Spiritual growth is an inner path, and with some inner detachment, one can live an intensely spiritual life. Buddhist monks leave their homes and lead a secluded life in monasteries in order to give up their material desires.
However, not everybody is willing and ready to leave completely the material world. Many have families to take care of, and it would be irresponsible and egoistical to leave them. Many don’t fit into a life of seclusion and abstinence, and they function better in society.
People who are on the path of spiritual growth are sometimes perplexed and don’t know what to do. They want to advance on the
spiritual path, but they cannot devote all their time to this quest and abandon the material world. Most of them have responsibilities and duties they feel they cannot ignore, and have material needs they have to take care of.
Living in seclusion and with no possessions does not necessarily bring spiritual growth and
spiritual awakening. A person living this kind of life might be distracted and disturbed in other ways, and might still find it difficult to concentrate or meditate. It is the mind that has to be conquered and not material possessions. Spiritual awakening and enlightenment are not dependent on what you wear, what you eat and where you live. They depend on inner maturity, ripeness and on inner work.
