Is tea or coffee bad for spirituality like alcohol? They cause addiction too.
—Sameera, India
Dear Sameera,
It depends on the effect they have on you. If you find tea or coffee addictive, then like anything else that is addictive, it will weaken your willpower—and a strong will is vital to your spiritual life.
On the other hand, some people enjoy tea or coffee without any significant side effects, spiritually or otherwise.
So it’s up to you to answer honestly for yourself: Are you just as free with tea and/or coffee as you are without them? Then proceed accordingly.
I should add, however, that most of us have much larger issues to deal with in our spiritual life than addiction to tea or coffee, so don’t make too big a deal out of this. If tea or coffee addiction is the only thing holding you back, spiritually, then you are in great shape!
Blessings,
Gyandev
