> However I would guess if the negative effects are chronic then there is something wrong with the practice. Maybe 'the practice' (as practiced by people in th

> However I would guess if the negative effects are chronic then there is something wrong with the practice. Maybe 'the practice' (as practiced by people in the Vice article) is incomplete, in the sense of lacking a better understanding of things to expect, companion meditators, ethical guidelines (Sila), and a more experienced teacher to help one understand what one is going through mentally. > No, it is not possible for a householder to attain enlightenment. I think this is incorrect. The Pali Canon mentions at least a few lay Arahants and many lay once-returners and non-returners (so beyond the stage of stream-entry). [1] I should mention that I'm not Buddhist and don't really believe in rebirth, karma, enlightenment literally. However I do believe at least karma and enlightenment can be stripped down to psychological processes and states, and I don't see a reason why a dedicated and talented householder can't achieve the psychological equivalent of enlightenment. [1] https://dhammawiki.com/index.php/Lay_arahant https://dhammawiki.com/index.php/Lay_arahant