Here are some practical tips on how to prepare our minds for meditation.

Before we begin, it helps to understand that Buddhist meditation requires us to stay anchored in the present and have the discipline to follow instructions precisely.

To be “present” simply means that you are fully aware of your mind and body sitting in meditation at this exact moment, without letting your mind wander off.

Overcoming the Fear of “Doing Nothing”

For beginners, this can feel alarming because we are forcing ourselves to face a sense of “boringness.” Many of us have been trained to believe that doing nothing is a waste of time. We shouldn’t just sit there idle.

Since childhood, we were taught to read a book, color a drawing, watch television, or clean our rooms. The point is, we were conditioned to use our time efficiently and productively. Unless your family consists of avid meditators, most parents prefer to see their children actively doing something.

After years of such conditioning, the idea of quietly sitting without accomplishing anything can almost feel like a crime. Yet that is precisely what meditation asks of us—not because we are wasting time, but because we are retraining the mind.

Following Instructions Without Doubt

The next step—after bringing our attention and focus to the present—is following instructions.

If you practice breathing meditation, focus solely on the breath. But for most of us, after just a couple of mindful breaths, the mind starts to wander: “Are you sure that’s all? Nothing seems to be happening.”

Following instructions exactly means having faith in the method. Without any expectations, we simply breathe and channel all our attention into it. Eventually, jhana will arise automatically once the mind settles into single-pointed focus.

However, we cannot doubt the process beforehand. A doubting mind is a distracted mind, and a distracted mind cannot enter jhana.

Different people are motivated by different mental approaches.

For me, practising in a formal meditation class was extremely helpful. Everyone was there sincerely trying to cultivate concentration, and the meditation teacher was observing us. Knowing this naturally encouraged me to take the practice seriously.

For other people, however, such an environment creates pressure. Instead of meditating, they become concerned about appearances. They sit stiffly, trying to look peaceful so that others will think they are meditating well. That concern itself becomes an obstacle to concentration.

For students like these, Ajahn Lee gave this advice:

“When you’re sitting in concentration, don’t think that you’re sitting here in this meditation hall. Tell yourself that you’re sitting alone, in the deep, deep forest. Cut away all your commitments and concerns. Don’t think about the group or about anyone at all. Thoughts of what’s good, what’s bad, what you have or what you lack—you don’t have to think them.”

In other words, mentally place yourself deep in the wilderness where no worldly responsibilities exist.

Notice that this is different from actively imagining an entire forest. It is simply a mental positioning—a quiet assumption that allows the mind to let go. Once that attitude is established, concentration becomes much easier.

Interestingly, my own experience was almost the opposite.

I tend to focus better when I know people are watching because I have a naturally competitive personality. My internal dialogue was something like:

“I’m not going to fool myself. I’ll give this 100% effort. I’ll follow the instructions exactly and see whether this method truly works.”

That determination helped me abandon distractions and devote all my attention to the meditation object.

The important point is not competitiveness itself, but finding whatever motivates your mind to stay with the practice.

Different Skillful Approaches

Some practitioners are inspired by a sense of the Buddha’s presence.

After reciting the refuge prayers and recollecting the Buddha, they gently position the mind as though the Buddha is quietly present, witnessing their practice. With that attitude, thoughts about work, entertainment, food, or sensual pleasures naturally seem out of place.

It is much like inviting a respected guest into your home. Naturally, you would give that guest your full attention rather than ignoring them while becoming absorbed in other matters.

Similarly, recollecting the Buddha can inspire the mind to remain collected and respectful.

Other practitioners use different forms of mental positioning:

• They recollect death: “If this were the last meditation session of my life, I want to practise it well.”
• They imagine themselves as a monastic, temporarily setting aside worldly responsibilities.
• They recollect the qualities of the Buddha and aspire to cultivate the same calmness and wisdom.
• Some imagine inviting the Buddha into their own hearts. Naturally, they do not wish to entertain unwholesome thoughts while doing so.

These are all skillful means.

They are not magical techniques. Rather, they are ways of encouraging the mind to embrace discipline willingly. Once the mind accepts its task, letting go becomes easier, and maintaining attention on the meditation object becomes increasingly refined. The balance of letting go and holding onto the meditation object becomes more refined.

Preparing the Body

Mental preparation should also be accompanied by physical discipline.

Once you begin meditating, avoid unnecessary movements. Do not fidget, scratch constantly, pick at your ears or nose, or keep adjusting your posture unless genuine discomfort makes it necessary.

Sit upright but relaxed.

Then place your attention steadily on your meditation object—whether it is the breath, the word Buddho, or another suitable meditation subject.

Remain mindful of each inhalation and each exhalation.

Don’t Be Discouraged

For many of us, entering samādhi or jhāna is difficult because the mind has not yet developed the strength to remain continuously in the present moment.

That is perfectly normal.

Learning concentration is much like a baby learning to walk. A baby falls countless times before taking steady steps. No one expects the baby to give up after a few tumbles.

Meditation is no different.

Each time the mind wanders and you gently bring it back, you are strengthening the very qualities that eventually lead to deep concentration.

So be patient. Keep practising. Every sincere effort is part of the path.

May all be well and happy.