OTHER OBSTACLES TO MEDITATION

These come after transcending the previously mentioned obstacles.

A) AMBITION AND DESIRE

Enjoyment produces pain; everything is perishable. Cultivate dispassion or indifference to sensual pleasures. Do not be attached to desire.

B) MORAL AND SPIRITUAL PRIDE

Spiritual aspirants may become proud of their practice of certain austerities or meditation experiences. If one is aware of being a small drop in the Brahmic ocean, it is difficult to maintain pride and ego.

C) RELIGIOUS HYPOCRISY

The aspirant sometimes becomes puffed up with moral and spiritual pride after acquiring a few experiences or powers. He may separate himself from others and treat them with contempt. This kind of arrogance poses a serious obstacle to Self-realization and must be completely removed. As long as there is pride and boasting, it is impossible to relinquish the ego and realize divinity. The path is long; the greatest virtue is humility.

D) NAME AND FAME

The desire for name and fame is a manifestation of ego; an aspirant should cultivate humility by constant awareness that all beings are equally expressions of the Divine.

E) ELEMENTALS

These are strange, terrifying forms, often encountered in meditation. They come to test your strength and courage. Remember that the positive always overcomes the negative; courage banishes fear.

F) VISIONS

One may have visions of higher beings, of astral planes, etc. These can be a hindrance if the aspirant fixes his mind upon them. These come and go as do all thought forms; do not dwell on them. Remember that your goal is beyond all forms and visions; you seek cosmic consciousness, and nothing less. Rise above visions, keep striving.

G) SIDDHIS -PHYSIC POWERS

Some students have hopes of attaining psychic powers, and their motives cause attachment to such powers (this is a form of spiritual greed). Shun powers as they invariably become stumbling blocks. If one regularly practices concentration and meditation, psychic powers are bound to come. But they must not be used for selfish or materialistic purposes. Every wrong action has a deleterious reaction, and misuse results in both psychic and spiritual loss. Siddhis are strong intoxicants; the intellect becomes turbid and understanding becomes cloudy.

Questions:

1. Why is talking too much an obstacle to meditation?

2. Why is it important to be with spiritual people as often as possible?

3. Which emotions are obstacles to meditation; how can they be transformed?

4. Why can visions and siddhis be an obstacle?

5. How can you overcome all obstacles?