Meditation is not a progression through stages, nor is it advancing or climbing. Meditation is a process, not entirely dissimilar from maturing or growing older. Development occurs over a period of time – but it is not gradual. It is a fluctuating stream which contains gradual change, stasis, and sudden change. This is precisely what occurs in terms of meditation. Meditation is not based on stages as heavily defined segments of an established spiritual framework, but on a process that is taking place in those who meditate. That process also takes place in the context of our living situations.p79, Emailing the Lamas from Afar, Ngakpa Chögyam and Khandro Déchen, Aro Books, 2009, ISBN 978-0-9653948-5-7