Question

When working closely with others, is there a need to compromise our renunciation levels at times, in order to maintain healthy relationships?

Answer

Yes. It depends on the situation. Certainly, someone who's in a family situation, with children, it will often be necessary to let go of intense renunciation, to maintain a happy family life. Sometimes we may give up what we would like to be able to do, because another person needs us at that particular moment. So, yes, we have to adjust our renunciation levels. Renunciation has to be balanced by Compassion.

It's very difficult to take just one Parami by itself. That's why we have the Noble Eightfold Path. Right View and Right Intention; trying to develop the Paramis within the Noble Eightfold Path. If we consider renunciation, for example, it could be based in aversion - we just give up, or develop a sense of big ego, "I am great, I don't need all these things and you do".

So renunciation has to be based in compassion and Right Understanding, otherwise it may be just a willpower thing, and a way to build our ego. Lovingkindness, compassion and wisdom help to guide our renunciation, so it doesn't lead into harm for ourselves and others, or interfere in our relationships., On the whole, it's important to be able to maintain good relationships with others. This will make us more content and lead to benefit in the future.

Our apologies if there are any errors in the above text. If anything seems to be wrong or confusing in any way, please feel free to contact the teachers for further clarification.