[ycMC0PLg]

Yes it is very difficult for the householder or lay person to balance everyday life with religious life. I was conscious of this very early on, as at one time I did not understand my own father's commitments outside of the house too well and as a result was determined to do better when my turn came for married and family life. Now my son is also facing this dilema - being interested in Buddhism but worried about going the whole way, losing his non-Buddhist friends, etc. It's not an easy one but it surely becomes a great teacher - compassion, mindfulness, selflessness, equanimity, etc., etc. all there in the day-to-day - talk about skillful means!