Spiritual Materialism
आध्यात्मिक भौतिकवाद ज़ीगार कोंगट्रुल रिनपोछे (१४ जनवरी, २०२०)
बोलने के लिए जो बात सबसे पहले मेरे मन में आ रही है वह मेरा खुद का आध्यात्मिक भौतिकवाद है। मुझे लगता है कि जैसा कि मैं पढ़ रहा होता हूं या शिक्षाओं को प्रतिबिंबित कर रहा होता हूं और मेरे लिए कुछ स्पष्ट हो जाता है, तो मैं तुरंत दूसरों को पढ़ाना देना चाहता हूं। ऐसा क्यों है? जवाब मुझे परेशान करता है, क्योंकि हालांकि मेरा मानना है कि एक निश्चित रूप से उसमें अच्छी प्रेरणा है, पर गहराई से देखने पर, मुझे पता चलता है कि वास्तव में दूसरों की मदद करने का इरादा बहुत कम है। इसके बजाय, यह सब एक छाप बनाने का तरीका है, और इसमें मेरा अपना अहंकार शामिल है। मैं ज्ञान का प्रसार, विशेष रूप से धर्म की शिक्षाओं का प्रसार करने में इतना कुशल हो गया हूं कि मैं इसे लगभग स्वचालित रूप से करता हूं। हालांकि, अनजाने में, मैं दूसरों पर एक अच्छी छाप छोड़ना चाहता हूं। एक अर्थ में, क्योंकि ये धर्म शिक्षाएं हैं, फिर भी यह गतिविधि फल देती है, लेकिन दूसरे अर्थ में यह महसूस करना काफी दुखद है कि में इन शिक्षाओं को दिल पर नहीं उतर रह हूँ। यह वह जगह है जहाँ छाप अवश्य बनाई जानी चाहिए - अपने दिल पर। यदि ऐसा नहीं है, तो जबकि आप धर्म का चिंतन करने में सक्षम हो सकते हैं, कुछ अंतर्दृष्टि प्राप्त कर सकते हैं और इसे दूसरों को समझा सकते हैं, लेकिन आप अपने आप में किसी भी बड़े परिवर्तन का अनुभव नहीं करेंगे। इसलिए स्वाभाविक रूप से, आप कुछ बौद्धिक क्षमता को छोड़कर, दूसरों के मन में भी कोई महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन नहीं ला सकेंगे।
इसलिए मैं यह कबूल करना चाहता हूं। मैं वास्तव में आध्यात्मिक भौतिकवाद के जाल से मुक्त होने की आकांक्षा रखता हूं। इस प्रवृत्ति से खुद को दूर करना वो स्वतंत्रता और शांति लाएगा जिसकी मुझे बहुत समय से खोज है। मैं प्रार्थना करता हूँ कि एक दिन दूसरों पर कोई छाप छोड़ने की कोशिश किए बिना मैं धर्म की साधना करूं, और मैं वास्तव में अपने ही दिल पर आवश्यक प्रभाव बना सकूँ । [...]
मैं आपसे आध्यात्मिक भौतिकवाद के अपने ज्ञान के बारे में बात कर सकता हूँ, हालाँकि अन्य लोग इसे अलग तरह से समझा सकते हैं। मेरी समझ के अनुसार, आध्यात्मिक भौतिकवाद तब मौजूद होता है जब आध्यात्मिक मार्ग स्वार्थी विचारों या स्वार्थी भावनाओं से भरा होता है, और हम अपने स्वयं के अहंकार को संतुष्ट करने के लिए -- खुद को अच्छा दिखाने या किसी प्रकार की मान्यता प्राप्त करने के लिए आध्यात्मिक अभ्यास का प्रयोग करते हैं। देखिये, क्योंकि हम दूसरों के साथ इतने करीब से रहते हैं, इसलिए हमारे रास्ते आपस में जुड़ते हैं। हम लगातार इस बात से चिंतित रहते हैं कि हमारे साथी हमें कैसे देखेंगे कि हम वास्तविक और प्रामाणिक होने के बारे में नहीं जानते - वास्तव में पूरी तरह से अपने साथ सच्चे होने के बारे में। दूसरों की राय के लिए इस तरह की संवेदनशीलता हमारी धर्म गतिविधियों में भी पूरी तरह से व्याप्त है। [...] उदाहरण के लिए, इससे पहले कि हम स्वयं धर्म सीख पाएं, हम दूसरों को ज्ञान देना चाहते हैं। इसमें संदेह नहीं है कि हमारे कार्यों के पीछे एक अच्छी मंशा है, लेकिन फिर, यह अक्सर इस तथ्य से अधिक महत्त्वपूर्ण होता है कि हम अपने ज्ञान के स्तर, अपने बोध ज्ञान से दूसरों को प्रभावित करना चाहते हैं। सच में, हमारा ध्यान स्वयं पर है। स्वयं को बढ़ावा देने के लिए स्वयं का कार्य, इसलिए यदि हम सावधान नहीं रहते, तो हम वास्तव में अपनी सभी धर्म के कार्य को आत्म-प्रचार में बदल सकते हैं। [...]
