15/06/2026
|| Spiritual Poverty ||
Lately, the older segment of the younger generation—those around thirty years of age—has begun to lean heavily towards spirituality. It is surprising to see this sudden gravitation of this specific age group toward the spiritual realm; India had not witnessed such a trend before. What is the reason for this? Today, despite being materially prosperous and having access to a multitude of options—social media, financial and social security, and a lifestyle of unfettered freedom—is it truly normal for the new generation to be so spiritual? The sight of so many young people undertaking arduous pilgrimages like the trek to Kedarnath, flocking to the mountains, and attempting—albeit sometimes misguidedly—to live life authentically, is a phenomenon that baffles many.
Sociologist Rolf Dobelli believes that humans have always strived to secure the highest status within their social groups since the dawn of evolution. In modern times, this status is defined by material wealth. When a materially prosperous individual catches the eye of another in their circle, the latter often feels their own security threatened, unconsciously giving rise to jealousy. They come to view material comforts as their entitlement. A few years ago, a detergent advertisement became immensely popular with the tagline: "Why is the person across from me wearing a shirt whiter than mine?"
If, despite an abundance of comforts, the fires of jealousy and sorrow continue to burn within, it implies that while material prosperity has grown, 'spiritual poverty' has spread alongside it. To break free from this cultural malaise, one should not measure oneself against friends, relatives, or loved ones. Instead, the comparison should be between who you were yesterday and who you are today—and how much you have evolved through God's grace.
We must align ourselves with a renewed vision and version of our own selves as time passes; if you constantly compare your standing with that of others, you will inevitably find someone who surpasses you in one aspect or another...!
- Dr. Kushaan