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Those who live in this world, must accept its pains with its gains--they cannot have one without the other. And this applies just as much to those who live in the quiet of monasteries or ashrams as to those who live in the turmoil of large cities. But the men and women who have withdrawn do have this advantage: that they give themselves some time to look at the spectacle and study the words of prophets or teachers who understand it, and reflect on how they ought to act in it. Consequently, they are in a better position to forestall avoidable suffering and self-caused trouble. Nevertheless, if their pains are less, their gains in a worldly sense are less too. The inward gain of mental peace will compensate for that, if they find it.

-- Notebooks Category 3: Relax and Retreat > Chapter 4 : Retreat Centres > # 1