Why DIY Devotion Doesn't Work
“DIY भक्ति क्यों काम नहीं करती”सुमित नागर के द्वारा
हम अब साधक नहीं रहे — हम तो बस खरीदार बन गए हैं। ज़रूरी नहीं कि हमेशा कुछ ख़रीद ही रहे हों, शायद कई बार सिर्फ़ ‘विंडो शॉपिंग’ ( दुकानों के शो विंडो में लगे सामान को देखना) ही कर रहे होते हैं।
आज के दौर में ध्यान देने की क्षमता इतनी ही रह गई है कि बस एक TikTok वीडियो देख सकें। प्रतिबद्धता (ज़िम्मेदारी) को अब मिनटों में मापा जाता है। हमने पवित्रता को एक सैंपल प्लेट बना दिया है। आध्यात्म अब एक अजीब सा बुफे बन गया है—थोड़ा सा माइंडफुलनेस, थोड़े से मंत्र, थोड़ी मनोविज्ञान की चटनी, थोड़ा ज्योतिष का तड़का—और हम उसे आध्यात्म कह देते हैं। उसमें थोड़ा ज़ेन, एक चम्मच कृष्ण, एक झोंका यीशु, ऊपर से रूमी की फुहार और साइड में “मैंने The Secret पढ़ी थी कभी।” लो जी, यही है हमारी “अपनी आध्यात्मिक राह।”
असल में यह सब आध्यात्मिक फास्ट फूड की तरह है—सुविधाजनक, तेज़, आरामदायक... पर पोषकता से बिल्कुल रहित। आज के समय में आस्था ब्रांड बन गई है, भक्ति डिजिटल हो गई है, और मुक्ति अब सब्सक्राइबर काउंट पर निर्भर हो गई है। पवित्रता ने अपनी गंभीरता खो दी है।
हम अब समर्पण नहीं करते—हम चयन(choice) करते हैं। हम अब अभ्यास नहीं करते—हम उसे अपनी सुविधा के अनुसार ढाल लेते हैं। और ऐसा करके हम सत्य के अंग काट देते हैं और उसके स्थान पर सुविधा के कृत्रिम अंग लगाकर घूमते हैं। यह प्रगति नहीं, यह एक चमकदार भ्रम है। हमने आध्यात्म का एक बिखरा हुआ, उलझा और बाज़ारीकरण से भरा जाल बना दिया है।
हमने मुक्ति को आलस्य समझ लिया है और अनुशासन को रूढ़िवाद। वह प्राचीन ज्ञान जो आत्मा को जागृत करने के लिए था, उसे हमने वीकेंड रिट्रीट्स, सेल्फ-हेल्प की भाषा और इंस्टाग्राम की सुंदरता में लपेट दिया है।
आध्यात्म एक भट्टी है, सुगंधित मोमबत्ती नहीं। हम अग्नि से अरोमाथेरेपी की ओर चले गए हैं। शक्तिशाली मंत्रों के उच्चारण से affirmations की बुदबुदाहट में बदल गए हैं, उन्हें फॉरवर्ड करते हैं और “Yes” कमेंट कर देते हैं। हम गुरुजनों के प्रति श्रद्धा से अब रिंग लाइट और डिस्काउंट कोड वाले इंफ्लुएंसर्स के अनुयायी बन गए हैं।
हमारे पूजाघर अव्यवस्थित हैं, हमारे मन अराजक हैं और हमारी अंतरआत्माएं? स्थायी रूप से भ्रमित।
ईमानदारी से कहें तो हममें से अधिकतर लोग आध्यात्म के साथ वही व्यवहार करते हैं जो हम IKEA के फर्नीचर के साथ करते हैं। बॉक्स खोलते हैं, मैन्युअल को एक नज़र देखते हैं, हँसते हैं और उसे साइड में फेंक देते हैं—“मुझे इसकी ज़रूरत नहीं, मैं खुद कर लूंगा।” और तीन घंटे बाद हम एक टेढ़ी कुर्सी पर बैठे होते हैं, जो हर बार शांति पाने की कोशिश में चरचराने लगती है।
पर सच्चाई यह है—अस्वीकार्य लेकिन जरूरी सच्चाई: आत्मोन्नति आसान नहीं है। यह साधारण नहीं है। यह सुविधाजनक नहीं है। यह माँग करती है—समर्पण की, परिश्रम की, मौन की, और अनुशासन की।
मनन के लिए मूल प्रश्न:
1.आप इस विचार को कैसे देखते हैं कि आज का आधुनिक आध्यात्म "आध्यात्मिक फास्ट फूड" जैसा बन गया है—सुविधाजनक लेकिन सतही अनुभव प्रदान करने वाला?
