In short: the monk Soṇa was practicing so hard he wanted to quit. The Buddha, knowing he had been a musician, asked whether a harp plays well with strings too tight or too slack. Neither. "In the same way, Soṇa, when energy is too forceful it leads to restlessness. When energy is too slack it leads to laziness. So, Soṇa, you should focus on energy and serenity, find a balance of the faculties, and learn the character of this situation." (AN 6.55). It's the classic Buddhist teaching on balanced effort.
The conversation
"When your harp's strings were tuned too tight, was it resonant and playable?" "No, sir." "When your harp's strings were tuned too slack, was it resonant and playable?" "No, sir." "But when your harp's strings were tuned neither too tight nor too slack, but fixed at an even tension, was it resonant and playable?" "Yes, sir."
"In the same way, Soṇa, when energy is too forceful it leads to restlessness. When energy is too slack it leads to laziness. So, Soṇa, you should focus on energy and serenity, find a balance of the faculties, and learn the character of this situation."
AN 6.55 · Often called the "lute simile"; Sujato translates the instrument as an arched harp.
Soṇa took the advice, found the balance, and soon reached the goal of the path.
Too tight or too slack?
| Too tight | Too slack | Tuned |
|---|---|---|
| Forcing the breath, gritting teeth | Drifting, dozing | Interested, relaxed, awake |
| "I must get this right" | "Whatever" | "Let's see what's here" |
| Restless, frustrated | Lazy, dull | Calm and bright |
Tuning your practice
- Too tight? Soften the body, smile slightly, shorten the session, lengthen the out-breath.
- Too slack? Sit up straighter, open the eyes a little, count breaths, or practice walking. (Counting breaths)
- In life: the same tuning applies to work, exercise and relationships. Steady beats extreme.
Try it
Notice your "string tension" at the start of your next sit: Practice. Related: balancing the awakening factors, how long to meditate.
Questions people ask
What is the lute or harp-string simile?
In AN 6.55 the Buddha reminds Soṇa, a former musician, that a harp only plays well when its strings are 'neither too tight nor too slack'. In the same way, 'when energy is too forceful it leads to restlessness. When energy is too slack it leads to laziness.'
How do I know if I'm trying too hard in meditation?
Tension, headaches, frustration and restlessness are signs of 'too tight'. Drowsiness, drifting and not caring are signs of 'too slack'. Adjust toward the middle.