The question was simple, but the discussion that followed was anything but simple:
Many participants on the call answered in affirmation. Of course, they can. We can have a family, a career, responsibilities and ambitions, while continuing our spiritual journey. Then AiR nudged us with a simple but powerful question: “If that is so, why did Siddharth, who became Gautama Buddha, leave his home?”
That question changed the direction of the conversation.
A few participants then argued that perhaps worldly responsibilities and spiritual growth cannot truly co-exist. Yet there was another apparent contradiction. The AiR philosophy does not prescribe sannyasa or renunciation of worldly life. So, what exactly are we missing?
The discussion reminded me of a hockey team that had managed to enter the penalty area but simply could not convert the opportunity into a goal. We were getting closer to the answer, but something was still missing.
Finally, towards the end of the call, SIP spoke through AiR and provided the distinction that brought everything together:
“Worldly responsibilities and spiritual growth cannot co-exist. But spiritual growth and worldly necessities can co-exist.”
At first, the difference may sound like nothing more than a play on words. In reality, there is a world of difference in understanding. That small distinction between responsibilities and necessities can completely change the way we live.