How to tap into your awareness -- and why meditation is easier than you think | Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Wednesday, 2 September 2026 · 1 min read · Listen to the episode ↗
In this episode, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche explores the true essence of meditation, emphasizing that it is about connecting with awareness rather than achieving silence or peace. He outlines three key steps to enhance this connection and shares his personal journey of embracing panic as a teacher. Rinpoche also clarifies common misconceptions about meditation, particularly the idea that it requires stopping thoughts, and introduces open awareness meditation as a means to experience life more fully and authentically.
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche asserts that meditation is primarily about connecting with awareness rather than striving for a state of emptiness or silence. He clarifies that many individuals mistakenly think meditation necessitates achieving peace or stopping thoughts entirely.
Rinpoche characterizes awareness as an ever-present, pure, and calm state, comparing it to the sky, while contrasting it with panic, which he likens to a storm. He outlines three essential steps for connecting with awareness: utilizing an object to support meditation, practicing meditation in any environment with any object, and engaging in open awareness meditation.
He shares his personal journey of learning to coexist with panic instead of attempting to eradicate it, suggesting that panic can be a valuable teacher when approached with acceptance and awareness. This perspective encourages individuals to view their experiences, including discomfort, as opportunities for growth.
Open awareness meditation, as described by Rinpoche, enables practitioners to engage directly with awareness itself, eliminating the need for external supports. This practice fosters a deep sense of presence and freedom, allowing individuals to experience life more fully.
Rinpoche addresses the misconception that meditation requires significant effort to stop thinking, emphasizing that this belief is a misunderstanding of the practice. He acknowledges the challenges of explaining open awareness meditation but insists it is crucial for authentic meditation practice.
This summary was generated from the episode transcript and can contain mistakes.