A Buddhist ancient text gives the following blocks to meditational work: (a) a settled residence whose maintenance becomes a cause of anxiety, (b) family connections whose troubles require attention, (c) fame drawing admirers who demand attention or drawing gifts which create obligations having the same result, (d) acceptance of disciples or pupils and giving them instruction, (e) getting involved in various public or private works, (f) frequent journeys, (g) friends or relatives requiring services, (h) illness, (i) study without application in practice, (j) yielding to the fascination of occult powers. All these things take up time which has to be taken from that needed for meditation--this is the objection to them, however worthy they may be in themselves. However it must be remembered that the text itself--Vishudi-Magga--was compiled by, and for, monks.
-- Notebooks Category 4: Elementary Meditation > Chapter 1 : Preparatory > # 489
