What about family?

Like all things in our earth experience, the default setting is ego. This includes family. There's nothing inherently divine about family life, just as there's nothing inherently divine about celibacy or monastic life. However, Spirit can use all of these devices, if we offer them.

Family is an ingenious illusion because it seems to offer a balance between separate self and oneness. The culture I was raised in really digs family life, and holds this lifestyle in very VERY high esteem. But, those of you who've been members of a family can easily remember many examples of discontent, fear, shame, disillusionment, and negativity associated with the family unit. It's like any other thing here in earth. Dualistic. Some people see it as a good thing, some as a bad thing, some as a harmless thing. My only question for you would be, "Is it a HELPFUL thing?"

If you seem to feel more peace in a family situation, go for it. If not, don't. But don't use it as a criterion for judgment. People who choose different lifestyles than you are not any more or any less enlightened.