Scientific Progress And Spiritual Beliefs

For an ordinary person, material things are the goal. For a spiritual person, they are a means. This difference in thinking results in a significant difference in how people live. One benefit of spirituality is that a person gains the strength to endure loss. The modern world is full of competition and accidents. People often suffer loss. If someone considers material things their highest goal, they are crushed when faced with loss. They may become mentally disturbed—even suicidal. But a spiritual person can withstand loss with resilience. Because even when they lose material things, they still have something higher to live for. A spiritual person is also free from the greatest evil— pride. Pride is always connected to material possessions. When people regard material wealth as the most important thing, they become proud upon acquiring it. They start to judge others based on their material status. Those with less are seen as inferior; those with more are considered superior. From this arises pride, and an artificial hierarchy forms in society. But a spiritual person does not fall into this trap. For him, material things are tools, not a measure of worth. He regards material wealth as secondary, not primary. He does not become proud when he gains more, nor does he look down on others who have less. Spirituality makes a person better for himself—and better for others. All India Radio, New Delhi, 20 October 1984.