Can worldly responsibilities and spiritual growth coexist?
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...