Materialism vs. Spiritualism

Eternal Clash or Divine Harmony?

Are Materialism and Spiritualism contrary or complementary to each other?

All philosophical doctrines that have existed since eternity can be broadly classified into two basic categories: Materialism and Spiritualism. Despite numerous scientific and social advancements over centuries, this classification remains unchanged. The reason is logical: all living beings are a combination of two distinct entities—a material body and a divine soul.

Therefore, any valid philosophy must address either or both of these entities to solve the problem of human upliftment.

The Universal Aim: The Search for Happiness

The sole aim of all existing philosophies is to assist us in our "search for happiness."

• The Spiritual Law: Each living being is an eternal and inseparable part (Ansha) of God, who is the embodiment of Happiness (Ananda).
• The Quest: There is a universal law that every part desires to become one with its whole. Hence, the quest for happiness is the innate nature of all living beings.

The conflict arises from identity:

1. Those who believe they are the Body search for happiness in the material world (Materialism).
2. Those who believe they are the Soul search for happiness in God (Spiritualism).

Because these two beliefs have existed since eternity, the dispute is eternal. However, viewing them as enemies is naive. In truth, they complement each other.

The Argument for Materialism: Civilization and Comfort

Materialists argue that material progress is the symbol of advancement. In ancient times, humanity struggled with basic needs—shelter, clothing, and food. Through the advancement of materialism, we now possess high-rise buildings, sophisticated fabrics, and awe-inspiring inventions in transportation, medicine, and communication. This progress has undeniably brought physical comfort to the human race.

The Argument for Spiritualism: Moral Decline

Spiritualists agree that the world has made immense material progress, but they point out that spiritual traits have disappeared in the same ratio.

In the past, the world was graced by:

• Truthfulness: Like Maharaja Harishchandra.
• Renunciation: Like Sage Dadhichi, who willingly gave up his bones to create the Vajra (thunderbolt) weapon to defeat demons.
• Justice: Like Yudhishthira.
• Unwavering Resolution: Like Bheeshma Pitamah, who did not accept the crown despite all troubles that eventually were the cause of Mahabharat.

Today, vices such as dishonesty, violence, avarice, and hatred have become prominent. Experience shows that the extent of material possessions is often directly proportional to anxiety.

• Past: People lived in joint families, shared meals, and people used to offer their bed to the guests found contentment sleeping on the floor. Relationships were empathetic.
• Present: Despite luxury, mental peace is lost, and greed has eroded social cordiality.

The cause of these vices is our insatiable desire to have in our possession all the means required to attain material happiness. 

Hence, spiritualists say we should focus on spiritualism to maintain mental peace and enhance the overall goodness in the society.

The Reality: Why Materialism Alone Fails

Although every soul has been striving for happiness since eternity, it remains elusive. Why? The Divine Soul desires Divine Happiness. Material objects are inert; they cannot satisfy a sentient soul. As the Garuda Purana states, even the highest material positions cannot quench the thirst of the soul:

चक्रधरोऽपि सुरत्वं सुरत्वलाभे सकलसुरपतित्वं ।
भवितुं सुरपतिरूर्ध्व गतित्वं तथापि न निवर्तते तृष्णा ॥
cakradharō'pi suratvaṁ suratvalābhē sakalasurapatitvaṁ | bhavituṁ surapatirūrdhva gatitvaṁ tathāpi na nivartatē tr̥ṣṇā ||

"The emperor of the earth wants to be a celestial god (Devata). A Devata wants to be Indra (King of Heaven). Indra wants to be the ruler of Brahmaloka. Even then, the desire to attain more does not get quenched."

History reminds us that even Indra, out of fear of losing his position, stole the horse from King Dilip's 100th Ashwamedha Yajna. If the King of Svarga is insecure, how can material objects give us peace?

Hence, spiritualists say we should focus on spiritualism to maintain mental peace and enhance the overall goodness in the society.

The Synthesis: The Necessity of Harmony

While spiritualism is the goal, materialism cannot be shunned.

• The Body is the Vehicle: Where would a spiritualist practice devotion? In this world. To sustain the body, one needs food, water, air, and shelter—all of which are material.
• The Interdependence: Materialists want to comfort the body, but the body has no value without the soul. Spiritualists want to liberate the soul, but they need the body to perform Sadhana (devotion).

As Tulasidas Ji says:

तन बिनु भजन वेद नहिं बरना ॥
tana binu bhajana vēda nahiṁ baranā ||
"The Vedas declare that without the body, worship cannot be performed."

Therefore, maintaining a balance is indispensable. We must use material objects to keep the body healthy, just as a warrior polishes his sword to win a war, or a musician tunes his instrument.

Although, every soul has been striving to attain happiness since eternity, that happiness has been elusive. The divine soul desires divine happiness, which cannot be attained from any material object. Happiness is an epithet of God. Therefore, attaining God is the same as attaining happiness.

Conclusion: The Middle Path

The ultimate aim of human life is God Realization. However, the instrument given to us to achieve that aim is the World (Samsara).

We must accept the guidance of a genuine Saint (Guru) who teaches us the practical application of this balance. The Bhagavad Gita (6.16) advises moderation:

नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः । न चाति स्वप्नशीलस्य, जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन ॥ nātyaśnatastu yōgō'sti na caikāntamanaśnataḥ | na cāti svapnaśīlasya, jāgratō naiva cārjuna ||

"O Arjuna, Yoga (union with God) is not possible for one who eats too much or too little, nor for one who sleeps too much or too little."

Jagadguruttam Swami Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj summarizes this harmony perfectly:

आत्मा के लिये शरीर आवश्यक, शरीर के लिये संसार आवश्यक । ये सब तो हेल्पर हैं तुम्हारे ॥
"Sustain the body using the world, but aim for the bliss of Nikunj (God)."

We must use material wealth to survive, but not become enslaved by it. Materialism and Spiritualism, when understood correctly, are not enemies—they are the vehicle and the destination.

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Further Reading and Reference

• bhautikvadi
• adhyatmavadi
• Sadhana—Daily Devotion
• The Search for Happiness
• Sansar—The Material World
• Not This. Not That. Only This Will Ever Satisfy You