The Promises

Spiritual paths all have promises.  This is what attracts people before they get much onto the path.  I find that dying to selfish preoccupations and rising to loving service of others will lead to the promises.  But you don't get there on your own willpower.  This is why you have to follow the instructions, which are all actions, not intellectual categories.  Mediation, for instance, in whatever path, has some suggested methods, and takes discipline.  All paths have instructions.  Self-centered people, false pride, narrow-minded, don't much care for instructions.  So they keep their misery, or sadness, looking down a path not taken.  Follow instructions and you will die to self and rise to service.