5 Signs Your Practice Might Be Spiritual Materialism

Spirituality is a profound journey that often involves introspection, growth, and a quest for higher understanding. However, like any other aspect of life, spirituality can also be misconstrued and misused. One such distortion is known as spiritual materialism, where the genuine pursuit of spiritual growth becomes tainted with materialistic desires and ego-driven motivations. Here are five signs that your spiritual practice might be veering towards spiritual materialism:

1. External Validation

Looking for validation and recognition from external sources regarding our spiritual pursuits is a definite indication of spiritual materialism. Genuine spirituality stems from within and is not reliant on outward praise or acknowledgment. When we continually seek validation from others for our spiritual efforts, it often signifies being propelled by ego and the desire for a sense of superiority or prestige.

This manifestation can take the form of appearing 'spiritual' on the surface, such as wearing specific attire or wearing our mala beads on the outside of our clothing. It may also involve the aspiration to accumulate various certificates in diverse 'spiritual' practices, showcasing our spiritual routines to others, or consistently discussing our spiritual journey as a means of establishing our spirituality in the eyes of others.

Authentic spirituality should represent a personal and internal expedition, guided by our individual convictions and beliefs. It should revolve around discovering significance and purpose for ourselves, irrespective of external opinions.

2. Escapism

Using spirituality as a means to escape from life's challenges rather than facing and addressing them is another sign of spiritual materialism. While spiritual practices can provide solace and comfort during difficult times, relying on them solely to avoid confronting life's realities hinders genuine growth.

Spirituality is about integration and finding peace amidst life's ups and downs, not evading them. Using it as an escape can prevent us from dealing with essential life matters and stunting our emotional and psychological growth.

3. Collections

Linking material possessions to spiritual growth is a dangerous misconception inherent in spiritual materialism. Believing that amassing more spiritual paraphernalia or material wealth will deepen our spiritual journey is misguided.

This tendency can manifest in the form of collecting spiritual objects (som of which we might not even know how to properly care for or use). It may also involve collecting spiritual experiences, which we might either openly discuss with others or collect and hold onto within ourselves. Additionally, this materialistic approach could extend to collecting experiences from spiritual retreats, pilgrimages, or the number of spiritual teachers we've encountered.

True spirituality, however, places emphasis on inner transformation, compassion, and mindfulness, valuing these qualities over the accumulation of material possessions. The crux of spirituality lies in the virtues we nurture within ourselves, not in the external possessions we amass.

4. Self-Enhancement

The pursuit of self-improvement can sometimes take a wrong turn, leading to spiritual materialism. When we become fixated on self-enhancement, we can begin to develop a spiritual identity. From this new ego, we may judge others, believing ourselves to be spiritually superior. This judgmental attitude contradicts the fundamental principle of spiritual growth – humility and compassion.

Spirituality involves transcending the ego, not bolstering it. Recognizing that everyone is on their unique spiritual journey and respecting their path is crucial for genuine spiritual progress.

5. Comparison

Measuring our spiritual progress against others, adopting a competitive approach, is a deviation from the true essence of spirituality. Each individual's spiritual journey is unique, and comparing it to others only introduces unnecessary competition and ego-based motivations.

Spirituality should encourage collaboration, understanding, and empathy towards others. Instead of comparing, we should celebrate the diversity in spiritual practices and support one another in our quests for inner peace and enlightenment.

In conclusion, recognizing these signs of spiritual materialism can help us reassess our approach to spirituality. It's essential to cultivate a genuine, humble, and compassionate approach to our spiritual journey, staying true to the core principles that define spirituality.