Let go.

རང་བབས་
Tibetan: rang-bab
English: let go, let it flop, naturally settled, natural state

When engaging in Dzogchen meditation we find this common description of meditation: rang-bab, rang-nay, rang-sal; relax naturally, abide naturally, naturally clarify.

The common metaphor that is used to illustrate this method of meditation is to a dirty glass of water. If you place a glass of water and let it rest, let it remain there unwavering, then the dirty settles out and the clarity of the water naturally reveals itself.

The first step is to let go, rang-bab. Rang-bab, or resting naturally, can be compared to cutting the string on a bale of hay. The hay just settles as it is. There is no effort, no contrivance, no posturing or manipulation. Just settle. Let go. Relax.

A key point in this meditation technique of resting naturally is to notice the tension. What are you holding onto or fighting against? Are you struggling with thoughts, feelings, sensations, agitation? Recognize the tension and struggle. Recognize it as a sign to let go, relax. Use the tension and resistance to point you towards the ground of being.

There is nothing to do. Nothing to fix. Nothing to alter. Relax in the uncontrived natural state. Let go of fixation and grasping. Recognize and abide in authentic presence, open awareness, rigpa. When you can relax and abide in the natural state, then you will start to appreciate how everything is freed in its own place with nothing more to do, which we call naturally liberated or rangdrol. This is the doorway to true Dzogchen practice and the realization of the natural great perfection.