Burn Through Obstacles

Self-discipline is fiery energy that can burn through obstacles and light up your path. ~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian

Many of the obstacles we encounter in life are self created, and our meditation practice teaches us the skills we need to avoid and overcome these. We become intensely aware of the thoughts that occur in our minds, so we can let those fall away that are not useful. Meditation is simple but not easy. Only self-discipline enables us to sit until the chatter in our minds quiets and we encounter the deep peacefulness that is our true nature. When we exercise the discipline to turn away from arising anger, a mental heat is generated that gives us the extra energy we need to persevere when encountering serious problems. Our freedom is forged in the fire our meditation practice both when we sit to meditate and when we act in the world.