Certainly there are limitations in the practice of karma yoga while one is living outside the Ashram. The mere maintenance of the framework of outer life and the needs and demands of the family life requires money and all that comes with it as a natural consequence. But though difficult it can surely be done and has been done through the centuries by kings and commoners alike who have been drawn to the karma yoga as the wide path to the Divine.
Whether Ashram or outside the fundamental principles remain the same, that is to do the action neither as a social duty and responsibility nor with an eye on the money and other rewards but solely as a means to serve the Divine through whatever activity falls as one’s share through the workings of fate. A state of inner remembrance and dedication of the action to the Divine within is equally important regardless of where one is doing it. No doubt it is easier if one lives surrounded by the Divine Presence and a space dedicated to the Divine and His manifestation. Outside one has to be even more careful that one is not driven by desires and ambition as the very nature of the Ashram life doesn’t provide this possibility. Equality, another fundamental requirement of karma yoga is equally important but in the outside life it becomes an imperative need since the world forces do not readily support the deeper and higher life and tend to constantly pull the sadhak in a whirlpool of the outer surface consciousness and social interchanges that sap away a lot of energy.
However there is a recompense and it is this that while outside one tends to aspire more and conscious surrender comes naturally when one finds that one is surrounded by a life that is driven largely by desires and ambition. To a sadhak this brings a spontaneous detachment with life as it is in ignorance and thereby a greater aspiration for life as it should be. So while it is true that the Ashram life does provide certain initial advantages and even an ongoing support for the spiritual impulsion, yet in the long run it is not so much the space that counts but the sincerity with which one pursues the spiritual aim. That has been the wisdom of the Ages and the Mother affirms the same.
