Chapters 19-22 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 19 - Heightened Neurosis

Moving toward groundlessness does not feel liberating. Rather, most experience a sense of insecurity because we are threatening to cast off from all of the things to which we cling. This often brings a state of increased clinging which is called heightened neurosis. Heightened neurosis can occur even inside of our practices to become bodhisattvas. While practicing to become groundless, we will fall into scenarios related to our training. We could become self-critical of our progress. We could develop a feeling of superiority about ourselves and what we are trying to do. We could even develop a tendency to use spiritual practice to avoid powerful emotions or truths. We bring these old habits of security right into our practice. It takes time to gain confidence as we decrease our handholds. We are leaving behind solidity...