2.क्या आप कोई व्यक्तिगत कहानी साझा कर सकते हैं जब आपको महसूस हुआ कि आपकी आध्यात्मिक साधनाएँ सच्ची जागृति (प्रथम बार कुछ अनुभव होने का क्षण) की बजाय केवल सुविधा पर केंद्रित थीं?
3.आपको ऐसी आध्यात्मिक साधनाओं के प्रति प्रतिबद्धता बनाए रखने में क्या सहायता करता है, जो "समर्पण, परिश्रम, मौन और अनुशासन" की मांग करती हैं, न कि केवल आराम और सुविधा की?
Sumir Nagar is a seeker, wanderer who devotes himself to exploring the intersections of consciousness, culture, and chaos. Excerpted from here.
SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: What do you make of the notion that our modern approach to spirituality often resembles "spiritual fast food," offering a convenient yet shallow experience? Can you share a personal story that illustrates a moment when you realized your spiritual practices were more focused on convenience than on true awakening? What helps you cultivate a commitment to spiritual practices that demand "Surrender, Sweat, Silence, Structure," rather than opting for comfort and convenience?
Add Your Reflection
43 Past Reflections
On May 13, 2025 Rooney Bawa wrote :
In today’s world, Sudo Spirituality always more attractive, appealing and miracle oriented. The mind gets caught very easily for those who are seeking searching in name of spirituality or look for material success.
That’s why Buddha, Zen, La Tzu disappeared. Very few, just counting on figure tips understood. People become greedy even for meditation also. The most ordinary / common understanding is not sound encouraging as most of them are searching for some kind of excitement.
Well, its always been like that since eternity. In past also, very few were realised , in present also very few are on the pathless path & in future, these nos will still decrease……….
That’s why Buddha, Zen, La Tzu disappeared. Very few, just counting on figure tips understood. People become greedy even for meditation also. The most ordinary / common understanding is not sound encouraging as most of them are searching for some kind of excitement.
Well, its always been like that since eternity. In past also, very few were realised , in present also very few are on the pathless path & in future, these nos will still decrease……….
Post Your Reply
On May 10, 2025 Jeff Allen wrote :
Thank you. I agree.
I’m saddened to see a loss of willingness to roll up our sleeves and do the work.
I have believed for a long time that we need to do personal development as well as spiritual evolution- I’m not sure we can do one without the other.
I work on myself daily.
Ciao J
I’m saddened to see a loss of willingness to roll up our sleeves and do the work.
I have believed for a long time that we need to do personal development as well as spiritual evolution- I’m not sure we can do one without the other.
I work on myself daily.
Ciao J
Post Your Reply
On May 8, 2025 Paul wrote :
This really nails it. We live in a fast food culture: we want it fast, we want it now! I have no example, just great admiration for the author.
Post Your Reply
On May 8, 2025 Claire wrote :
This hit home for me. It made me stand back and examine what I've been doing. And I am embarrassed to admit I'm currently guilty of everything said here. I need to get rid of the fast food and simply sit in silence. Doesn't sound difficult on its face, does it? But it's the way to the sacred space I seek and the union I desire.
Post Your Reply
On May 8, 2025 A wrote :
The comments add more thoughts to ponder. We simply live in a different world than the people who embodied spiritual practice. Our minds have evolved even as a newborn baby coming out of the womb. Spiritual Fast food is a snack of spirituality and sustains you in the moment until you get a wake-up call. A call of awakening. This was Covid's gift to me 10 days of Qi Gong that turned to 100 days but more than that introduced me to a worldwide positive community. I had always wanted to do Qi Gong but never had an opportunity. I tell everyone who will listen to try but it is a base, like Americanized Yoga. The true guru's practice the origin tradition which I think most of us strive for, yet we have to work, take care of house and simply rest. Trials and tribulations have always turned humans to spirituality, we live now in such a comfortable world that is now changing to uncomfortable. So, we will strive again to Surrender, Sweat, Silence and Structure. Love this reminder!