प्रतिबिंब के लिए बीज प्रश्न: आध्यात्मिक भौतिकवाद से आप क्या समझते हैं? क्या आप उस समय की कोई व्यक्तिगत कहानी बाँट कर सकते हैं जब आप अपने विचारों में आध्यात्मिक भौतिकवाद का पता लगाने में सक्षम हुए हों? दूसरों को प्रभावित करने की इच्छा को दूर करने और अपनी प्रामाणिकता में अडिग बने रहने में आपको किस चीज़ से मदद मिलती है?
सैन्ड्रा स्केल्स की डिजीगर कोंग्रेतुल रिनपोछे के साथ बातचीत - “सेक्रेड वॉयस ऑफ़ न्यिंगमा मास्टर्स” से।
From Sacred Voices of the Nyingma Masters, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche in conversation with Sandra Scales.
SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: What does spiritual materialism mean to you? Can you share a personal story of a time you were able to detect spiritual materialism in your thoughts? What helps you overcome the desire to impress others and be grounded in your authenticity?
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21 Past Reflections
On May 21, 2020 Sarada wrote :
For me it's a character and personality with good intentional behaviour,,nature, attitude true reflection of inside out.
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On Feb 8, 2020 Marie-Christina Virago wrote :
Perhaps the act of "making an impression on others" can be accepted as a means of illuminating the lives of others, perhaps also your destiny. Once you accept that the impulse is "to impress" you could release the guilt and accept the task?
I know that I struggle with the "need" to disseminate learning/knowledge/understanding, and yet it would seem also a thing of destiny which I deny by not writing. Perhaps there is peace in the dissemintaion, giveing a deeper meaning to your life experiences/story?
I know that I struggle with the "need" to disseminate learning/knowledge/understanding, and yet it would seem also a thing of destiny which I deny by not writing. Perhaps there is peace in the dissemintaion, giveing a deeper meaning to your life experiences/story?
1 reply: Sarada | Post Your Reply
On Jan 23, 2020 kaamos wrote :
Since early childhood, I wanted to impress others. I still do. It's pretty deeply ingrained in me. Not sure whether anything can ever change that, but I feel it would be really nice not to worry about how others see me. I feel like that would give me the freedom to simply be.
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On Jan 19, 2020 Tyler wrote :
This is such an interesting topic and I appreciate it and all of the responses. I am a recovery Mindfulness, Spirituality and Yoga instructor. All of which began with just yoga. Through that teaching, I was asked to lead the other 2 classes. Then, through word of mouth, I have been asked to teach at other facilities. I have been beyond amazed at how I believe, God is using me! I do however, find myself getting caught up in myself at times, Believing this was "my" doing and not God's. The other day I had the epiphany of the old adage: You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. My epiphany was this: you can also be the Water! There is no need to go searching for horses, nor is there a need to lead them. They simply come when they are ready and thirsty. Grateful for this community! ☺ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ’—
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On Jan 16, 2020 Jayendra Shah wrote :
This is very true for most people. That is one of the reasons - many persons start this journey with all good intentions in a true way but when this path leads to name and fame, it is difficult to stick with the true path. It is similar to - ego of not having ego. What one needs is a true friend or companion who can question us about our true intentions.
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On Jan 14, 2020 4Everblooming wrote :
Thank you for writing this open article that has made me delve a little deeper into my reaction to my own ego involvement when discussing spiritual matters. Somehow, I get a gut feeling of, almost, shame when I start trying to impress others. I recognize it immediately as being inauthentic in my self and in others. I consider it a lack in my own spiritual growthand then deeply regret participating in ego driven conversations. My "Authenticity" warning is a gut feeling.
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On Jan 14, 2020 Nalini Mohan wrote :
ChogyamTrungpa's words from his classic "Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism" comes to my mind. “There is a saying in the Tibetan scriptures: “Knowledge must be burned, hammered, and beaten like pure gold. Then one can wear it as an ornament.” So when you receive spiritual instruction from the hands of another, you do not take it uncritically, but you burn it, you hammer it, you beat it, until the bright, dignified color of gold appears. Then you craft it into an ornament, whatever design you like, and you put it on.”
