March 12th, 2013

Spirituality Versus Materialism

What makes you truly happy?  Materialism means an inclination towards acquiring material possessions and comforts; it’s a tendency to lead a life in which pleasures of the body are given preference above anything else. Spirituality means, centred and established on the soul. Activities in life are decided keeping in mind the awakening of the soul.  The essence of spirituality is the search to know our real self, to discover the true nature of consciousness.

Both materialism and spiritualism are seeking happiness. Spirituality seeks happiness within, materialism seeks happiness without.  Spirituality teaches us to aspire for a better life, a more illumined life.  Materialism teaches us to desire more material goods and material wealth. Spirituality teaches us to love our fellow man. Materialism teaches us to love our material wealth.  

Spirituality does not compare.  Materialism is subject to constant comparison the father of jealousy and insecurity.  More and more people these days seek happiness through material wealth; I feel as a society we have lost our connection with spiritualism.  It’s great to have materialistic wealth goals, but does this generate happiness?  A personal example was my want to purchase a BMW since I was a young teenager.  It wasn’t until 2 years ago that I purchased my first BMW, it is lovely and comfortable but why did I want a BMW?  Was it the prestigious status associated with BMW?  Maybe, but have I changed or become a better person since owning the BMW?  No, I just own a nice car.  A previous boss of mine once mentioned the more money you earn the more you spend.  At the time I thought what a strange comment, why even say that?  But now, I see his point.  Many of us strive to earn more money, but really, do we need this money?  Is it going to provide us with permanent happiness?  I believe  not, permanent happiness and materialism can never be found together.  Materialism with all the wealth in the universe can never buy peace.  Whereas, spirituality enables peace of mind and lives in the present moment.

I personally believe that you can be truly happy when connected spiritually.  Although, I’m a realist and still enjoy materialistic possessions/toys.  I simply try to have a healthy balance of each and don’t allow materialism to takeover.  What are your views on spirituality versus materialism?  Have you recently focused on spirituality and found a lesser need for materialistic possessions?