What is ego? Why does too much ego create a crisis for spiritual practitioners? Supreme Master Ching Hai tells the story of the Race between the Tortoise and the Hare, reminding us to control our egos and not become arrogant. Any time we practice with others with an arrogant attitude, and deliberately seek to be higher than our friends so that they’ll see how we practice harder than they do, maya's hindrance will emerge. Thus, we should always monitor our personality so that our greed, anger, and ignorance are controlled; the ego should also be constrained so that it will not cause trouble for us.

Spiritual practice is personal business and should remain on the personal level; thus, we cause trouble for ourselves if we compete with others. Because we want to progress quickly, maya will come and create illusions for us so that we believe we’re already high enough and too good to need more practice. When we become arrogant, it’s hard even for Master to save us. Therefore, spiritual practice is both simple and complex. Controlling ourselves is the most troublesome part. As soon as we become a little bit proud, our level drops immediately, so we should be cautious in every step and during every second of our spiritual practice.

1. What is the danger of practicing many methods at the same time?
2. How can those who once worshiped gods and spirits get rid of disturbances from low-level powers? Is it our own fault if we're controlled by maya?
3. Why must spiritual practitioners maintain positive thinking and a determined attitude?
4. What does the expression "everything is created by the mind" mean? There was originally only one type of power in the universe; then why did a second type come into being?
5. How do we reduce the influence of the negative power in our lives?
6. Do you want to know the secret of successful prayer?
7. Where does the magical power of great practitioners come from?
8. When Masters give lectures, why can some benefit the audience while others cannot?
9. Why is it hard to succeed in spiritual practice without firm faith?
10. Why do spiritual practitioners need to be extremely cautious? Why should we be more cautious when our spiritual experiences increase in number?
11. Why do we still need to be cautious when we know we have a humble attitude? What is real humility?
12. Why does Master say "good experiences will come when we're humble and peaceful in mind"?
13. Why should we speak less and act cautiously? Can we publicize our good conduct?