The rich have a higher chance at enlightenment than the poor

[Ariaecheflame]

Originally Posted by ocean breeze

If its between the rich and poor, yeah i would also say the rich has a higher chance.



There could be many reasons a person may take a vow for poverty (probably out of foolishness) or seek to become wealthy. I don't think anyone actually seeks enlightenment. More likely seeking something else in the name of enlightenment. Regardless of income status, one is more likely to stumble upon enlightenment without realizing it. Like walking through a garden only to stumble and fall into a black hole.

I took a vow of poverty because a church indoctrinated it's members to be poor and not ask for more than crumbs. It was a way to control it's members.
The poor and meek reach heaven or some silly stuff like that.
We had to be very good at letting our resources go freely to the church so it wasn't letting go which I had a struggle with on my spiritual path... It was believing that I am worthy enough to hold on.

Now days I have better self value and joyfully accept more than just crumbs.
But one thing the vow of poverty taught me... Is not to be afraid of hard times lol... I aced that lesson haha.

[It Is]

There have already been many great replies but I'll throw my 2 cents in even if I'm repeating what has already been said:

I think it can go both ways. Sometimes a challenging environment can really give one the motivation to grow spiritually. But of course, if things are too challenging then survival is probably the highest priority.

On the other side of things if one has a rich/easy life then they might be too consumed by their comforts and become a little lazy.

[Altair]

Originally Posted by emeraldheart

I took a vow of poverty because a church indoctrinated it's members to be poor and not ask for more than crumbs. It was a way to control it's members.
The poor and meek reach heaven or some silly stuff like that.
We had to be very good at letting our resources go freely to the church so it wasn't letting go which I had a struggle with on my spiritual path... It was believing that I am worthy enough to hold on.

Now days I have better self value and joyfully accept more than just crumbs.
But one thing the vow of poverty taught me... Is not to be afraid of hard times lol... I aced that lesson haha.

Glad to hear it. I think this ''vow of poverty'' makes no sense. Look how wealthy the churches became while everyone else was meant to stay poor. So what is happening is power and choice is giving to a select few and everyone else is presented with little and just a self fulfilling prophecy that they have no agency and that enjoying this world is an awful thing to do.

It's clearly better to generate wealth and use that wealth to make positive changes by yourself. That wealth could be used to start/support large humanitarian projects or you could own a large piece of land for conservation purposes..

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by thespiritual1

What are your thoughts about the relation between wealth and enlightenment?
Also share your analysis of my opinion. Thank you.

I remember what Paramahansa said after he saw many past lives...many meditating in the mountains.
He learned more when he was a very poor, single, mother having to feed many children.

Anyone that says he has no time to meditate, pray, acknowledge God has a
fool talking to him inside.
You asked what we thought, lol ...I would say, 'beware' of the egoic mind that tells you these things. It is untrue...lies...that is it's job.

When you are in love...do you have time to remember the last evening with your love.
As you heat water, cook food, walk to class do you have time to place your thoughts on God or some scripture
from any source that is truthful and uplifting?
Can you rely on God secretly inside to give you all the help and strength you need, thus,...push thoughts out
of your head that you need to be 'something else' to connect yourself to the the One and Only, the All That Is?

Get concepts of enlightenment out of your head...keep God near you in your mind....soon He will be in your heart.



I hope you come back and read all these.

I am reminded that there is a danger to ASSUME anything...…..:) As you have heard to assume anything can easily make an A** out of you and me....:) When I spoke of 'a vow of poverty', I had in mind as referring to monastic orders. What I am seeing here is some determination to assert that one can serve two masters, God and money. Maybe some can do this and maybe so but I would contend it is difficult.

[Unseeking Seeker]

***

No money ... yearning, desiring

Money ... clinging, fearing

What’s common to both? Externalisation.

What’s common to enlightenment or awakening, ascension, becoming ...? Internalisation. Divine connection. Love enablement.

***

[Altair]

Originally Posted by Molearner

I am reminded that there is a danger to ASSUME anything...…..:) As you have heard to assume anything can easily make an A** out of you and me....:) When I spoke of 'a vow of poverty', I had in mind as referring to monastic orders. What I am seeing here is some determination to assert that one can serve two masters, God and money. Maybe some can do this and maybe so but I would contend it is difficult.

When does one “serve” money? For one person 1000 euros or dollars is a lot, for another it is nothing. For one person “serving” God means the monastery, for another it’s about incorporating spirituality in daily life next to life’s duties. “Serving” money or God is a subjective, individualized matter. Poverty is subjective too..

Spiritual discussions, using concepts and words used thousands of years ago in different contexts, no longer have the same meaning in today’s context..

Originally Posted by Unseeking Seeker

***

No money ... yearning, desiring

Money ... clinging, fearing

What’s common to both? Externalisation.

What’s common to enlightenment or awakening, ascension, becoming ...? Internalisation. Divine connection. Love enablement.

***

Unseeking Seeker,

This borders on perfection. Concise, precise and easily memorable. Additionally, one can see that attachment is evident in both scenarios. Thank you for this gem of wisdom...:)

[LadyMay]

I would've thought it the opposite. A poor person has more need to find meaning in life? And therefore will search inside himself for God.

[Moonglow]

Hello,

I am going to share some thoughts this discussion brings.

Being spiritual is not based on a persons wealth, but upon how a person lives life.

I have never been what would be seen as rich in regards to material wealth.
I have been blessed with the riches of loving family and friends. They have supported me and taught me about life that no amount of material wealth can bring.

A person may be seen/assumed as having it made in the shade because he/she lives a life a luxury. This same person may be very alone in his/her wealth, having no one who truly supports them.

At the same time can have material wealth and be very generous with supporting others, and be very loving.

As far as poor, if based upon just material wealth can be judged one is such in social terms. Some have very little to give in regards to material wealth, yet give from the heart and very rich in love and compassion.

To judge another just upon material wealth is a shallow view, IMO. For material things come and go and in time forgotten, but the support and love one gives (rich or poor) lives on in remembersance, in what inspires others, and in the heart of others.