Being Spiritual and Having Wealth

[ChristineES]

I was watching a video of George Harrison on youtube, while I was watching, I couldn't help but read a discussion that was going on about the video (It was Awaiting On You All, from All Things Must Pass- a very religious song). One person said that Mr. Harrison couldn't possibly be spiritual because of the wealth he gained as a rock star. Fans of Mr. Harrison knows he was very religious (he was a Hindu) as a lot of his songs (like My Sweet Lord, Give Me Love, and others) had a very religious and spiritual message. So although I didn't join in the youtube discussion, I didn't agree that the man wasn't spiritual just because of his money.

Do you guys agree? Do you think having wealth makes a person less spiritual? Can a Rock Star and ex-Beatle Like George Harrison be spiritual?

 

[Revoltingest]

I find money very spiritual.

 

[arthra]

Somewhere I think there's a balance between the spiritual and material... In the past I think it was more like the extremes were emphasized: You could be an achorite or a mogul but not both.

If you're unsuccessful in your life in terms of material things what does that say about your spiritual life..? You can be well off materially and be in the depths spiritually.. Mastering the physical and material side of life can be a sign of spiritual qualities...somewhere there's a balance...

 

[Penumbra]

I'd say the ability to handle resources is a particularly important one.

If spiritual people would prefer the resources to be in the hands of people that aren't spiritual, that's cool and all.

 

[Bob Dixon]

Wealth does nothing harmful. It is attachment to wealth that harms people spiritually. If George Harrison was wealthy, but not obsessed with or attached to his wealth, he'd be alright.

 

[Vultar]

Wealth gained honestly and fairly is fine and doesn't always effect the spirituality of an individual. Many occupations have huge payouts without hurting others (actor, musician, athelete etc).
Others gain wealth by lying, cheating and hurting others. This will negatively effect the individual no matter how spiritual they are.

 

[Prophet]

Wealth does nothing harmful. It is attachment to wealth that harms people spiritually. If George Harrison was wealthy, but not obsessed with or attached to his wealth, he'd be alright.

This.

 

[Thief]

I was watching a video of George Harrison on youtube, while I was watching, I couldn't help but read a discussion that was going on about the video (It was Awaiting On You All, from All Things Must Pass- a very religious song). One person said that Mr. Harrison couldn't possibly be spiritual because of the wealth he gained as a rock star. Fans of Mr. Harrison knows he was very religious (he was a Hindu) as a lot of his songs (like My Sweet Lord, Give Me Love, and others) had a very religious and spiritual message. So although I didn't join in the youtube discussion, I didn't agree that the man wasn't spiritual just because of his money.

Do you guys agree? Do you think having wealth makes a person less spiritual? Can a Rock Star and ex-Beatle Like George Harrison be spiritual?

Just a side note...he got sued for that tune....
'He's so fine'...is musically the same on paper.

And yes you can be spiritual and have money.
Too bad most people pursuing money, can't find that balance.

 

[839311]

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” - Matthew 19:24

One of the funnier parables, with a lot of depth if one thinks about the point its trying to make.

 

[Vultar]

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” - Matthew 19:24

One of the funnier parables, with a lot of depth if one thinks about the point its trying to make.

Not thrilled with what that parable is trying to say. It does explain the "vow of poverty" however. Hopefully he was using the word "rich" in its native form and not the abstract.

 

[dawny0826]

I was watching a video of George Harrison on youtube, while I was watching, I couldn't help but read a discussion that was going on about the video (It was Awaiting On You All, from All Things Must Pass- a very religious song). One person said that Mr. Harrison couldn't possibly be spiritual because of the wealth he gained as a rock star. Fans of Mr. Harrison knows he was very religious (he was a Hindu) as a lot of his songs (like My Sweet Lord, Give Me Love, and others) had a very religious and spiritual message. So although I didn't join in the youtube discussion, I didn't agree that the man wasn't spiritual just because of his money.

Do you guys agree? Do you think having wealth makes a person less spiritual? Can a Rock Star and ex-Beatle Like George Harrison be spiritual?

