A brilliant discussion of the middle path and the tendency to justify striving and isolationist mindsets through spirituality, I know I do it myself, continually struggling is sometimes a lot easier than sitting with your emotions!

Also love how you pointed out how Eastern spiritual ideas have often been coopted in the West to reinforce an economic system that systemically makes it difficult for poor people and then uses these ideas to make us feel like we should be trying harder when in fact the system is organised in a way to ensure that the majority aren't able to accumulate wealth and success.

Love how nuanced this discussion is, thank you!