relief

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It may sound churlish and unkind, but I think that of all the honey traps that can beset spiritual endeavor, relief may be the most delicious and dangerous.

I haven't got what it takes to do a soaring prattle on the topic. Perhaps it can be boiled down to this: The relief that arises is nothing more than the bricks and mortar of that from which anyone might seek relief in the first place.

The "save me! save me!" that inspired the endeavor turns into a blessed salvation ... a damnation beyond compare. Crowds may cheer, but I don't think crowds or cheering assure anyone's honest longings.

But there is something to be said for relief: It is a good indicator that more practice is warranted.
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