The first two obstacles are ignorance (which mean to be
unaware) and the ego. Remember the ego is not to be annihilated. It is to be
controlled. The self will always be falsely represented by the ego until ignorance
is removed. This means to remove self-righteousness, self-importance and selfishness.
Be compassionate and understanding. We are all equal. However, we are all different
and that is what makes the world so interesting. The third obstacle is attachment. Because of
egoism there is attachment to things for the egos pleasure. We attach ourselves
to that which brings us pleasure and then we fear losing it. Fear is the
ignorant face of the ego.
Most humans find life quite painful because they are locked
into possessiveness and can’t adjust to the ever changing nature of life. Everything
is transitory. The key word is detachment. Not detachment from things, but
detachment from our identification with things. It means to detach from both pleasure
and pain and simply experience the essence of life, which is transitory and
ever changing. Even this moment cannot last. It quickly moves onto the next
moment and then the next moment.
Again this does mean detaching from the object or the person,
but to detach from our identification with the pleasure or the pain this object
or person brings into our life. Life is meant to be observed and lived; not possessed.
Be aware, control the ego and detach by observing life and letting it flow as
it will.
Although you may amass ten thousand pieces of gold, at death
you cannot take with you even one copper penny. According to Karma yoga, all you
take with you when you depart this world is the wisdom you have gained. Choose
wisely.
Doctor Lynn
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