If you try to lead those close to you onto the way of light, you must do so through gentleness, kindness and patience

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.