Laypeople live in the realm of sensuality. They have families, money, and
possessions, and are deeply involved in all sorts of activities. Yet
sometimes they will gain insight and see dharma before monks and nuns do.
Why is this? It’s because of their suffering from all these things. They see
the fault and can let go. They can put it down after seeing clearly in their
experience. Seeing the harm and letting go, they are able to make good sense
of their position in the world and benefit others.
—Ajahn Chah , from “Meeting the Dharma Alone,” Tricycle, Summer 2005