Prologue to The Rule (paragraph 8)
If, however, you find in it anything which seems rather strict, but which is demanded reasonably for the correction of vice or the preservation of love, do not let that frighten you into fleeing from the way of salvation; it is a way which is bound to seem narrow to start with. (From para. 8 of Prologue to The Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
Meditation, it seems to me, is also a school for the Lord's service. The practice of the mantra is strict, demanded reasonably for the correction of vice or the preservation of love, and is a way which is bound to seem narrow to start with.
"It is so much more comfortable to say bedtime prayers than it is speak peace in a warring world." (Joan Chittister, "Daily Reading") Benedict's Rule, he says, asks for "nothing harsh or burdensome", but it does ask for discipline and conversion of my life, Abba. Only love, for you and my fellows, makes this life possible. Teach me, teach us, to love and accept the disturbance of comfort. Teach me, teach us, to love, joyfully.
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