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Religion in everyday life
121
As long as a man is a householder, he is bound by his family, by society, or by the nation. To live in harmony with his surroundings, to be able to live comfortably, he needs certain material objects and spends his time accumulating them.
The ascetic, on the other hand, is free of these constraints. Therefore, some people believe that the path of the ascetic is different from that of the layperson, but this is not true. Both are seekers on the spiritual path. They tread the same path from within, only the ascetic's journey is faster while the layperson lags behind.
Having heard all along that they tread separate paths, you may wonder what I am saying. I would like you to reflect on this - if the path of the ascetic is that of non-violence and truth, then what is the path of the layperson? Is it that of violence and untruth? To become a householder, should one indulge in untruth, deceit or violence? Obviously the answer is – “No”. This is the point I am making - that the path of the ascetic is also the path of the layperson. The non-violence of the ascetic is not different from the non-violence of the layperson. Neither is the value of truth any different.
In fact, what is distinctly different is that the layman is bound by family responsibilities, therefore his steps are not as swift. But the monk is not bound by such responsibilities. He is answerable only to himself. So his life is lighter and less burdened. Thus, although the manner and pace of their steps may be different, the path is the same.
If the paths the monk and the layperson choose to travel are in fact different, then it is cause for concern. The goal of the monk's path is liberation. So, if the layman's path is different, then we have to ask ourselves, “Is there a path which is different from the path of liberation and yet a beneficial one? For if it is not beneficial, then why would the layman adopt it?" If the layman's path is not that of liberation, is it merely that of accumulation of worldly wealth? Ultimately, what is the use of performing the duties of a householder? Will his sādhanā not benefit his present life and his after-life? Is his way not the path of liberation?
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