The six internal enemies are doing more than nipping at our heels. They are
diseases of the mind, deeply rooted throughout. For example, as an exercise I
monitor my thoughts during the day. How many times do I find myself
criticizing others? How many times do I find myself offering advice that was
just pride in disguise? It is revealing and shocking. And what about anger,
greed, lust, etc?
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the 15th century saint (said to be an incarnation of Sri
Radha Rani), distilled his spiritual teaching into three points.
1. Be more humble than a blade of grass.
The blade of grass is continually being stepped on. It does not
complain. It just bounces back.
2. Be more tolerant than a tree.
The tree gives shade even to him who cuts off its branches. It
gives fruit to the person who throws
rocks at it to retrieve its fruit.
3. Always offer respect to others and never expect any in return.
Perhaps behaviors are the best indicator of our spiritual progress.
