a lack of determination. Determination (nischay) breaks down
the obstacles (antaray). Once the ultimate determination
(nischay), ‘I am the Self’ is attained, all obstacles come to an
end.
Obstacles that arise because of the worldly intellect are
like knots. And obstacles that arise from the intelligence of
religion are like big complex knots because; they make one
wander around for infinite lives. The belief or sense of, “I know
something” is the biggest obstacle in the path to the Self. It is
evident that nothing is known where there is artadhyan
(adverse internal meditation that hurts the self) or raudradhyan
(adverse internal meditation that hurts the self and others).
The biggest obstacle is one which impedes one’s attainment
of the knowledge of the Self (Gnanantaray). It is one’s inner
sense that says, “In matters of spirituality and Soul, I am the only
one who understands, and everyone else does not understand
anything at all.”
Another obstacle is to interfere in the process whereby
someone’s attainment of Self-knowledge is hindered.
Or even if after meeting a true ‘Gnani’ one thinks, “I have
seen many such ‘Gnanis’.” All of these sow the seeds of
obstacles to the knowledge of the Self (Gnanantaray).
However, even, if a person were to feel, “A ‘Gnani’ is close by,
but I am unable to go and see him!” it would break down the
obstacles.
“How can there be moksha within just one hour?” Once
this is vocalized or felt, there will be an obstacle to one’s own
moksha! This universe is such that it cannot be measured by
one’s intellect.
Obstacles to one’s skill are created with, “I don’t know
how to do it.” And with a firm, “Why can’t I know how to do
this?” the obstacles (antaray) will break down.
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