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Date Posted: 10:07:39 04/15/04 Thu
Author: ketch - 22 Mar 2004
Subject: Work and yoga - a personal opinion
In reply to: ketch - 22 Mar 2004 's message, "Re: satsang leader" on 10:06:43 04/15/04 Thu


"I worked in the telecomms industry until I had to give up work a few years ago....."

And from a spiritual perspective that was one of the best things I've ever done.

I realise that this may be an unpopular opinion, but I believe that it is very difficult for most people to give adequate time to kriya yoga while working in a full time job and leading a householder lifestyle. The example of Lahiri Mahasaya himself, and many great householder yogi's may show that it is possible, but it is certainly not easy in the modern world.

Most jobs require a minimum of 40 hours each week, some considerably more. Allowing for travelling time, and all the other work related issues that takes at least 10-12 hours each weekday for most people. With a family to look after also there is very little time left for meditation.

It is very difficult to wake up early enough for a full kriya practice in the morning, and even at night it is difficult. Sometimes you just need to sleep. We cannot all follow the example of Swami Pranabananda who had to keep his eyes open with matchsticks while at work. Those who have to drive to work must avoid excessive tiredness.

From my own experience I have been able to greatly increase my kriya effort since giving up work, even though I have had to take on other responsibilities. I hope to be able to give up those responsibilities and spend most of my time in spiritual pursuits one day soon.

I have come to the conclusion that for most people it is necessary to live as something of a hermit, without work or family to have sufficient time to make real progress and reach the final goal in one lifetime.

I realise that for most people that is simply not an option. Most people do not have the means to live without working, and family responsibilities cannot simply be ignored. Nevertheless, many people probably can try to plan for an early retirement, or perhaps work part time.

I do not believe that many people will achieve more than modest spiritual progress in their life if they cannot devote the long hours required to meditation. In my opinion that is not compatible with pursuing a career in the modern world.

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