1 reply: David | Post Your Reply
On Jan 14, 2020 ARVIND SHAH wrote :
Yes, ego does play a role in all aspects of life including Spiritualism. What is ego? In my understanding, the ego stands for 'an attachment to the false image of one's self'. When you perceive yourself as a body with a thought that I am so and so, the ego plays a role in whatever you do. Once you change the belief and perceiveyourself as a Soul or Spirit or Consciousness or a Spark or Energy or whatever you believe in, you go beyond body and mind. Once you are firm in this belief the ego would gradually subside.
Another approach is thinking one's self as an instrument of God. Before you do any thing you pray 'God you think, speak and act thorough me so that whatever I do is on the path of Truth'.
Another approach is thinking one's self as an instrument of God. Before you do any thing you pray 'God you think, speak and act thorough me so that whatever I do is on the path of Truth'.
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On Jan 14, 2020 Kay wrote :
Thank you for your confession! All of us are subject to this! It seems so many people, albeit good intentions, have gotten on the spiritual band wagon bc of potential financial or personality gain. Sometimes it feels like so much heady stuff when simple silence and heartfelt meditation brings a beings light to others.
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On Jan 14, 2020 Anil Pandit wrote :
Like to submit my humble understanding on the subject.
My association being more in materialism (also dealing with material world) getting to know it to the core and depth is what I endeavor.
Having had numerous guides in spiritualism has in fact helped me, use it as a vehicle to gain deeper understanding of the material world and derive happiness therewith.
My association being more in materialism (also dealing with material world) getting to know it to the core and depth is what I endeavor.
Having had numerous guides in spiritualism has in fact helped me, use it as a vehicle to gain deeper understanding of the material world and derive happiness therewith.
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On Jan 14, 2020 Teresa wrote :
Greetings. I am feeling confident enough to go out and teach meditation and spiritual teachings. My intention is to help others as I have felt so incredibly blessed to have been exposed to this beautiful way of feeling, thinking and being. I deeply want to share so if guided others can embrace what feels like truth to them. I'm confused as to how to have this balance of teaching and Ego. Pleade any suggestions would be honored Thank you. Teresa
2 replies: Danny, David | Post Your Reply
On Jan 14, 2020 Sunil, Bangalore wrote :
Admire Rinpoche for his confessional spirituality.First step to" Who Am I"? Me, mine & I are the stumbling blocks. To me this awareness mindful of how the human conscious operates is an achievement. Kabir said the spiritual path is so narrow to accommodate two. Just enough for I or HIM. Earnest desire with honest continued efforts surely opens the tenth door/third eye to see the truth.
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On Jan 13, 2020 Archana Parsai Gehlot wrote :
To me spiritualism is always reflected in the way you interact with others and that is what going to impact them without your telling anything. Talking about or teaching your experiences or knowledge of spiritualism will always elevate your ego and desire to impress others is going to affect you negatively.
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On Jan 13, 2020 Dr Phiroz A Poonawalla wrote :
Real spiritualism is doing away with financial exploitation ways and means must be created to prevent banks and financial institutions as well as moneylenders stop the exploitation Thus prevent cheating and suicides
Close the gap between the rich and the poor which make take ages tohave a paradigm shift
Close the gap between the rich and the poor which make take ages tohave a paradigm shift
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On Jan 11, 2020 David Doane wrote :
I appreciate the openness and the message of Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. For me, spiritual materialism means spiritual egoism, that is, doing or expressing spiritual knowledge in order to feed my ego, promote myself, get respect or adulation. I often want to teach or be of help and usually there is some amount of spiritual egoism also present. I overcome the desire to impress in the sense of keeping that desire at least below 50%. What helps me do that and be grounded in authenticity is a sincere caring about people and their growth; learning that the other being impressed really doesn't do much for me while my being impressed by the other is satisfying; knowing that real me is independent of what others think of me and what really matters to me is what I think of myself; learning that for me loving is much more satisfying than being loved; growth in seeing the other as myself; and knowing that what I am attempting to 'teach' the other is what I am needing to develop in mysel... [View Full Comment]
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On Jan 10, 2020 Jagdish P Dave wrote :
The ver phrase spiritual materialism seems contradictory to me. To me spiritualism is an inward journey to discover and know who and what I am. It is indeed self-inquiry transcending my physical, mental, social and cultural and national identity. When we get enlightened there is a heart-to-connection with another person or persons. There is no higher and better self than the other person. When my motivation is to be recognized and admired by others, to feed my ego, my spirituality loses its heart and it turns into spiritual materialism.
To know oneself, self-realization takes time. It demands self-discipline, let go of ego and humility.There are times when I get eager and excited to teach others my spiritual knowledge. When others recognize my spiritual achievement and accomplishment and praise me, my ego gets inflated and my spiritual growth gets stunted. When I wake up from my self-created sleep and delusion, I am on the path of spiritual recovery. I become free from my ego trip.
A... [View Full Comment]