We Live In Expectation

Expectation: a strong belief that something will happen.

We’re led to believe that supernatural things can happen, so we expect or hope that they will.

This clouds our judgment about what’s actually going on. We’re fed supernatural stories and elaborate displays that stick in our minds and, even if we don’t believe in them, we still react to those who do. When people meditate, they believe something special will take place when, in actuality, nothing happens. This can cause us to feel disappointed or inferior.

This ‘nothing happening’ is what it’s all about. When nothing’s happening, there is clarity, which we aren’t used to, unfortunately, and so we don’t value it. 

In reality, our needs are very simple, spending our precious time undoing our karmic programming.

If, however, we want something interesting, we’re given something interesting and, as a result, we will always miss the point, adding to our karma. This is the indication that Mara is at work.

As we ascend the levels, we look back and wonder, “Why did I ever believe that?” This very question is the precursor to the next step. 

Mara activity is all about ‘believe me’ – it cannot help itself. 
Don’t believe anyone, even the Buddha. 
Know, through direct raw experience.