Significance of Material prosperity
Material prosperity, as discussed across various religious and philosophical traditions, encompasses the accumulation of wealth and physical resources that often do not contribute to spiritual development. While it can signify economic well-being and success, it also raises concerns about the potential distraction from spiritual pursuits. Different perspectives highlight that material gains, influenced by various practices and rituals, can lead to a life focused on transient achievements rather than lasting spiritual fulfillment. Ultimately, there exists a complex relationship between material prosperity and spiritual growth.
Synonyms: Wealth, Affluence, Financial success, Economic wellbeing, Material wealth, Financial prosperity, Economic prosperity, Riches, Economic well-being
In Dutch: Materiële welvaart; In Finnish: Aineellinen vauraus; In Spanish: Prosperidad material; In German: Materieller Wohlstand; In Swedish: Materiellt välstånd; In Malay: Kemakmuran material; In French: Prospérité matérielle; In Portugese: Prosperidade material; In Italian: Prosperità materiale; In Polish: Dobrobyt materialny
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Material prosperity'
Material prosperity in Buddhism can be interpreted as a dual concept: it signifies worldly success influenced by past generosity (dana) while also emphasizing the potential emptiness of physical possessions that hinder spiritual growth.
From: Bodhinyana
(1) A state of having many physical possessions that do not contribute to one's spiritual development.[1]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The state of having wealth and success in worldly or material terms, which can be influenced by one's previous acts of dana.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Material prosperity'
Material prosperity in Hinduism encompasses wealth and resources associated with the Vaisya class, sought through earthly pursuits, rituals, and effective governance. However, it poses a challenge to spiritual progress, raising questions about its true value versus spiritual fulfillment.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Rama knows the significance of virtue, material prosperity and enjoyment; of prodigious memory, conversant with worldly wisdom.[3] (2) The state of having sufficient resources and wealth, portrayed as essential for success and a fulfilling life.[4]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The accumulation of wealth and material goods, often contrasted with spiritual or metaphysical happiness.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) This describes the state of having wealth and resources, and is associated with the role of the Vaisya class.[6]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The abundance of material wealth and facilities that can sometimes elevate living entities but ultimately does not provide spiritual fulfillment.[7] (2) A state of economic well-being and success, which the text indicates the devotees are not achieving despite their practices.[8] (3) The worldly wealth and success that some individuals achieve despite their spiritual standing, as discussed during the conversation with Shridhara.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The abundance of wealth and resources that may distract or hinder spiritual progress, as indicated by the relationship of Lakshmi with those seeking liberation.[10]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The challenging juxtaposition against spiritual devotion, raising questions about the ultimate value of material versus spiritual wealth.[11]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The accumulation of wealth and physical resources that are considered beneficial but ultimately transient and tied to earthly existence.[12]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) Wealth and success tied to earthly possessions and desires.[13]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The accumulation of wealth and resources, which may not necessarily lead to personal happiness or fulfillment.[14]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) An area of life where the fatalists say that one should not make any kind of effort for acquiring, and Vatsyayana objects to this by his argument.[15] (2) The economic wealth and resources available to a society, which shapes its cultural and social dynamics.[16] (3) The state of achieving wealth and economic success as part of one’s life goals.[17]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The economic well-being of society that is suggested to improve through the study of ancient texts and wisdom.[18]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) This is something that no nation can flourish without its care for it, as stated in the text.[19]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The signs of wealth and successful agricultural operations that demonstrate the power and stability of the kingdom.[20]
The concept of Material prosperity in local and regional sources
Material prosperity emphasizes society's focus on wealth and possessions, often undermining spiritual values. It is intertwined with economic advancement and societal well-being, yet may lead to a mechanical worldview and neglect true spiritual progress.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Material prosperity signifies the economic well-being and abundance of resources achieved in England due to scientific and industrial advancements, though it overshadowed spiritual and ethical concerns.[21] (2) Something that commercial life should promote Art no less sedulously than.[22] (3) The focus of modern society on wealth and physical possessions, often at the cost of ethical values.[23] (4) The wealth and resources needed for a comfortable life, which is associated with the grace of Agni.[24] (5) The economic wealth and well-being of a society, interconnected with spiritual health and creative intelligence according to Mrs. Besant's views.[25]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The least amount of this that is enjoyed causes the same amount of misery elsewhere, which is a fundamental law of the world.[26] (2) The author asserts that the knowledge which brings freedom can also lead to material success in the world.[27] (3) Material prosperity is the focus of prayers that are considered the lowest form of Karma, not Bhakti, according to the text.[28] (4) The "left-handed" way often leads to material prosperity, but it rarely results in spirituality, and eventually leads to degeneration and the obliteration of the race that practices it, according to the text.[29] (5) This is something that is usually gained by the 'left-handed' way of worshipping God, but it does not often lead to spiritual development.[30]
The concept of Material prosperity in scientific sources
Material prosperity, in the context of regional sources, signifies acceptance and importance, particularly outside of the Sangha, suggesting its value extends beyond religious communities.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Evangelicals do not reject financial success, believing it can be achieved through ethical behavior, education, hard work, and self-discipline.[31] (2) Material prosperity refers to the economic benefits and wealth that can accrue to localities and communities surrounding sacred sites, driven by the influx of pilgrims, donations, and the development of related industries, such as tourism and hospitality.[32] (3) It is important to dissociate this from secularisation and the Enlightenment.[33] (4) Acceptance of the significance of this is appropriate and even required outside the Sangha.[34]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Something that has improved living conditions for many people, but also comes at a very high price, including massive degradation of global ecosystems.[35]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Material prosperity needs to be balanced with physical and spiritual well-being to create a healthier future, requiring a cultural change that places higher value on kindness, reciprocity, and mutualistic values, especially in early life.[36]
Classical concept of 'Material prosperity'
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) The Theban priests aimed to bring all the doctrines of the various schools of religious thought into harmony with their own, for such a course could do nothing but contribute to the material prosperity of the great brotherhood of Amen-Ra.[37]
From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope
(1) Material prosperity gradually declined due to the introduction of Christianity and the diversion of transit trade, impacting the city's overall well-being and economic status.[38]