July 16, 2026
An exploration of why pain is often a stronger motivator than pleasure in our spiritual lives, and how we must associate pain with our obstacles to truly give them up.
The Heat of Change
It is said that people don't change when they see the light; they change when they feel the heat. Unless you feel you can't take it anymore, it is unlikely you will change. In order to overcome our anarthas, we must link enough pain to maintaining them that holding onto them feels more painful than letting them go. Fear is the anticipation of future suffering; we are afraid to give up our anarthas because we think we will suffer without them.
A Practical Exercise
Write down your biggest obstacles to Bhakti. Write why it is important to give them up, what they are costing you spiritually, and how carrying them makes you feel. Compare them to painful diseases, vicious animals, or poison. Once you do this, compose prayers to help you overcome these obstacles.
By Mahatma Das
By Mahatma Das