Difficulties are required | Great Middle Way

Difficulties are required | Great Middle Way

Difficulties are required

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Tashi Nyima

While meditating on the body, do not hope or pray to be exempt from sickness.  Without sickness, desires and passions can easily arise.

While acting in society, do not hope or pray not to have any difficulties. Without difficulties, arrogance can easily arise.

While meditating on the mind, do not hope or pray not to encounter hindrances. Without hindrances, present knowledge will not be challenged or broadened.

While working, do not hope or pray not to encounter obstacles. Without obstacles, the vow to help others will not deepen.

While interacting with others, do not hope or pray to gain personal profit. With the
hope for personal gain, the spiritual nature of the encounter is diminished.

While speaking with others, do not hope or pray to avoid disagreement. Without disagreement, self-righteousness can flourish.

–Thich Nhat Hanh