Persevering in the face of apparent obstructions

Whenever trying to encourage others in the practice of Dhamma, as well as reading the simple yet profound encouragements contained in the recorded talks of wonderful masters such as Ajahn Chah, I have found that it is also useful for the yogis who are often struggling with all sorts of doubts and challenges, to hear just a little of the struggles and doubts of the person speaking to them. While teaching in Penang I was reminded of the time eighteen and a half years before when I had a crisis of confidence right there on the very same tropical island.  I share the details of that experience and describe how I persevered with various doubts and apparent obstructions and was able to “keep going” along the Path after all. After this short personal reflection I offer a reading of an excerpt from one of Ajahn Chahs talks “Listening to Dharma” contained in the book “Being Dharma.” Where Ajahn Chah encourages us to be determined in truly recognising conditions for what they are, putting down our unreasonable expectations and learning to rest in the peace that is deeply at ease through “simply knowing these things as they actually are.”

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