Why impose lifestyle restrictions?

Question

Accepted Answer

Whenever spiritual traditions mandate specific behavioral codes—waking early, avoiding meat, practicing daily chanting, dressing with modesty, and adhering to ethical restraints—modern voices inevitably push back: "Why all these rules and regulations? Why can't spirituality be casual, spontaneous, and free flowing? Why impose lifestyle restrictions when God just wants us to be happy?" This objection sounds breezy, modern, and open minded. It envisions a spirituality of total comfort—one that re...