From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Spiritual materialism or
spiritual narcissism are terms used to describe
mistakes spiritual seekers commit which turn the pursuit of
spiritualism into an ego building and confusion creating
endeavor.[1]
This is based on the idea that ego development is counter to
spiritual progress. Chögyam Trungpa coined the term
spiritual materialism with his book Cutting Through
Spiritual Materialism from talks explaining Buddhism given
while opening the Karma Dzong meditation center in Boulder,
Colorado.
Conventionally, it is also used to describe capitalist or commercial
efforts such as "new age" bookstores and wealthy lecturers on
spirituality. Also it might mean the attempt to build up a list of
credentials or accumulate teachings in order to present oneself as
a more realized or holy person.[2]
Author Jorge Ferrer equates the terms,[1]
though others draw a distinction that spiritual narcissism is believing
that one deserves love and respect[3] or is
better than another[4] because
one has accumulated spiritual training instead of the belief that
accumulating training will bring an end to suffering.
Lords of
Materialism
In Trungpa's presentation, spiritual materialism can fall into
three categories — what he calls the three "Lords of
Materialism" (Tibetan: lalo literally "barbarian") —
in which a form of materialism is mistaken to bring long term
happiness but instead only brings short term entertainment,
followed by longer term suffering:
- Physical materialism is the belief that possessions can bring
release from suffering. In Trungpa's view, they may bring temporary
happiness but then more suffering in the endless pursuit of
creating one's environment to be just right. Or on another level it
may cause a misuderstanding like, "I am rich because I have this or
that" or "I am a teacher (or whatever) because I have a diploma (or
whatever)."
- Psychological materialism is the belief that a particular
philosophy, belief system, or point of view will bring release from
suffering. So seeking refuge by strongly identifying with a
particular religion,[5]
philosophy, political party or viewpoint, for example, would be
psychological materialism. From this the conventional usage of
spiritual materialism arises, by identifying oneself as Buddhist or
some other label, or by collecting initiations and spiritual
accomplishments, one further constructs a solidified view of
ego.[2]
- Spiritual materialism is the belief that a certain temporary
state of mind is a refuge from suffering. An example would be using
meditation practices to create a peaceful state of mind, or using
drugs or alcohol to remain in a numbed out or a blissful state.
According to Trungpa, these states are temporary and merely
heighten the suffering when they cease. So attempting to maintain a
particular emotional state of mind as a refuge from suffering, or
constantly pursuing particular emotional states of mind like being
in love, will actually lead to more long term suffering.
Ego
The underlying source of these three approaches to finding
happiness is based, according to Trungpa, on the mistaken notion
that one's ego is inherently existent and a valid point of view. He
claims that is incorrect, and therefore the materialistic
approaches have an invalid basis to begin with. The message in
summary is, "Don't try to reinforce your ego through material
things, belief systems like religion, or certain emotional states
of mind." In his view, the point of religion is to show you that
your ego doesn't really exist inherently. Ego is something you
build up to make you think you exist, but it is not necessary and
in the long run causes more suffering.
References
- Carson, Richard David (2003) Taming Your Gremlin: A
Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way
ISBN 0-06052-022-1
- Ferrer, Jorge Noguera (2001) Revisioning Transpersonal
Theory: A Participatory Vision of Human Spirituality ISBN
0-79145-168-2
- Hart, Tobin (2004) The Secret Spiritual World of
Children ISBN 1-93072-219-2
- Potter, Richard and Potter, Jan (2006) Spiritual
Development for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Leading a Purpose
Filled Life ISBN 0-73870-750-3
- Trungpa, Chögyam (1973). Cutting Through Spiritual
Materialism. Boston, Massachusetts: Shambhala Publications,
Inc. ISBN 1-57062-957-9.
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