Encounters
Do not avoid them, but remain faithful to your spiritual aims
April 20th 2013
Those who embrace a spiritual teaching should not think they have to distance themselves from others and cut themselves off; there is nothing to stop them meeting all kinds of people. They must only be strong and wise enough not to lose sight of their aims. Let them go to work, meet people, form friendships but maintain a firm stance towards anything that might make them stray from their path.
There are plenty of opportunities every day to be tempted or seduced and to stray, and plenty of people who will offer them to you. They are often even very likeable and charming. You can still enjoy their company, why not? Spending time with them may be instructive. Do not run away from them; help them to see the choices they make more clearly if you can, but do not let yourself be influenced. Stay faithful to your philosophy.