Meditation in the Platform Sutra takes center stage as a pathway to direct, unfiltered insight rather than a mere series of postures or rituals. Rather than prescribing elaborate techniques, the Sixth Patriarch, Huineng, champions what feels like “no-frills” practice: letting the mind settle naturally, free from clinging thoughts. This emphasis on formless awareness cuts straight to the chase—once discriminations fall away, the always-present Buddha-nature shines through.

At its heart, the Sutra portrays meditation as an ever-present, moment-to-moment practice. Sitting quietly isn’t a special occasion but an opportunity to notice habits of grasping and aversion as they arise. In one striking passage, mental images simply dissolve when attention rests without judgment—like clouds drifting past an open sky. This spontaneous awakening echoes today’s surge in “mindfulness” apps and digital retreats, where busy professionals pause between Zoom calls to recalibrate.

Rather than chasing a distant goal, meditation in Huineng’s teaching invites recognition that enlightenment is already here. This resonates with contemporary Zen centers reopening after the pandemic lull, where newcomers report sudden flashes of clarity during ordinary chores—a modern echo of “no-thought” practice on the laughably mundane level of washing dishes or brewing tea. The Sutra insists that true meditation unfolds when dualities of practitioner and practice dissolve, revealing a seamless flow between meditation cushion and everyday life.

In today’s world, where tech giants host guided sessions right in the office lobby and international mindfulness conferences fill calendars, the Platform Sutra’s message remains refreshingly down-to-earth: meditation isn’t about acquiring special states. It’s an invitation to drop the act, see what’s already present, and let the mind’s natural luminosity do the talking.