Those who decide one day to leave their old life and walk the
spiritual path should be aware they are likely to meet a great
deal of incomprehension from those around them. But let that not
discourage them! And above all, let them tell themselves that
primarily it is up to them to be reasonable and conciliatory.
They should not use the spiritual life as an excuse to neglect
their family obligations, cut themselves off from others,
reproach them for their behaviour or preach at them. If they want
to convince them that their aspirations are sound and sincere,
they must use their intelligence and their heart to live
harmoniously with their family, friends, neighbours and work
colleagues.
And above all they should not give way to fanaticism but remain
broad-minded and inclusive; this will be the best way of showing
that the direction they have taken is a good one. When people
start announcing all the time that they have found the truth and
wanting to impose it on others, that proves that on the contrary
they have not found it, and all it does is make them unbearable
and ridiculous. If you try to lead those close to you onto the
way of light, you must do so through gentleness, kindness and
patience.