Post Your Reply
On May 7, 2025 Jaylei wrote :
Why is there so much resistance to the writing? Yes, it is very clear that there is, as someone else wrote, many people live the "pop-culture" espirituality. Without a look at transcendence we continue on this path of superficial spirituality. Good, bad, at least we keep trying? Yes, but that’s what the text brings up for us to reflect on.
Post Your Reply
On May 7, 2025 Jaylei wrote :
We have neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, that are linked to pleasure. The more they are activated, the more the body wants these moments of pleasure. That's why crack is so quickly addictive, and that´s why surrender and sweat are in second or fifth place... We want pleasure in a life full of work and time-consuming activities.
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Vinisha wrote :
We are so quick to condone others, even a small step in this direction is worth its weight in gold! Why would we discourage anyone on this path. The article had no suggestions no solutions , we should encourage everyone wherever they are on their journey in spirituality. Lets support each other with compassion and kindness.
1 reply: Burning | Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 James O’ Dea wrote :
How you receive Truth is between you and You: how ever you get wrapped in illusion the Truth, the Grace, is in the center of everything, but to receive It requires provisional containers that can carry you through all the sound bites, both sacred and profane, until all dissolves in Love. One of the proven self-dissolving kits is true humility. The state of humility unlocks the prison of time since it neither regrets who you were in the past nor projects who you need to be in the future, thus allowing your natural self to flourish in the presence of the present, I would worry more about elaborate paths that rely on expensive teacher initiations than instant McD’s spirituality. But notice just now how the Critic sneaks in and has to prove it always knows better.
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Kathryn wrote :
I've done a bit of both - i.e., spiritual fast food, and adherence to a specific religious or relational framework. I find that - without claiming to be an authority in these matters - i feel a kind of "clutter" when i hop around too much. However, in these aquarian times it is also a time in which certain great leaders will be found lacking, if only to nudge each of us into greater levels of personal discernment, taking responsibility for our own choices. There are people who are equally spiritual who are simply serving in an organization like the UN, or being a stalwart neighbor, or even begging on the sidewalks. Many people are called and do take on these practices to set a new tone for their life, not being so enmeshed in the dramas of typical ambitions. These practices you mention help us refine our desires and experience a new kind of fulfillment. There are shadows on all our paths, and contemporary folk are within their rights to be skeptical of the group pressures or cultish st... [View Full Comment]
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Barry wrote :
I would quote Sri Ramana Maharshi who asserted that a 15 minute a day practice over time -- usually many years -- would produce the required results. The critical component here is consistency and that includes employing a consistent methodology. As Ramana would say the acquisition itself is not that difficult -- you already have it. So it is a disciplined, repetitive practice of systematically stripping away misguided ways of thinking-being. There is no reason why you can't do this "cafeteria-style". And, of course, no reason why it can't just surface spontaneously. The critical component is the content of what you are consuming. Junk food and flavour of the day are not going to get you very far ;>
1 reply: David | Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Lavinia wrote :
As someone who has had a very committed spiritual practice for over 40 years, I was saddened by this harsh criticism of people's efforts. While the metaphors were apt and very pointed, no solution was offered; no suggestions, no ideas, no inspiration. As we used to say to children who were fighting, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Perhaps through deeper inner work, one can inspire others to keep trying.
6 replies: Burning, Jaylei, Burning, Jaylei, Burning, Jaylei | Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Anil Pandit wrote :
DIY is just a start (better than not starting at all). Leading oneself to realise the 'True Doer' is Enlightenment.
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Marcella wrote :
I agree with the analogy of spiritual practices as fast food. I’ve discovered in my 81 years that spiritual practice is best in the context of a community of faith. Spirality alone can lead one to selfishness. A community of faith challenges one to reach out to others.
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Juan Pablo wrote :
I am writing using translator, from Chile.
Be careful with the calls for attention.
Traditionally, the wake-up call has a charge. Today, the wake-up call is summoned to be sweet so that our attention is directed towards the Supreme.
