AMBUJ KHANNA

Tag: Materialism

  • Spirituality vs Materialism: The Balance Between the Two

    Spirituality vs Materialism: The Balance Between the Two

    In this post, I will discuss the two opposing tendencies that exist in the world. We will explore their differences and how we live a life in balance between the two.

    Spirituality

    Spirituality is the belief that high moral virtues, such as a pure heart, selflessness, humility, and tolerance, are far superior to material success, wealth, material possessions, and socio-economic status.

    It is a belief that the goal of a person’s life is enlightenment, spiritual awakening and a divine connection with the higher power of the universe (The Source or God).

    Spiritual people are free from greed and don’t prioritise money or material possessions. They are very humble and do not seek to satisfy their ego to achieve a high socio-economic status.

    These people don’t discriminate based on caste, religion or status. They always give equal respect to all, including the poor.

    Materialism

    Materialism is the belief that material success, wealth, material possessions, and high socio-economic status are far superior to spiritual values such as a pure heart, selflessness, humility, and tolerance.

    Materialistic people are very greedy and prioritise money and material possessions. They can be religious, but they often discriminate based on caste, religion and socio-economic status.

    Materialism has a perfect degree. Some people are materialistic, some more so, and some even more so. The stronger the materialism, the less sensitive a person is!

    The Balance Between the Two

    Being spiritual doesn’t mean to live an ascetic life and deny a comfortable living. It only means that you live a life of contentment.

    In fact, some people are partially spiritual and partially materialistic. They have a balance between spirituality and materialism. What needs to be understood is that an excess of materialism will never make a person truly happy and satisfied.

    If you have a feeling that you no longer need more while still living a comfortable life, you are spiritual. This is because it will bring you happiness and satisfaction. And the essence of spirituality is being happy and satisfied.

    Be thankful for what you have; you will end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough

    -Oprah Winfrey

  • Is Contentment the Key to Happiness?

    Is Contentment the Key to Happiness?

    I will share my personal experience with you, but first, let’s understand what contentment is.

    Contentment

    Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction with what you have, without feeling the urge to acquire more.

    It doesn’t mean at all to live an ascetic life. It simply means you are content with what you have and don’t want more to satisfy your desires. In fact, there are no unnecessary wants now.

    Materialism

    Materialism is the belief that material success, money, possessions, and external achievements provide happiness and peace.

    Materialistic people often overlook spiritual virtues such as truth, selflessness, and humility. Their egos compel them to prioritise material success and money over spiritual virtues.

    Material success, money, and external achievements satisfy the ego, which is a significant obstacle to overcoming ignorance and achieving enlightenment.

    When a person experiences a Kundalini awakening, the ego dissolves, and interest in materialism is diminished. Due to the disappearance of the ego, ignorance vanishes, and the state of consciousness increases.

    One of the Reasons for Suffering

    One of the most important causes of our suffering is our unlimited desires. Whenever we satisfy one want, a new want arises, and this cycle continues throughout our lives.

    We strive to fulfil our wants, and we spend our whole lives doing so. We get no time to enjoy life and live with happiness.

    My Experience

    I experienced a Kundalini awakening in August 2014. Kundalini awakening was the turning point of my life. It transformed me completely.

    Before my awakening, when I was small, I wanted to join the Bollywood (Indian Film Industry). Although I was not interested in money, I had a desire to win big awards, including Oscars.

    I wanted to get popular. My deepest aspiration was to leave a lasting impact on the world through my creativity.

    From my childhood, I had never taken an interest in school studies. I was drawn towards music, acting, dance and literature. I was greatly appreciated for my voice, acting, and dance. This motivated me to pursue a career in the film industry.

    In the year 2000, when I was 17, I experienced a spiritual awakening. But it was different from my Kundalini awakening.

    At 17, I became very spiritual. I began to take an interest in spirituality. I found my Guru, who was a spiritual teacher at my school. He made me use logic to understand spirituality.

    I am a highly sensitive person (HSP). Although I became spiritual, my interest in the film industry continued. But I was never attracted to money. But at 31, when I experienced a Kundalini awakening, my interest in materialism reduced considerably.

    After my Kundalini awakening, I realised my life’s purpose. And it was to raise the consciousness of this world and make it a better place.

    I realised that I have been sent here for selfless service and not to get “popular”. Although Kundalini awakening destroyed my dream, it made me realise that this world needs me!

    Today, I am at peace. I am completely satisfied with what I have, a small home and a small car.

    Now I don’t need more. The higher power of the universe has already given me more than enough. I have a loving mom, a close friend (only one) with whom I talk daily on the phone, and my 22 years of solitude (I am still in it).

    Solitude brings me a sense of peace and calm. I love writing, which is why I started this spiritual blog. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, solitude becomes my solace.

    I always feel like a servant of this world who wants to spread the light of true knowledge. And I know that this is not my desire, but this is indeed the desire of the higher power (The Source or God), that’s why this desire exists in me.

    A quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest

    -Albert Einstein