The path of liberating the heart, of dharma practice, has been likened to a long and arduous trek through an unknown wilderness. At the beginning of our journey we meet someone or read about someone who has been on this same journey before us, who has gone through the wilderness of his or her own heart/mind and returned transformed, awakened, and at ease with all life. We are inspired; we have gained some faith that this journey is worth taking. We pack up our bags and head out along the path. In the beginning we are filled with the energy and exuberance of our faith, which drives us forward. For some this faith is sustained for a very long time; for others, after a short time the journey becomes increasingly difficult, and feelings of doubt begin to override feelings of faith. What seems to be true for everyone is that, at certain points along the way, we will face the attacks of Mara: we will feel lost in the desert or terrified in the haunted forests of our mind. These are the times when we need to reflect on our earlier faith, on the verified progress we have made. In these difficult times it is also important to remember that we were warned about these deserts and forests, to remember that the places that scare us, that seem hopelessly dangerous, are indications that we are get- ting closer to the destination. Often the fear is just Mara’s (or the mind’s) way of trying to keep us stuck in the safe but miserable norm of a survival-based existence.

Along the journey of awakening there will certainly be ebbs and flows in the amount of faith that we have. The key is to continue our forward momentum even on the days that we are experiencing more doubt than confidence.

Faith is good; doubt is natural. Proceed! The revolution awaits.