A WISE man once remarked that in respect of materialistic or worldly possessions, one must compare oneself with those less privileged and draw satisfaction from it, at the same time, in regard to spiritual quest, one should look towards those who are more advanced in their pursuit of spiritual progress, and derive dissatisfaction, so as to strive more intensely to achieve the noble goals.

 

 

The title contains an oxymoron i.e. a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction. But the significance of the same can be understood with reference to the aforesaid paragraph which emphasises fervent or passionate intensity in spiritual endeavours. More about this later. As it is, the situation prevailing in contemporary world is that large segment of society is “materialistically spiritual.” Whatever spirituality is practised or pursued, it is for advancement in materialistic terms and to achieve worldly accomplishments. Often, we see in media images of celebrities from various walks of life, showcasing their visits to religious shrines or places of worship.

 

 

While an individual’s devotion, piety or spiritual predilection is purely a private or personal matter, the manner in which visits of celebrities to religious places are publicised, it seems totally devoid of humility and piety which are essential ingredients of genuine devotion. Such pretentious appearances are obviously motivated by materialistic goals rather than seeking spiritual solace. This is merely one glaring instance of how people are prone to be materialistically spiritual. Sant Kabir had said in one of his compositions, “Dukh mein sumiran saab kare sukh mein kare na koy” i.e. people remember God only in difficult or adverse times but never in affluent or comfortable situations. In the current era of unbridled consumerism, crass materialism and brazen hedonism, spirituality is perceived and practised purely for procuring position of power, perks and privileges for pleasure and possessions for enjoyment. The unmitigated craving for amassing and hoarding more and more economic goods and objects, is deluding mankind since benchmark of progress is concentration of enormous wealth and power for unabashed display. The path of spirituality which prescribes frugality, abstinence, altruism, restraint, temperance, contentment and selflessness, are anathema to vast segment of society in present times.

 

 

So to speak about being spiritually materialistic may be rather audacious and unpalatable, but it is the core of our human existence. It is said that birth in human form is effortless, to be a human being requires assiduous efforts. “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience,” are words of French philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. So it is natural we should crave for exalted spiritual status than a worldly position or possessions.

 

 

A young seeker of spiritual bliss approached a renowned Sage seeking guidance on how to pursue spiritual endeavours to reach the sublime summit. The Sage took him out for a walk and when they reached a pond, pushed the young man into it and pressed his head under the water. The youth struggled to get his head out of water, just to breathe. After sometime, the Sage released his grip and the youth coming out of water asked angrily why the Sage was trying to drown him. The Sage asked the youth as to what was his desire when the head was below water, and the youth replied, “of course, air to breathe.” The Sage then said that “the intensity with which you wanted air the same intensity you should have in seeking spiritual goals, then only you will reach the destination.”

 

 

Swami Ramakrishna has said, “just like a miser avariciously seeks gold, one must similarly seek spiritual objectives, to attain enlightenment.” This about sums up being spiritually materialistic.