Relaxation into natural awareness
Semde practices emphasize not creating or fabricating states of mind. Instead, the practitioner relaxes into the natural condition of awareness that is already present.
Fabricated meditation
Natural presence vs fabricated meditation
Dzogchen emphasizes *natural presence*—resting in awareness without effort or construction. This is contrasted with *fabricated meditation*, which depends on deliberate techniques or manipulation of the mind.
Balancing effort and relaxation
Dzogchen emphasizes effortless awareness, yet practitioners also need discipline. The balance of effort and relaxation ensures that practice is natural without becoming careless or strained.