A true spiritualist remains untouched by temptations and is a living example of purity

The recent web series shedding light on the life of a renowned spiritual preacher has not only captivated audiences worldwide but has also ignited a profound contemplation about the authenticity of spiritual figures and the intertwining of spirituality with materialism. It also raised a lot of questions that were until now merged in people’s minds. It made people question their beliefs and reevaluate the faith and the trust they place in spiritual figures, often referred to as Gurus. There is no doubt that there are some people who have an intense love for spiritualism, but the brand of spiritualism that they promote may not be entirely rooted in pure spirituality. Instead, it appears to carry undertones of materialism. No doubt, these spiritual figures engage themselves in spiritual practices and persuade others also to have spirituality in their life but still their mind is tied in knots of materialism. They dedicate their time and energy to propagating spirituality and uphold high ideals, but their manners and methods and their hopes and aspirations reflect some special kind of materialism.

It is true that despite advocating for soul consciousness and encouraging others to relinquish body consciousness, these souls find themselves entangled in the webs of material desires. And while doing so, they often target individuals with financial means, hoping to utilise their resources for a greater cause. While on the surface, their efforts may seem altruistic, a closer look reveals that they have a hidden desire for personal glory and praise. They hold big congregations and mass gatherings where people in large numbers come to listen to their discourse and to have community dining. But the purpose of holding these mass-scale programmes is not to spread waves and vibrations of spirituality but to have a large number of people who remain in their fold.

Thus, they have a desire for fame and material abundance. So, in this sense, they are protagonists of materialistic spiritualism. Such people start their spiritual careers by just being seekers of truth or being simple spiritual practitioners. As they march forward on the spiritual path, people begin to praise and adore them for their noble intent, simple life and spirituality and start offering them money, materials and lands, as a result of which these spiritual practitioners get bitten by the money bug. The allure of grand titles and high epithets, coupled with ceremonies meant to honour and felicitate them, further entangles them in the trappings of materialistic spiritualism.

Navigating the path of spirituality, as depicted in this narrative, is likened to walking on tiles that may occasionally slip beneath one's feet. Hence one has to be very cautious in one's gait. Because, one may, sometimes, see the self surrounded by flatterers and flippants and, at other times, by those who want some special favours by offering fat purses, costly gifts, big bouquets or high-flown words of praise. This environment can fuel the hunger for fame, power, and honour, testing the authenticity of their spiritual journey. However, a true spiritualist remains untouched by these temptations and stands as a living example of purity amidst the challenges of the world— like a lotus blooming in the mud. At the same time, it should also be noted that genuine spirituality does not necessitate a complete rejection of worldly aspects such as money, building projects, or events. Instead, the essence lies in cultivating a spirit of sacrifice and renunciation, avoiding an insatiable desire for transient and hollow worldly pursuits. Needless to say, one must look after one's health and have necessary things but at the same time, one must lead a simple life and must not stretch things out of the controllable limit.

(Writer is a spiritual educator & popular columnist; views are personal)