By Rudra Shivananda
The spiritual path is long an arduous and has many pitfalls and obstacles. We are often befuddled by our delusions and fall prey to illusions, thinking a true path is false or that we have achieved something when we have not.
Why does this happen? It is because of our karmic tendencies or samskaras operating in our field of experience including the very spiritual practices which are meant to burn them away. We cannot rely on our senses or our minds. We can only trust our heart and the spiritual guide. That is way it is useful to have a trusted guide on the path lest we fall by the wayside.
Once you’ve done your due diligence to select the guide and the path, the key to success is perseverance. Many have died and lived and died without achieving their true self because of doubts and the lack of intensity in their practice. Many have delayed their realization by prematurely giving up their daily practice. Do not join their ranks.
Practice, practice and practice more.
It is important to set your priorities – what do you want from this life? Something that you cannot take with you into the next life or something that can endure death? Besides one’s karma, the only thing that survives death is spiritual practice. All the great sages have assured us that not one second of spiritual practice will be forgotten and that the fruits of our practice will last for eternity if need be.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain or if you want to be very precise – you will lose everything and gain nothing, for only be giving up the impermanent things of life can you gain the immortality of the true Self which is nothing as it is not an object but you, Yourself.
Set your sight on the priceless Divine and persevere in your practice, no matter the winds of emotional turmoil or the tsunami of physical and mental distress that come and go.