Common Pitfalls in the Beginning

The beginning of any activity usually presents the greatest hurdles and so is true of meditation. Questions/comments like "Why am I doing this?", "This is pointless", "I don't need meditation" often plague the mind. But it is very necessary to understand these in the correct way. When one is in a constant habit of satisfying their cravings, one becomes a slave of the mind, running after its every whim. If we tell ourselves to focus on the breath, our mind continues to jump from one place to another and we find it hard to accept the change. Suddenly, we get a craving to adjust things to the original habit pattern of being a slave to the mind and we even try to rationalize our way out. Our minds can be very tricky and provide us with many reasons and excuses just to satisfy our desires, but if one aims to take the reins of one's own mind, he/she will pursue an undisturbed peace; a peace that fosters an unparalleled unity with the rest of the world.