FINE EDGE

Verse 1.3.14 of the Katha Upanishad reads “The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over; thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard.” The line served as the epigraph for W. Somerset Maugham’s 1944 novel The Razor’s Edge. 
 
The verse, however, has an additional meaning.  Once Salvation has been realized, it is equally walking a razor’s edge to maintain it.  The reason for this is Maya, illusion in the world.   

Aja Dasa, a Vedic priest in Oregon, aptly describes the two features of Maya:  the first, he says, is to pull you down, and the second is to cover you over.

Worldly distractions, such as the cellphones everyone stares into all day these days, are the perfect example of Maya.  Maya is the Tempter.  Even a long-liberated devotee will find himself at the precipice at times; one step further and he’s down and covered over.

This is why sadhana, the practice of spiritual disciplines, is so important.  Even if it is only ten minutes of meditation per day, it is a reference point.  It assures one’s footing on the fine edge.