This writing invites us to pay attention to a reality that may have some ephemeral significance. I invite us to persevere over time in bringing our attention to this sacred, full moment and sit our mind in our heart to allow the wonders of existence to express themselves.
Shambhala. All with attention on the supreme. Eternally, as always.
Be careful with the calls for attention.
Traditionally, the wake-up call has a charge. Today, the wake-up call is summoned to be sweet so that our attention is directed towards the Supreme.
This writing invites us to pay attention to a reality that may have some ephemeral significance. I invite us to persevere over time in bringing our attention to this sacred, full moment and sit our mind in our heart to allow the wonders of existence to express themselves.
Shambhala. All with attention on the supreme. Eternally, as always.
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Michele wrote :
I agree with Annie's poetic response. This reminds me of an article I read years ago by teacher, author and psychotherapist Miles Neale called "Frozen Yoga and McMindfulness". Before that, he had given a talk about McMindfulness and was very critical of the quick fix fast food attitude towards this new trend. A few years later he took back some of his overly critical comments and said that in the end it's good that it's reaching people. Of those many people there are hopefully enough who decide delve deeper. I also find the "trend" aspect sometimes frustrating (see social media), but I also see that it reaches young and old enough to make a change inside and out.
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Yvonne wrote :
Is the author suggesting that we need to go back to all being sheep, not questioning what we feel in our own hearts to be truth? Our own personal truth which we find through spiritual exploration and deep inner listening.
Then why is organized religion undergoing a shakeup? Because we no longer want to be submissive followers but assume personal leadership for what we in our hearts believe to be Truth. And yes, there is that smorgasbord stage until we find what resonates best within. Listening to our inner heart is not always a linear journey
Then why is organized religion undergoing a shakeup? Because we no longer want to be submissive followers but assume personal leadership for what we in our hearts believe to be Truth. And yes, there is that smorgasbord stage until we find what resonates best within. Listening to our inner heart is not always a linear journey
1 reply: Burning | Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 bob g wrote :
In a sea of relativism, we might crave simple directives. Even that statement is one. For me, I abandoned seeking enlightenment to seek connection with all creation. My current practice is learning to let all my senses/chakras guide me, as well as all beings around me, such as, all statements in this discussion. Understandably, the bias here may be cerebral. Understanding and discipline in practice are two threads of the fabric of being, connection and experience
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Lally wrote :
Any spiritual reflection is a good thing.. don't make us feel bad because we're not doing it the 'right" way
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Susan wrote :
Please speak for yourself and don’t use such a broad brush to paint us all a the same color with one stroke. This is rather insulting.
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Anne Rogers wrote :
The spiritual fast food may not bring us all to enlightenment but it may bring more awareness into everyday life. When so many have been crushed by religious dogma the spiritual supermarket can offer opportunities to come back to their heart and if not totally surrendering hopefully realizing how important noticing and caring, and being kind is in this world. Yes we surrender to love when we pause to feel it and share it over and over again even when our world is chaotic and messy and every time we take those little bites and notice the power of the moment of silent soul sitting or the kind gesture we build our foundation and encourage those around us to pause and connect to the same foundation of oneness. May your journey be filled with many wonderful little discoveries of beauty , awareness and opportunities for nurturing your inner love and sharing that love with the world. Fear not…..fear squashes our love but love embraces our fear and guides us.
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 BarbaraS. wrote :
I am not sure how to respond to this article. I've read the previous comments and can resonate with all of them. Committing to just one spiritual path is commendable but for me, I would like to study many paths or at least research them to see what resonates with me. I can see many paths that cross over into each other so I will "connect" with many. Am I guilty of "Spiritual Fast Food"? I don't think so. I just want to become informed about all the different paths to Enlightenment. Perhaps one day I will settle for just one way and commit but I do not want to shut out other paths at the same time.
