[soyclocky]

Although there can definately be difficulties in finding genuine teachers, I think that its very important to at least investigate some Buddhist centres and meet some monks, nuns and other lay practitioners. Even if there isn't one nearby, its still possible to travel further afield and stay somewhere for at least a weekend every few months, to get some meditation instruction.

As far as "Mara" is concerned, I like what Buddhadasa Bhikkhu had to say here:

"Now we turn to a rather strange word, the word "Mara" (the tempter, the devil). The Mara of everyday language is conceived as a kind of monster with body, face, and eyes of repulsive and terrifying appearance.

Mara in Dhamma language, however, is not a living creature but rather any kind of mental state opposed to the good and wholesome and to progress towards the cessation of dukkha. That which opposes and obstructs spiritual progress is called Mara.

We may think of Mara as a living being if we wish, as long as we understand what he really stands for.

http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/Bo...DS OF LANGUAGE