No. Advancement in spiritual life is not dependent on anything material. If one is born in a rich family, the advantage is that they don’t have to struggle to maintain themselves, but there could be some situations which could be helpful, l but it is not essential, to make advancement. Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita that if someone serves Him and doesn’t finish, they don’t lose, they are either born in a family of rich merchants or devotee, or they take birth in heavenly planets. So there is no loss by doing devotional service even if one doesn’t finish. And one can advance in any situation. Look at Prahlad maharaj, he advanced even when he was in the family of demons. Haribol!

HH JAYAPATAKA SWAMI
8th February 2019
Chennai, India