[Grewlybreekly]

The Tibetan teacher, Chogyam Trungpa, warned of the trap of spiritual materialism. He says we must be ever diligent to spot the egos use of the spiritual journey to further its own ends.

We may think its spiritual to yearn for divine connection. And yet, if the longing is to fill an emptiness inside, just how does this differ from the one who yearns for money or possessions to fill the inner void? Do we look to our spiritual practices as proof of our evolved consciousness or as protection against fears?

Any time we use spiritual disciplines to maintain our identity and security, we are not yet on the path of genuine spiritual development.

"Enlightenment is egos ultimate disappointment."

-- Chgyam Trungpa In my own experience, which is the only experience I can speak for, I've searched for spirituality for many different reasons. I'm sure Chogyam Trungpa would not say that one should not search for spirituality as a way to ease the ego's suffering, in fact that's one of the goals within Buddhism, but rather that at some point one should be aware of their ultimate reason for seeking spirituality.

There is also a difference between religiosity and spirituality. The first is the practice of a belief out of duty, the second is a practice of belief out of necessity. Many may come to religion or spirituality out of the duty, but in practicing come to understand the necessity.

It's also important to understand why you begin your journey, is it out of guilt, a way to make amends or lessen your guilt over something you've done in the past? Is it out of a desire for fulfillment, because you feel something is lacking in your life, which is what Chogyam Trungpa was alluding to, or is it out of a sincere desire to do what is right as you know it? In the end the reasons may be different, but ultimately lead to the same source. So, in my opinion, one should not be as concerned about why they chose to seek a spiritual tradition, but rather they should be certain that they are receiving something worthwhile from that tradition. If you become spiritual to alleviate your guilt, yet you feel even more guilty, then are you any better off than you were before?

Anyways, just some things I was thinking about.

Aaron