Too muchawareness without calm to balance it will result in a wildly over-sensitized state similar toabusing LSD. Too much concentration without a balancing ratio of awareness will resultin the 'Stone Buddha' syndrome. The meditator gets so tranquilized that he sits there likea rock. Both of these are to be avoided.
In the book "Mindfulness in Plain English," author Henepola Gunaratana explains the importance of balance in awareness and concentration during meditation. He warns that excessive awareness without maintaining a sense of calm can lead to an overstimulated state, akin to the effects of drug abuse. This condition can make one overly sensitive to stimuli, which hampers the effectiveness of meditation.
Conversely, focusing too intently without the right amount of awareness can result in what Gunaratana terms the 'Stone Buddha' syndrome. This state traps the meditator in a deep tranquility, rendering them immobile and disconnected from their practice. Both extremes are detrimental, emphasizing the need for a harmonious approach that integrates awareness and concentration for effective meditation.
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