---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: serene illumination, or just sitting, is…"
description: "\"serene illumination, or just sitting, is not a technique, or a means to some resulting higher state of consciousness, or any particular state of being...."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d6a/john-daido-loori-22888_consciousness_serene-illumination-or-just-sitting-is-n_2304866.jpg"
---

#  serene illumination, or just sitting, is not a technique…

![“serene illumination, or just sitting, is not a technique, or a means to some resulting higher state of consciousness, or any particular state of being. Just sitting, one simply meets the immediate present. Desiring some flashy experience, or anything more or other than 'this' is mere worldly…” quote by John Daido Loori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d6a/john-daido-loori-22888_consciousness_serene-illumination-or-just-sitting-is-n_2304866.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d6a/john-daido-loori-22888_consciousness_serene-illumination-or-just-sitting-is-n_2304866.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d6a/john-daido-loori-22888_consciousness_serene-illumination-or-just-sitting-is-n_2304866.jpg)

> “serene illumination, or just sitting, is not a technique, or a means to some resulting higher state of consciousness, or any particular state of being. Just sitting, one simply meets the immediate present. Desiring some flashy experience, or anything more or other than 'this' is mere worldly vanity and craving.”

[John Daido Loori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-daido-loori/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True presence arises from simply being with the moment, not by seeking special experiences or states.

**In simple terms:** Being present is the practice, not a technique.

Key Takeaway

Sit without expectation.

Themes

mindfulness presence non‑attachment

Mood

calm contemplative

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- meditation
- daily mindfulness
- stress reduction
- spiritual practice

Key Concepts

Zen awareness emptiness

Questions to Reflect On

- What does “just sitting” feel like for you?
- How can you notice craving without acting on it?

A Different Perspective

If you chase a particular feeling, you may miss the natural peace of the present.

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[Consciousness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consciousness/) [Experience](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/experience/) [Illumination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/illumination/) [Serene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/serene/) [States of consciousness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/states-of-consciousness/) [Technique](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/technique/) [Vanity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vanity/)

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