I think that wealth, like anything else, can have neutral, positive or negative influences on one's spirituality and actions. If one is spiritual, wealth shouldn't lessen this. If anything, contingent upon the individual's religious walk, balancing wealth may make for life lessons that others cannot relate to. Having the ability to use personal wealth to bless others, according to spiritual conviction, can be a beautiful thing.

 

[Prophet]

Jesus was speaking in a time and place where poverty and need was widespread. To grow wealthy while others around you lacked the necessities for survival would be impossible for one in the Kingdom of God who recognizes himself as a mere steward of his possessions. To be wealthy in the midst of suffering you have the power to stop, you must be selfishly attached to your possessions and thus, the world. See possessions and ownership for what they are: illusions.

Own nothing, and nothing will own you.

 

[mycorrhiza]

You can be both rich and spiritual. There are some religions you can't fully follow if you want to stay rich, though, such as Christianity.

Some New Age concepts like the Law Of Attraction actually encourages you to be both rich and spiritual. The more money you have, the better you are. We also got the prosperity gospel in "Christianity" where wealth is seen as a sign of being a good Christian (despite what the Bible says about wealth) and being poor is a sign of not following God.

 

[Thief]

About that quote....it's not funny.
Taking a closer look...

The rich man had come asking...
'What must I do to have eternal life?'

The discussion then broke to several items....but then the line drawn...
'Sell what you have. Give to the poor. Follow Me'

The young man went away sorrowful.

And it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of needle.
Seems extreme, as doing so would render that animal to dust and hair.

By eye, the line appears clear enough.
You will not take anything of this world with you.
But with focus and intent about acquisition....no intent to the next life.....
Rich men are but dust and hair.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Wealth gained honestly and fairly is fine and doesn't always effect the spirituality of an individual. Many occupations have huge payouts without hurting others (actor, musician, athelete etc).
Others gain wealth by lying, cheating and hurting others. This will negatively effect the individual no matter how spiritual they are.

Thats my view as well. The manner by which wealth is aquired and even used, can be telling.

 

[zenzero]

Friend Christine,

Being Spiritual and Having Wealth

What ever is seen are just consciousness in different forms including that which humans label as wealth.
Personally value my health to be my wealth what is wrong in it???
Meaning what is important test for spirituality is not having various things which others perceive to be wealth but whether the individual is attached to them. If there is an attachment means the individual is materialist and not spiritualist.

Love & rgds

 

[fantome profane]

I think you can have money and be spiritual. But you cannot be spiritual if the money has you.

 

[no-body]

From being a billionaire to living under a bridge with nothing to anything in between spirituality to me means happiness should not come from your life circumstances. That doesn't mean it is a bad thing to want things and to better yourself you just can't look for your identity in those things.

 

[rusra02]

I was watching a video of George Harrison on youtube, while I was watching, I couldn't help but read a discussion that was going on about the video (It was Awaiting On You All, from All Things Must Pass- a very religious song). One person said that Mr. Harrison couldn't possibly be spiritual because of the wealth he gained as a rock star. Fans of Mr. Harrison knows he was very religious (he was a Hindu) as a lot of his songs (like My Sweet Lord, Give Me Love, and others) had a very religious and spiritual message. So although I didn't join in the youtube discussion, I didn't agree that the man wasn't spiritual just because of his money.

Do you guys agree? Do you think having wealth makes a person less spiritual? Can a Rock Star and ex-Beatle Like George Harrison be spiritual?

No, although being rich does have it's downside. One often hears the adage "Money is the root of all evil." This is a misquote of 1 Timothy 6:10, that says: "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things." Some early Christians were wealthy. The Bible's counsel to them points out a danger of riches: "Give orders to those who are rich in the present system of things not to be high-minded, and to rest their hope, not on uncertain riches, but on God." (1 Timothy 6:17) Riches often foster undue pride and reliance on money. And the love of money can lead to all sorts of bad outcomes. But having wealth does not, in itself, make a person less spiritual.

 

[Tathagata]

There's nothing wrong with having wealth, but Aristotle said that the desire for excess wealth is a sickness because you are desiring something that has no instrumental value or inherent value. It's ok to have wealth for financial security and leisure because then it has a purpose.




.
.