Just when you look at yourself and think you have made a somebody out of yourself and think life cannot be any better, that is when life gives a devious smile and shows you who is boss.
By then, you decided that life must be more 'complete'. You bow to societal pressure to be complete for the continuity of progeny. You import your significant other into it, and the other accompanying condiments ensue afterwards.
Progressively you feel you have hit a dead-end. Nothing seems to progress at the individual level or as a collective unit. And it becomes gradually more difficult to amend the course or steer the ship. Things that were once in our control are no more. Sadly, you are at the mercy of others who do not share your sentiments. For that matter, they have no pressing needs to meet any goals. They either say, "snap out of it! Smell the roses; life is meant to be enjoyed" or "you come from another time which was hostile,".
In the wise words of Buddha and the many rishis before him, these are all entrapments of life. Attachments are the source of all suffering. One has to detach to be released from all miseries, they say. But then, this brahmachari way of life may not be suitable for all. Finally, some people have to go through the whole gamut of life to have that realisation. Others are not really suited for a celibate life. Some may find it to complete their householder's duty before embarking on a journey of self-discovery or the endeavour to seek the truth (a sanyasi).
There are two ways to seek the truth; either do not indulge in family life in search of it or complete your household duties and then go on the journey. The trouble is knowing when household duties exactly end.
This sanyasi path is bogged down by the tentacles of filial piety. It is not easy to just amputate these appendages over self-interests. It is a dilemma all over again, which path to follow!
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