the Buddha warned about the five primary
hindrances on the path to awakening. one of them,
spiritual laziness, is a direct challenge to the
vigor and energy necessary for Right Effort.
spiritual laziness - sloth, torpor, apathy, lethargy, indolence,
complacency, depression.....
with the hindrance of torpor, we also have to discuss the spiritual
crisis known as depression and the lethargy that accompanies it.
fatigue of depression robs the energy away from walking the
spiritual path or even to keep living. depression overwhelms with
negativity and lethargy, it is as though you have lost your way and
nothing you do can possibly matter.
depression typically carries an overwhelming sense of feeling
abandoned, alone, exhausted and disconnected - profoundly weary
from the difficult business of living.
when you are working on depression and other difficult life
situations, it is important to summon your faith, fall back on
soulful inner practices and go for refuge where you can find
spiritual solace.
try to remember to have faith in your own Buddha-nature,
your own inner light and seek guidance from a reliable teacher or
Bodhisattva-like mentor who inspires spiritual wisdom and energy.
go for refuge to the Dharma by staying true to yourself and your
sense that you are on the right path. and look to your friends and
your sangha or spiritual group of any denomination for
support.