Self-inquiry and surrender are the most powerful methods for penetrating the egoic illusion, but for that very reason they require a great deal of commitment. Because they attack thought and your notion of doership and control at every moment, they can rouse a lot of fear and anxiety, and require a great deal of commitment. If they seem simply far too difficult, there is a preparatory step that is easier: karma yoga. Karma yoga does not require you to give up your illusions of control. It says, "Go ahead and do what you need to do. Only keep the attitude that no matter what happens, good or bad, you are not going to be emotionally affected." Over time, karma yoga will quiet the mind and loosen the attachments and prepare the seeker for inquiry and surrender.
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Investigations into Spiritual Truth