Episode 203 - Breaking the Barriers to Spiritual Growth

The spiritual path begins with a mind conditioned by anger, attachment, and ignorance—and a stirring wish for change. The culmination of the path is a mind liberated—compassionate, boundless, and freed by wisdom. What comes between is unyielding, joyful effort. 

Buddha himself and his disciples are the living proof that the task is not beyond our reach. They show us that anyone who follows the path can accomplish the same goals. But what is needed is effort.

The three obstacles to spiritual effort

• Procrastination 

• Attachment to what is meaningless or non-virtuous

• Discouragement

Procrastination

Procrastination is the quiet voice that says, "Not now," allowing us to put off the work of self-cultivation until some elusive "better time." This postponement becomes a barrier that subtly entrenches old habits, robbing us of the momentum we need to progress. Overcoming procrastination requires recognizing that each moment offers a unique chance for growth. 

A traditional antidote to procrastination is remembering the preciousness of this human life, which affords us everything we need to attain enlightenment in this very lifetime! We can also remind ourselves that we don't know how long this particular human vehicle will last (it does seem to have more squeaks and problems under the hood than it used to!) In reality, the time of death is uncertain. Now is the time!

Attachment to What is Meaningless or Non-virtuous

We can check whether we are devoting too much time to fleeting pleasures, material desires, or activities that may bring temporary satisfaction but leave us feeling empty. Attachment to what is meaningless or non-virtuous distracts us from pursuing true joy and clarity. Perhaps we discover we don't just enjoy playing video games or binge-watching Netflix; we've become ensnared! 

Overcoming this attachment requires discerning the difference between fleeting pleasures and the enduring fulfillment of spiritual progress, choosing the latter as our aim. Every time we choose spiritual practice and activities, we loosen the grip of those attachments that block our spiritual growth. We give energy to more meaningful pursuits that align with our highest purpose and bring us closer to liberation. 

Discouragement

Discouragement is the shadow that insists our progress is not enough. It saps our energy, making the spiritual journey seem arduous and our own potential small. Facing our own inner critic is a challenge that invites us to cultivate resilience and trust in our capacity for spiritual growth. Each small step on the path is significant. To rebel against this critical inner voice is to gather strength and to remember that the journey itself, with all its challenges, is the transformation.

Him I call a brahmana, who, like the moon (in a cloudless sky), is pure, clear and serene, and in whom craving for existence is extinct.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada, Verse 413

References and Links

Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=413

Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 3 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.

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