Be Aware of Plateaus in Meditation

I have been teaching meditation for about three years now, since 2022. From both my personal journey and teaching experience, I’ve observed the following common pattern:

1.     One begins by experiencing suffering and seeks a remedy to reduce or eliminate it.

2.     Among many possible approaches, some choose meditation due to its well-known effectiveness in alleviating suffering.

3.     They embark on self-study or find a teacher.

4.     Although meditation is challenging, they persevere due to a deep desire to find relief.

5.     With dedicated practice, they begin to experience some level of relief or healing.

6.     They may even start encountering extraordinary phenomena that arise through meditation.

7.     Encouraged by these signs of progress, they continue practicing diligently.

8.     Then, unexpectedly, they hit a plateau.

9.     Without new or deeper experiences, boredom sets in.

10.  Practice begins to wane.

11.  The initial benefits start to fade.

12.  Disheartened, some lose interest and quit, while others become frustrated and generate new hindrances.

Many meditators stop or stagnate at this plateau stage. However, those who patiently persevere—without craving (taṇhā) for more profound or faster results—eventually break through and continue progressing. Meditation unfolds in stages, and plateaus are natural parts of the journey.

It’s much like going on a diet. Initially, weight may drop quickly, but then a plateau typically sets in. If one gives up during the plateau, the weight often returns, with more added on. But if one stays committed despite the standstill, weight loss resumes and stabilizes over time.

Meditation works the same way. Stay steady. Do not measure progress by the presence of extraordinary experiences. Liberation unfolds steadily, through unwavering and mindful persistence.