New Delhi: Does being a spiritual thought leader also entail that you give up on finer things in life? Does it mean that you lead a life of frugal means because your thoughts are aligned with the highest spiritual goals? Neither do spiritual gurus make such a proclamation nor does our scriptures enforce such a “rule” upon us. Who are we then to decide what is the lifestyle that a person who calls herself a spiritual icon should embrace? Jaya Kishori is right when she defends her choices, including the rather expensive Dior Note Tote bag that she was seen sporting recently.
Kishori was trolled on Tuesday for carrying such a personal accessory when her words were aligned at a spiritually deep level. People even went to the extent of questioning her Hindu principles. The youth orator then took to X to defend her lifestyle choice. She reiterated that she wasn’t a ‘sadhvi’ who had renounced the finer aspects of life. She called herself a normal person with normal desires. Not easily rattled, Kishori reminded her followers that even in the kathas she has never spoken of complete penance or of giving up material desires.
In the long post, explaining her lifestyle, Kishori said not everything in life is ‘Moh-maya’ or a complete illusion. Rather, she advised that people worked hard towards achieving their goals and leading the ‘good life’.
Why these notions of frugality and spirituality
There is a difference between simple living and that of embracing frugality just to fit into a certain circle. While both definitions are open to interpretation and not a single one is the absolute truth, it is a fact that very often these terms seem interchangeable. So, when someone calls themselves a guru or a “spiritual soul” it doesn’t automatically mean they have renounced everything in life to embrace a life devoid of all material pleasures. It is possible that they feel aligned to spiritual thoughts and high positive energy without having to give up on a lifestyle that they choose to lead.
Why then do we confuse a spiritual life with one that is void of a luxurious lifestyle? It could stem from the fact that our knowledge of spirituality is half-baked at best. While leading such a life doesn’t mean you are a sybarite, it also doesn’t mean that you are leading a frugal life just because you have to fit into the societal description of being a spiritual being.
“Let us stop confusing and equating spirituality with a higher life/soul. We are all normal human beings who are fulfilling a life purpose. We are mortal beings who will perish eventually and what happens after life is an enigma. So, if everyone is the same, why do we expect one person to behave in a different manner?,” queries Ritu Agarwal, a spiritual alchemist and a wellness coach who drives a Maruti Brezza to her sessions. When she is not meditating or healing her clients, Agarwal shops and eats out with her friends and family. Does it make her any less of a human?
“My spiritual journey has nothing to do with the lifestyle I lead. In order to be One with the higher consciousness, I need a pure mind and body so that I can have a positive relationship with the divine. For that to happen, one needs to embrace certain virtues like giving up on greed and harbouring negative emotions for any fellow human being. Once we have achieved this level of consciousness, we do feel One with the divine,” she explains.
Do Hindu principles compel us to give up on brands?
The other argument that some of Kishori’s trolls have regaled in is based on their knowledge of what consitutes ‘hindu principles’. It is true that scriptures have advised for a simple way of life, Hinduism per se encourages this simplicity but not because it is against luxury bags or lifestyle. Our philosophy is as a way to focus on the spiritual nature of things, rather than consuming and seeking material possessions. Aparigraha, a big lesson in Hinduism translates to non-possessiveness which helps people to let go of attachments and to focus on experiences and relationships instead.
While Vairagya (detachment) is practised and encouraged in Hinduism, forceful renouncement of a life that one wishes to lead is not taught nor is it advocated.
In fact, the tenets of Hinduism teaches us the meaning of life via a four-fold process. One meaning of life, according to Hinduism is Artha, referring to the pursuit of wealth and prosperity. The philosophy that teaches one must stay within the bounds of dharma while pursuing these.
The other purpose of a Hindu’s life is to seek Kama, which can be defined as obtaining enjoyment from life. There is also Moksha and Dharma that constitute the four tenets of Hinduism. In our quest for attaining the highest purpose of Dharma and Moksha, we shouldn’t let go of Artha and Kama.
So, let’s spare Kishori the trauma and focus instead on her teachings that resonate with our consciousness.
