Almost all the religions sing the praise of a simple and unostentatious life. They all advise the faithful to develop a longing for spiritual upliftment rather than hankering after material wealth. Jesus said "Again I tell you, 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."
Buddha said, "The extinction of desire is Nirvana." This is the ultimate goal in Buddhism.
In Hinduism this world is described as Mithya (false) and Tyaag (giving up) of all things worldly is advised for attaining Devatwa (Godhood).
Islam guides its followers to live a humble and simple life. Material wealth is said to be a trial.
All the prophets lead simple lives. It is also true for many revered rishis, monks and fakirs from past who are quoted repeatedly by today's religious leaders of all faiths.
Given this background I really wonder why then almost all the religious institutions are so pompous. Just look at the unbelievably rich temples, cathedrals, synagogues and mosques! Do they really believe in the teachings of their religions?
Inside these institutions you can see the glittering chandeliers, shining marble floors and sparkling gold and silver paraphernalia. Even the dresses of the officials reek of silk and muslin. When millions of human beings are poor, uneducated and sick, why our religious leaders waste this much wealth in a way which is obviously counter to their core teachings?
In poor and developing world it really hurts me to see a grand temple, church or mosque amidst sprawling sea of poverty, illiteracy and sufferings. The situation is not that different in the developed countries either where governments are struggling to maintain a good standard in the schools and hospitals.
Why the religions have to be so pompous? Do we really believe that God prefers luxury?
3 comments:
Very pertinent question. However, I don't see the conflict.
Because, in my view, people mix and then confuse two things: Spirituality (or, search for God) and Institution (religion).
The former requires deep analytical intellect to understand, fathom, and propagate its meaning; whilst the latter always requires material resourcefulness.
An institution cannot work without 'membership', which in turn, necessitates codified behavoiural norms, organization-structure, resource-organization, and most important, without being 'seen and heard' [the last aspect gets further magnified when faced with competition, i.e., other institutions (religions, in this context)]. Hence, the former, by definition has to remain devoid of any ostentation, while the latter, must remain pompous.
Hi Nandan
You have put your finger on the pulse. Certainly spirituality and religion have become very distant from each other or they probably always were. What I do not like is that the religion or the institution of religion still claims to be the font of spirituality and to follow the teachings of its prophets.
I feel all the show is for keeping the folks intact & to spread one's religion.
It is today all economics & power... more the members more the money & power....
Where is the sprituality in all this...Sprituality comes from WITHIN..which is pure.
regards
pankaj
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