First understand the technique

I have heard a story about an old doctor. One day his assistant phoned him because he was in very great difficulty: his patient was choking to death; a billiard ball was stuck in his throat, and the assistant was at a loss for what to do. So he asked the old doctor, “What am I supposed to do now?” The old doctor said, “Tickle the patient with a feather.” After a few minutes the assistant phoned again, very happy and jubilant, and said, “Your treatment proved wonderful! The patient started laughing and he spat the ball out. But tell me—from where have you learned this remarkable technique?” The old doctor said, “I just made it up. This has always been my motto: when you don’t know what to do, do something.” But this will not do as far as meditation is concerned. If you don’t know what to do, don’t do anything. Mind is very intricate, complex, delicate. If you don’t know what to do, it is better not to do anything, because whatsoever you do without knowing is going to create more complexities than it can solve. It may even prove fatal, it may even prove suicidal. If you don’t know anything about the mind…and really, you don’t know anything about it. Mind is just a word. You don’t know the complexity of it. Mind is the most complex thing in existence; there is nothing comparable to it. And it is the most delicate; you can destroy it, you can do something which then cannot be undone. These techniques are based on a very deep knowledge, on a very deep encounter with the human mind. Each technique is based on long experimentation. So remember this: don’t do anything on your own, and don’t mix two techniques, because their functioning is different, their ways are different, their bases are different.

Mind is just a word.

You don’t know

the complexity of it.

They lead to the same end, but as means they are totally different. Sometimes they may even be diametrically opposite. So don’t mix two techniques. Really, don’t mix anything; use the technique as it is given. Don’t change it, don’t improve it—because you cannot improve it, and any change you bring to it will be fatal. And before you start doing a technique, be fully alert that you have understood it. If you feel confused and you don’t really know what the technique is, it is better not to do it, because each technique is for bringing about a revolution in you.

First try to understand the technique absolutely rightly. When you have understood it, then try it. And don’t use this old doctor’s motto that when you don’t know what to do, do something. No, don’t do anything. Non-doing will be more beneficial.