When we sit down to meditate, we might use some technique to get to a certain mental state. We might count a few breaths, or repeat a mantra. After 15 minutes or so, something has changed, and now our mind is calmer than it was.

Perhaps at a certain point, such techniques are unnecessary. Now we know what state we would like to enter, and as we sit down we simply arrive there without effort or pressure.

Likewise, if we are in prayer, we might focus very hard on our well-wishes for others, or bringing peace upon the house in which we are staying. What happens if we let go of the effort, and simply notice the divine quality that already exists in the object of our prayer?

For the transcript: Assume the State A Beautiful Thought