Tips and Tricks of the Trade
Imagine that our task is to jump up upon a narrow wall. To accomplish this several abilities must be demonstrated: strength, balance, judgment, vision, etc. Too little of any attribute, and we never reach the level of the walls height. Too much, and we fall over onto the other side, after just touching of the wall’s edge. Though we do not completely know what we will see once we stand on the edge of the wall, we nonetheless find it useful to have some idea of what the goal may be, as it helps coordinate our estimates of effort and direction. So, not confusing the method for the goal, it is still important to hold both in your attention.
Guide books to spiritual practice always seem to assume that we have no skills. Not all methods are needed by all individuals, as their karmas or present skills may already make them ready in some way. Some are born smart, but are weak. Some are born strong but dull of mind, etc.
So you ask about tips on methods: the strategies subtly change as you get near the goal. Too much strength, you push past the opening. So you practice jumping up on the wall. You fall off quickly most of the time. The ledge is narrow, but your balance improves, with practice. The more time you spend on top of the ledge, the easier it will become to stay there. Again, practice.
Proper use of mantra will aid in spontaneous alignment of your mental / concentration agencies. There is a point where awareness of the mantra disappears or else seems distantly irrelevant, just before transcendence occurs. This involves “doing / not doing” at the right moment. And awareness of both. That is what I call balance! The thing is this, do not get discouraged. Keep going. Make adjustments, but do not give up.
OM……
