When It Doesn't Work
I have a few times heard someone say that they have tried several practices over considerable time, but with no effect.
There may be several explanations for this.
- Didn't notice.
Something did change, but they did not notice.
- Exaggerated expectations
They had unrealistic expectations which were not met, so they discounted the real change.
- Sincerity
Sincerity is neccesary for any significant change - we must be willing for anything and everything to change. There is nothing to hold onto.
- Mismatch
There was a mismatch between the approach and the inner/outer situation of the person.
- Technique
The technique itself was not aligned with Existence. Most often, the approach may not be integral enough - excluding important aspects of Existence. Of course, most approaches work to some extent even if they do exclude parts of Existence. (Examples of what is excluded may include obvious empirical data/insights from the conventional views, or one or both ends of the absolute/relative polarity).