Motivation

This week in the ongoing classes we reviewed the five hindrances of craving, ill will, torpor, restlessness and doubt. All these are obstacles to making progress on the spiritual path. It occurred to me that they begin to interfere at the point of motivation. Lama Surya Das has some observations on motivation in his book Awakening the Buddha Within:

Those of us who embark on spiritual paths are motivated in different ways. Some of us want to know the unknowable; others want to know themselves; still others want to know everything. Some people want transformation; others want miracles. Many want to alleviate suffering, help others, and leave the world a better place. Most of us are seeking love and fulfillment in one way or another. Everyone wants inner peace, acceptance, satisfaction, and happiness. We all want genuine remedies to feelings of despair, alienation, and hopelessness. Don't we all want to find spiritual nourishment and healing, renewal and a greater sense of meaning?

Reflect on what your motivations are for engaging in a meditative practice. Then resolve not to allow the hindrances to take those motivations from you.