Spirituality vs Pleasures
Simple answer: Spirituality is not against pleasures. It's only a path towards a more intense and enduring form of emotion usually referred to as bliss.
Spirituality brings to mind visuals of sadhus who have renounced all material possessions, given up all pleasures of life, and are meditating in some forest or cave or the Himalayas.
From the eyes of an outsider, it's scary to live such a life without pleasures. From the context of the spiritual being, however, he has purely left worldly pleasures because he has found eternal bliss! In that context, spirituality is a means to a higher intensity of happiness which is more enduring.
From the eyes of an outsider, it's scary to live such a life without pleasures. From the context of the spiritual being, however, he has purely left worldly pleasures because he has found eternal bliss! In that context, spirituality is a means to a higher intensity of happiness which is more enduring.
The beggar's story
There was a beggar, who used to live off the pennies that others gave him. One day, he found a diamond.
So he had a difficult choice to make - should he continue begging or leave it now that he had a diamond (yes, this is sarcasm)
Same is the case with seekers, they leave the "begging" of wealth, of position, of respect, and other vices once they discover the diamond - their pure self. Frankly, realizing one's true self requires a journey. During this journey, spiritual seekers gradually come closer to their pure self (If they are on the right path). As a result, worldly pleasures slowly stop being appealing for them.
Same is the case with seekers, they leave the "begging" of wealth, of position, of respect, and other vices once they discover the diamond - their pure self. Frankly, realizing one's true self requires a journey. During this journey, spiritual seekers gradually come closer to their pure self (If they are on the right path). As a result, worldly pleasures slowly stop being appealing for them.
Imagine Mukesh Ambani being told of a business opportunity that can earn him a few thousands every month. Would that interest him? Same way, the spiritual being is in pursuit of a higher form of happiness which is more enduring than momentary pleasure.
Pleasure
People derive pleasure from multiple things. Wealth, reputation, sex, parties, shopping, etc. The goalpost will differ from person to person. It is usually dependant on external circumstances or people or resources.
There are some things common to these pursuits:
1. The anticipation of these is more exciting than attaining them
Girls usually dream about their marriage day. There is excitement in thinking about details. They derive a lot of pleasure in the whole imagination process. The actual marriage, however, is rarely as pleasurable a fairy tale that they have created in their heads.
2. The happiness generated is temporary
e.g. while one may generate a wealth of ₹100 Crores. This sense of achievement is momentary (even if the wealth lasts longer). On reaching this milestone, the person will immediately have a new target to achieve. He will put himself through a rigorous cycle to reach his next goal.
Bliss
Bliss is independent of external circumstances. It's an inner state which in its purest form is not even reliant on the body.
A cowherd once hammered nails in Lord Mahivira's ears while he was meditating, due to a misunderstanding. This did not lead to any anger or hatred from Lord Mahavira. He continued to remain in bliss. Similarly, in the story of Jesus Christ. Even while he was being crucified, he said: " Forgive them O Lord for they know not what they do". Such is the state of bliss, that love radiates out at even haters.
May you attain bliss!
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