OBSTACLE 8

Karma Yoga gives us nine obstacles to overcome, so that we might have in our lives, vitality, happiness and peace. The first is ill health. The second is boredom. The third is self-doubt. The fourth is distractions and carelessness. The fifth is feeling heavy and burnt-out. The sixth is having cravings and desires. The seventh is doubting one’s progress. The eighth obstacle is getting caught in the illusion of life. It means to have a false impression of life as being a certain way, a false sense of security and a false sense of importance. Everything in the world is real. It is all here for our growth and evolution, but we forget and believe that acquiring things of the world is why we are here. The material world is not what defines us. It is what we do with the material world and how we let it, or let it not build character, values and virtues. The only thing that is permanent is what you cultivate within. Money, health, happiness possessions and relationships, come and go, but the virtues you build within last lifetimes. The world is real – how we perceive the world is the illusion. So, work to develop virtues within. Know the world is real and then use it as a great opportunity to build a balanced, strong, flexible and peaceful character and you will overcome the obstacle of illusion. Takes work to separate yourself and see the world for what it is– an opportunity - that’s karma let’s get to work. END: Know the world for what it is. Everything in it is real and ever changing. Nothing in life is permanent except that which you cultivate, hold onto, and feed within. Wealth, material things, world peace, technology are all constantly changing. It is up to us to see the world as a great opportunity to make both our lives and the world at large a better place. When you can do this, you overcome the obstacle of illusion. EGO: Flip your palm up and extend the index finger – the symbol of the ego. The ego is the part of us that identifies with the world. The maya, or the illusion is in the mind. The mind gets scattered and cluttered with citta (mind stuff). This drags us into believing the illusion - to have a false impression of life as being a certain way, a false sense of security and a false sense of importance. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top. Surrender to your soul. The whole point of life is to bring together in perfect harmony the material world and the soulful world. We are here to work the mission of the soul, which basically is to overcome the four great passions and the nine obstacles, and then find peace. The world is not an illusion. It is real and it is here for us to experience and gain knowledge of our true being. Truth is not something we can intellectualize. It must be live, experienced and understood. The truth is the world is not an illusion. The illusion is in our perceptions. Overcoming this and all of the nine obstacles will bring prosperity to your life. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, course and private consultations http://www.doctorlynn.com