Post Your Reply
On May 6, 2025 Annie wrote :
when lived in truth, life isn't comfortable - it's painful, messy, beautiful, pristine, disappointing and awesome - the only spiritual path is the one of surrender, meeting resistance pain and deep suffering on its own terms until the sense of an alone separate self dissolves and merges and explodes in wonder - the wonder of absolute being, living as life in this moment, where there is no path or method, but a slow unfolding and untangling of phenomenal experience. Spirituality as a furnace and crucible and as you say not a scented candle - it reveals our true nature in the midst of a violent uncompromising universe in all its glory and intelligence. We are just the simple ease that notices this. Thank you Sumir - your writing stirs the heart
Post Your Reply
On May 5, 2025 Annie Willerton wrote :
Yes there is undoubtedly reductionism of deep meaningful spiritual values in social media’s bite sized over simplifications. There is much unwholesome spiritual consumerism. But, there is “good and bad’ in all things”, for those one liners, those token wisdom teachings may act as seeds, first steps, a creaking door opening a way onto a spiritual path. We can be lofty, purist, idealist, but that is wishing it were other. I celebrate EVERY crumb of curiosity I witness, every question asked, every beginning taken. They may be small drops in the swelling tide of the raising of consciousness but they part of the ocean of awareness.
1 reply: David | Post Your Reply
On May 5, 2025 Joy Casey wrote :
I realized early on in the 70s after a weekend of Transcendal Meditation" that "spirituality" in this consumerist, capitalist country was a supermarket.
Post Your Reply
On May 3, 2025 David Doane wrote :
Sumir Nagar sounds overly negative and judgmental to me, like someone who has a very strict view of how spirituality should be done. Spirituality that consists of searching and trying many different endeavors can lack commitment and be shallow or it can entail commitment and be deep. Spirituality that is focused on and committed to one practice can be deep or it can be shallow. In my younger years, my spiritual practices were rigid, dogmatic and inconvenient, and produced little true awakening. My practices now are looser and more convenient than years ago and result in more true awakening than my old rigid ways. Though I could definitely benefit from more discipline in my spiritual practice, my commitment and practices do entail surrender, silence, reflection, and openness and honesty especially with myself and do seem to result in some awakening.
1 reply: Burning | Post Your Reply
On May 2, 2025 Fiona wrote :
Well it’s true… there are many who ‘pop culture’ spirituality. I’ve had moments like this where I turn on Krishna Dass CDs and say ‘at least I sang some devotional chants!’
But I’m also a long time yoga teacher, who has noticed the huge shift in students who just come once a week. They may not practice ‘like their hair is on fire’ but they integrate better posture, open heartedness, mindful attention and compassion for others more and more over the years they attend class. They are more ‘spiritually awake’ than most and make a difference in their families and communities, scented candles and all.
As for me? I live my life following my intuition more than most. I bathe in the woods daily, connected to trees and source that calm my nervous system plenty. I live with an open heart that touches many, and my morning coffee while watching the morning light come over the horizon is my meditation moment among busy days, that are really more about making ends meet, r... [View Full Comment]
Post Your Reply
On May 2, 2025 Jagdish P Dave wrote :
It is indeed sad to see spirituality has become "Spiritual fast food." It is something I can buy from outside of me-like a commodity I can purchase from outside and it becomes my food for fulfilling my spiritual hunger. If it is true then rich and affluent people will go to heaven and poor people will go to hell. Unfortunately and sadly there are people who are looking for outside sources for their spiritual awakening and inner fulfillment. I remember my childhood days when by living a simple life we were contented and happy. I learned that happiness comes from within by helping someone who needs my undivided attention and my helping hand. I have learnt the paradoxical spiritual truth-by giving we receive; by offering my inner wealth of unconditional love I become worldly rich and happy. This inner wealth never gets diminished. It creates a flow of inner wealth and it is never dried.
I am very grateful to my parents for enkindling the light of unconditional love and selfless servi... [View Full Comment]
Post Your Reply
On May 1, 2025 Annie Willeryon wrote :
Yes there is undoubtedly reductionism of deep meaningful spiritual values in social media’s bite sized over simplifications and spiritual consumerism. But, there is ‘good and bad’ in all things…..( and yes, I know labelling ‘good or bad’ is a spiritual no no :) ) for those one liners, the token wisdom teachings may act as seeds, first steps, a creaking door opening a way onto a spiritual path. We can be lofty, purist, idealist, but that is wishing it were other. I celebrate EVERY crumb of curiosity I witness, every question asked, every beginning taken. They may be small drops in the swelling tide of the raising of consciousness but they are all part of the ocean of awareness.