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from the USA, and the 3.5-hour, 80-mile drive from Bangalore to Puaparthi, some of it over rough and washed-out roads, can be an ordeal. Swami says that he doesn’t want the journey to be just a Sunday drive. It challenges the motivation and sincerity of the spiritual aspirant.
Living at the ashram can be difficult. It is simple living and at times in close proximity to difficult personalities from different countries, cultures, and socio-economic and educational backgrounds. This arrangement frequently sets off the six inner enemies (lust, anger, pride, greed, hatred, and aachment) that emerge in the form of deep and troubling emotional reactions.
Inner Obstacles
When we are stretched and pressed, tired and pummeled, the weaknesses of the mind become even more pronounced. The mind might flit around like a mad monkey, be distracted by aimless talk and gossip, or struggle with inner demons. In such cases, our judgment is oen poor, and we lose balance and slide into fanaticism and rigidity. Inner pain and conflict from difficult past events that have been repressed and hidden from awareness are re-experienced or projected onto this scene and cause further anxieties and depression. The ego roars, testing our faith and ability to surrender to God’s will. We might even be frightened by the impermanence of life, possible loss of family members, friends, financial and job security, position and power, and physical and mental health. All these difficulties must be faced with faith and dharma, and released.
Confronting Obstacles
I remember my first direct lesson from Swami about detachment from the obstacles of expectations and desires. It shook me so much that it took me three days to regain emotional balance. I’m lucky it took only that long. It happened
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