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The Buddha’s path to awakening is often described not as an act of attaining something new, but as a process of letting go—of views, attachments, fears, and self-centered striving. In the Alagaddupama Sutta (MN 22), the Buddha reminds us that even the Dhamma itself is like a raft: once we’ve crossed the river, we need not carry it on our backs.
Letting go doesn’t mean pushing things away or pretending we don’t care. It’s not a forced detachment or cold indifference. Rather, it’s an invitation into intimacy: to meet our experience so fully that we no longer need to grasp or resist it. We release the hand that’s clutching the rope, and discover we’re already being held.
Ajahn Chah, in his characteristically direct way, said:
“If you let go a little, you will have a little peace.
If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace.
If you let go completely, you will have complete peace.”
What are we holding onto that no longer serves us? A belief about who we are? A fixed opinion? A craving, resentment, or subtle tension in the heart? The practice is not about judging these things, but noticing the suffering that comes from clinging—and gently exploring the possibility of release.
Practice Suggestions
1) The Hand and the Stone: Close your fist tightly, as if grasping a stone. Hold it for a full minute. Then, slowly open your hand and notice the shift in sensation. This simple practice offers a direct experience of release in contrast to holding on. In doing so, we begin to feel the dukkha—the tension, strain, and contraction—that naturally arises with clinging. In truth, clinging is suffering. Let this small act serve as a reflection: Where in your life or practice are you grasping too tightly? What might it feel like to let go?
2) "Is This Mine?" Reflection
When difficult thoughts, emotions, or cravings arise, silently ask:
- Is this truly mine?
- Is it lasting?
- Is it worth clinging to?
This gentle inquiry helps loosen the grip of identification and opens the hand of the heart.
3) Letting Go in the Body: During meditation or at the end of the day, scan through your body and notice where you’re holding. Invite release—not by force, but with kindness. Allow the breath to soften and unwind the tension.
Readings
Sutta:
Modern Resources:
Mantra for May
“In letting go, I return to what is already free.”
Closing Reflection
Letting go isn’t a one-time act—it’s a lifelong rhythm, like the breath itself. We hold, we release. We cling, we soften. In this rhythm, we come to see that the deepest freedom isn’t found through acquiring or fixing, but through surrendering to the truth of the moment. As you move through this month, may you listen to what the heart is ready to release. And may each letting go bring you closer to peace, simplicity, and the quiet joy of being.
With Blessings & Metta,
Adam Stonebraker
Resident Guiding Teacher
Nevada City Insight
Mountain Stream Meditation
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