Are natural attachments obstacles to spiritual growth?
In my opinion, attachments do not create any block in spiritual life or spiritual growth. In the Yoga Vasishtha and Ramayana a lot of discussion has taken place on attachment and it is found that there is a stage of evolution in which attachment develops inner faculties.
However, when you want to lead a life of nivritti, aloofness, follow the spiritual path and practise meditation, then of course attachment becomes a serious impediment.
For a normal human being, attachment is an indication of growth and inner development.
18 July 1983, Calcutta Ashram