Inspire Positivity

Introduction
Human existence is a journey through the intertwined realms of matter and spirit. In the pursuit of material wealth, we often encounter temptation—a fleeting satisfaction that binds us to the physical world. This attraction to the material begins early, even in infancy.

From infancy, humans display an innate inclination toward sensory pleasures, as seen in my grandchild’s preference for his mother’s milk over formula. This early attachment to comfort reflects the lifelong lure of material satisfaction. Similar early experiences reveal how humans are inherently drawn to sensory pleasures—taste, soothing music, pleasant smells, and the comfort of touch. Yet, unlike our natural inclination toward sensory satisfaction, there is little evidence to suggest we are born with an intrinsic awareness of the higher spiritual goals that ancient wisdom deems paramount. These goals, often labelled as the pursuit of truth beyond Maya (illusion), require conscious effort and evolution.

If we were the prey and Maya, the hunter—seeking to lead us astray from the path of Dharma—we must become craftier than Maya to avoid its snares. Attaining such spiritual cunning is no ordinary task; it is an evolution of a transformation of consciousness that demands dedication and inner strength.

This duality of material temptation and spiritual aspiration has been explored deeply in ancient texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. These scriptures offer profound insights into navigating the allure of materialism and attaining the fulfilment that only spirituality can provide. In this blog, we will delve into some of this timeless wisdom.

The Temptation of Materialism

Materialism is fuelled by kama (desire) and lobha (greed). While material possessions may provide temporary comfort, they are fleeting and often leave us craving more. The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 16, Verse 21) warns against these dangerous traps:

त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मनः।
कामः क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत्॥

Meaning:
“Desire, anger, and greed—these are the three gates to hell, leading to the destruction of the self. One should abandon these three.”

Interpretation:
This verse underscores the destructive nature of unchecked desires and greed. Materialism feeds the ego, ensnares the mind in a never-ending cycle of cravings, and distances us from genuine happiness. Restraint and self-awareness are essential to escape the spiritual traps of material obsession.

Despite the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, even revered sages often grapple with temptation. This paradox underscores how deeply ingrained material desires are, even in those who strive for detachment. Many, despite preaching detachment, seek fame, luxury, or the admiration of followers. This paradox highlights how deeply rooted material desires can be.

Our ancient tradition of Vanaprastha (retirement to the forest) after fulfilling worldly responsibilities was intended to create an environment conducive to introspection and detachment. Yet today, many of us linger in worldly concerns, preoccupied with the future of grown children, unable to relinquish anger, greed, or desire.

A striking example from ancient wisdom is Kacha, the son of Devguru Brihaspati, who undertook a perilous mission to learn the Mritsanjivini Vidya (the knowledge of resurrection) from the enemy Asura Guru Shukracharya. Despite the allure of Shukracharya’s beautiful daughter, Devyani, and the repeated threat to his life, Kacha remained unwavering in his focus. He exemplified the highest dedication to his spiritual mission, a level of discipline that many of us—including revered spiritual leaders—struggle to achieve in real life.

The Lesson:
The path to spirituality is an evolution—a continuous struggle against desire and temptation. While we may not attain the absolute focus of Kacha, the goal is to evolve as much as we can. Every step toward overcoming desire leads to greater inner peace and spiritual fulfilment.

The Spiritual Evolution

Spiritual evolution is a process of self-realization and detachment from the impermanent. The Katha Upanishad (1.3.14) beautifully illustrates the higher purpose of life:

उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत।
क्षुरस्य धारा निशिता दुरत्यया दुर्गं पथस्तत्कवयो वदन्ति॥

Meaning: “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached. The path is sharp like the edge of a razor, difficult to tread, and challenging to traverse.”

Interpretation: This verse symbolizes the spiritual journey as arduous yet rewarding. It calls upon seekers to rise above the illusions of the material world and pursue self-realization with unwavering determination. Unlike the fleeting pleasures of materialism, spirituality offers enduring peace and wisdom.

Materialism vs. Spirituality

Aspect	Materialism	Spirituality
Focus	External wealth and possessions	Inner peace and self-awareness
Result	Temporary satisfaction, eventual emptiness	Long-lasting fulfilment and contentment
Motivation	Desire, greed, and ego	Compassion, wisdom, and detachment
Guidance	Sensory pleasures	Dharma (righteousness) and Moksha (liberation)

In today’s industrial and commercial world, where materialism is heavily emphasized, transitioning from the left column (materialism) to the right column (spirituality) in the earlier discussion presents a significant challenge. Maya (illusion) now wields the powerful tools of technological innovation and invention, making it even more difficult to break free from its grasp. Meanwhile, spirituality seems weakened, as many lack the proper understanding of ancient wisdom and philosophy.

We frequently read about political leaders, bureaucrats, and technocrats in high positions succumbing to corruption—evidence of how deeply rooted material desires can be. Unlike King Yayati, who was granted a life spanning thousands of years to indulge in sensory pleasures before turning to spirituality, most of us do not have the luxury of such extended time. Therefore, transformation must occur within the confines of our limited lifetime.

This underscores the urgent need for discipline—a conscious effort to evolve and shift our focus from the transient allure of materialism to the enduring peace of spirituality.

Balancing Materialism and Spirituality

The key to achieving inner peace is not to renounce materialism entirely but to transcend its grip on the mind. The Isha Upanishad (Verse 1) provides a balanced perspective:

ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत्।
तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम्॥

Meaning:
“Everything in this universe is pervaded by the divine. Enjoy what is given by renouncing greed; do not covet what belongs to others.”

Interpretation:
This verse teaches us to live with contentment, using material wealth without attachment or excessive desire. True wealth lies in recognizing the divine presence in all things, fostering gratitude instead of greed.

In today’s world, retreating to the forests is impractical, but the essence of Vanaprastha lies in cultivating detachment within the heart. We should cherish our grandchildren and enjoy their playful years but refrain from becoming entangled in their daily lives. Instead, we can contribute by sharing the ancient wisdom and cultural values that many of us may have overlooked when raising our own children.

I believe, in navigating the alluring realm of Maya, spiritual evolution becomes not a luxury but a necessity. While materialism satisfies temporarily, only spirituality offers lasting peace. Ancient scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads guide us through this duality

For me, imparting ancient wisdom to my grandchildren feels like a natural duty of grandparents. During my childhood, visits to temples, epic stories, and the values instilled by my grandparents shaped my understanding of life’s deeper purpose. Now, I strive to pass these lessons on to the next generation

Conclusion: Choosing Evolution over Temptation
Materialism offers fleeting pleasures, but spirituality nurtures the soul with lasting peace. True evolution lies in rising above material temptations to embrace eternal truths. Balancing worldly responsibilities with spiritual awakening is not about renunciation but detachment. As the Bhagavad Gita (6.4) reminds us:

यदा हि नेन्द्रियार्थेषु न कर्मस्वनुषज्जते।
सर्वसङ्कल्पसन्न्यासी योगारूढस्तदोच्यते॥

“When a person is not attached to the objects of the senses or to actions… that person is said to have attained to yoga.”

With this wisdom as my guide, I seek to share ancient insights with the next generation. May I embody the resolve of a yogi, striving for harmony between the material and the spiritual. So, help me, God.