Many spiritual teachers remind us that we can’t take our material wealth with us when we die. It’s a way to emphasize that our possessions are temporary and that we should focus on spiritual growth instead. They ask, “Why fight so hard to become rich when we’ll end up with nothing eventually?” This advice often leads to the notion that we should relinquish our desires for wealth and live a simpler life.
But let’s pause for a moment and consider this: Why do we breathe, eat, or take care of our bodies if we know we’re going to die someday? The answer is simple – it’s about the journey, the experiences, and the growth we achieve along the way. Life is not just about the end result; it’s about every moment we live, learn, and grow.
Think of life as a grand voyage. Imagine you’re on a ship sailing across the vast ocean. The destination, our eventual end, is certain for all of us. However, what truly matters is how we navigate our journey. Do we sail through calm waters, enjoy the sunsets, and learn from the storms? Or do we merely focus on reaching the shore, missing the beauty and lessons of the voyage?
If given the choice, I’d choose to live richly – both materially and spiritually – rather than die poor. By “rich,” I mean having abundance in experiences, connections, and yes, even material wealth. There’s a common misconception that being spiritual means rejecting material wealth. But true spirituality is about how we relate to wealth, not about avoiding it altogether.
Imagine a gardener who nurtures a beautiful garden. The garden is filled with vibrant flowers, lush trees, and fruitful plants. The gardener doesn’t become attached to any single flower, knowing that each one has its time to bloom and wither. Instead, they appreciate the entire garden, understanding that the beauty lies in its diversity and abundance. Similarly, we can appreciate and cultivate wealth without being attached to it. Wealth can be a tool to create beauty and abundance in our lives and the lives of others.
Next time you hear your priest or guru preaching about relinquishing material wealth for the sake of spirituality. Remind him that if he truly believes in letting go of worldly attachments, he should first relinquish his own worry about your wealth. Let him know that if he can’t release his concern about your choices, he will carry that worry to his grave. Spirituality isn’t about rejecting wealth but about living wisely and fully, without undue attachment or concern for others’ material pursuits.
Being wealthy doesn’t mean being consumed by greed. It’s about balance and perspective. Think of wealth as a river. A river can nourish and sustain life, bringing growth and vitality wherever it flows. But if we try to hoard the water, it becomes stagnant and loses its life-giving properties. When we allow wealth to flow freely, using it wisely and generously, it can bring prosperity and joy to many.
The notion that poverty is somehow more spiritual is a flawed understanding. Poverty, in itself, does not bring spiritual enlightenment. What truly matters is our mindset and actions. It’s entirely possible to be both spiritual and rich. In fact, having resources can amplify our ability to do good in the world.
So, why not aim to live a life where we are both spiritually grounded and materially abundant? Use your energy and talents to create wealth, but don’t let it control you. Don’t avoid life’s opportunities and challenges; embrace them with wisdom and grace. When you’re wealthy and spiritually attuned, you can leave a legacy that inspires others, showing them that it’s possible to thrive in both realms.
In this grand journey of life, let’s not aim for a life of lack and deprivation. Instead, strive for a balanced life filled with richness in every sense. The true art of living lies in experiencing the fullness of life, appreciating its beauty, and sharing our abundance with the world.
