The Lazy Yogi

As we enter the weekend and the second week of the spirituality challenge, this is important to keep in mind. 

Effort

The subject of effort on the spiritual path is a divided one. Some adhere to the school of thought that all effort must be put forth, until the very last breath of life. Others ascribe to the effortless school of thought, emphasizing a complete let-go. 

Soto zen takes an interesting approach to this topic. For them enlightenment is natural; it is effortless. But because we are driven away from our effortless nature by restlessness and the illusion of separation, it takes effort to come back. 

It takes effort to shift your disillusioned life into one of daily practice and mindfulness. Sitting down for meditation and remaining mindful in life can be a challenge. For some it feels rather effortless and for others it may take an astonishing degree of discipline. But the outcome is the same. The outcome is effortlessness, the path carries you like a river sweeping off downstream. 

Effort is necessary to step onto the path. But once on it, it is easy to let go of the very concept of effort. No effort need be made when you re-discover your inborn naturalness. 

In zen, spiritual practices like meditation are considered expressions of your naturalness rather than something engaged in with a goal in mind. The more you express your nature, the more natural you become. 

Namaste :)