there. He believes that True Meditation is the ultimate act of faith: it is "effortless effort." Whatever is within us is revealed in this state of mind.
In other chapters in this book, Adyashanti talks about fear as a doorway, getting out of our minds and into our senses, and living in the same way as you meditate. Once we have opened ourselves to what is, we can savor the process of meditative self-inquiry, in which we use our natural curiosity and genuine spiritual yearning to nurture insight into our own being. We can ask ourselves spiritually powerful questions which move us beyond separation and pull us into an inclusiveness.
This book closes with an interview with the author conducted by Tami Simon, the founder of Sounds True, which publishes audio and print teaching programs on many aspects of spirituality. There is also a 54-minute CD with two guided meditations on allowing everything to be as it is and self-inquiry.
