Spiritual life and Material life

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Spiritual life and Material life

 

Is spiritual life the same as the material life or are

they different? What constitutes a life that dwells in

spirit and what is material life? Although Baba didn't

elaborate on this topic just as He did not dissect on

any other topic at length, one encounters this

discussion frequently.

 

It is an observation that the young are often

discouraged to pursue any spiritual activity as it is

deemed that it is not as much a priority as earning a

livelihood. Thus, spiritual pursuits are often pushed

towards latter stages of life. To dissuade this

thought, it is said that one need not differentiate

the spiritual life from the way we live our everyday

lives. To this effect, it is said that one should

spend whatever time he/she could in the thoughts of

Sadguru as one goes about the ordinary life. As the

distinction is blurred, the life itself becomes a

harmonious blend of the self and Sadguru. Is there

anything more?

 

Everyone is entitled for Baba's grace. But, do all get

the same benefit? Baba Himself quipped that if every

flower on the tree comes to fruition it would be a

bumper crop. But it doesn't happen. The thought that

material life and spiritual life is one in itself is a

revelation, a comforting assurance that would help one

in looking at life in its perspective. Does this mean

that the material and spiritual lives are same,

meaning there is no difference? If one were to observe

carefully, argument that there are no differences

between spiritual and material life denotes an

intelligent yet subtle justification to the material

pursuits that are always in conflict with the search

for the spirit!

 

Spiritual or material, it is one life. Attempting to

differentiate is a futile exercise because it is

neither possible nor appropriate to draw the line.

However, as one progresses in the path of Sadguru, the

changes in one's life should be evident as every

interest revolves around Sadguru; around His likes and

dislikes, and approval and disapproval. When the life

is in complete tune with Sadguru and none else, such a

life is completely spiritual and not material. Just

like one cannot travel on two horses riding in

opposite directions, one cannot expect to lead a

material life to its fullest fulfillment and yet

accomplish the spiritual goal. While it is not

relevant to discuss the importance of each of the

functions in this context, what it takes someone to

become the Pope is different from what it would take

to become the President of a nation.