Some people upon commencing spiritual practice, due to their over enthusiasm (emotional and intellectual upsurges) and ignorance about true spiritual progress, overdo their gross spiritual practice. In the process, they may become negligent towards worldly duties such as attending to one’s family. However, one should note that the definition of Spirituality does not necessarily entail neglecting one’s worldly duties. The following points are helpful in removing this fallacy:

• One of the factors essential for spiritual progress is nullifying one’s Destiny. One has maximum Destiny with one’s family, and hence, it is important to complete one’s Destiny by giving due attention to one’s family responsibilities in order to progress spiritually.

• In Spirituality, spiritual emotion (devotion), not psychological emotion (emotional upsurges), is important. Neglecting one’s worldly duties out of emotional or intellectual upsurges would be spiritually incorrect, as it would be contrary to the very aim of spiritual practice – attaining God – that is, going beyond the whims of the mind, intellect and ego.

• In fact, spiritual practice done while living in society is superior to spiritual practice done in isolation, as one is constantly tested and has the opportunity to progress rapidly. Many Saints of the past and the present have set the example of successfully discharging one’s worldly duties, by leading the life of a married householder while continuing with spiritual practice.