We live in times where almost every aspect of social existence is dictated by the ‘hottest’ trend that makes one the ‘coolest’ of the crowd. This covers the predictable areas of fashion and beauty, to the look of one’s homes, children and pets! An area that has also become ‘hot’ to be a part of is the existential and sometimes-vague area of spirituality.

The basics of goodness that encompasses not harming any beings and having a sense of right and wrong are concepts that we all know, and no matter what belief systems we may or may not subscribe to, these basics are usually in place to guide in the right direction. Apart from mainstream religion, we all have a sense of the spirit, the belief in goodness and making an effort to be on the right side of the ledger. It is when spirituality takes on the mantle of ‘trendy’ that we begin to see misguided and misconstrued mantras coming to the fore.

Living for decades in ‘the City of Angels’ meant that I met my share of ‘Angels and Demons,’ and not the author Dan Brown’s kind. Those who had drunk deeply from the pools of excess in all areas of life and looking to detox found the nearest outlet that would offer them quick salvation. From making a complete ‘about turn’ and going from one extreme to another, these spirited soul searchers did so at head spinning speeds that sometimes, induced nausea with their blatantly shallow outlooks. The Demons needed to be banished and the Angels embraced faster than one could get a tattoo on Melrose Avenue.

Folks who spent their lives ‘high’ on everything but life indulging in every possible substance, at every possible night spot, suddenly needed to be purer than the driven snow. These dizzying turnarounds could take the form of following a glossy guru and his coterie into some overpriced luxurious hideaway where the spirit was awakened by gongs and Goji berries, to joining a hysterical congregation of the superior enlightened, to swathing oneself in some exotic robes and channeling one’s inner druid while dancing in the moonlight! Exciting and exhilarating these certainly are, but sustainable? I think perhaps not.  

This yo-yo sentimentality also meant that these ‘brands’ of spiritual awakening while fickle, could also be dangerous in the ardor and conviction they brought about. The PR machines at the forefront made sure that the numbers kept adding and this also added to the bursting coffers that some of these spirited spiritual gurus so desperately depend on. Few and far between are those who have taken a vow of minimalist and selfless living in the service of others. The new brands highlight and promise flashy cash and cash in a flash as the rewards for devotion, while helping others always comes second to helping oneself. Do not get me wrong, as a spiritual person myself I see nothing wrong with comfortable living, and rewarding oneself for one’s hard work. I do however wrinkle my brow in consternation when living well is the defining factor of the spritely set sporting spiritual sensibilities. 

From the stadiums packed with devotees in trance like states swaying like palm fronds in hurricane winds, to beaded and braided throngs stomping through treacherous terrain to reach their very own patch of heaven, the followers are always ready to follow wherever they are led. Summoning the tale of the ‘Pied Piper’ the visual is not far from accurate! Whatever, the brand of spirituality one abides by, the basics I mentioned above of empathy, kindness and compassion are sometimes lost in all the flash and fiasco, which negates the principles of these timeless and true teachings. What use is there in claiming to be anything if one is not kind to those in your immediate sphere, and if your compassion is selective? What use is there in overtly publicized charitable endeavors with hundreds being fed and clothed if one cannot help a single being without the photo ops? Certainly baffling and blurred are the precepts of these folks who have variations of their beliefs depending on the perceived and projected outcomes. 

Some brands of spirited spiritualists also choose their spiritual rituals based on specific calendar days, that are pre-planned for maximum benefit from a higher power. One hour or two of one day or two spent in solemn sanctity, with the appropriate look of piety planted on their faces seems to be the ‘go to’ for many. Eyes cast skywards, or earthwards depending on the time and situation, these followers paint the perfect picture of what ‘they believe’ is spirituality. Leaving the hallowed halls also signals leaving behind their spirituality, and off they go into their ‘real world’. What use is there in this ‘scheduled spiritual ritual’ if one does not live any of it? How about just trying to basically be a good person? That really is not that complicated. 

What point is there in all the magnificence of showing one’s goodness if one is a complete and utter classist and a snob? If one is treating one’s co-workers and employees with derision and disdain, what point is there in repeating and chanting all the holiest of holies? If one is lying and cheating, being duplicitous and conniving, is there a point in weekly worship? We know many a husband who has a multitude of mistresses, but for the weekly or monthly spiritual ritual is with the much-maligned wife at his side! There are those who are blatantly cruel and callous to animals but would choose to make a ritual of ‘caricature kindness,’ for the higher beings of their choice. Again may I ask, how about just being a good person? Now that would be a refreshing spiritual step in the right direction! 

As a firm believer in my own area of spirituality, instilled from a very young age, I try my best to ensure that every decision I make and every action I take, has an outcome in keeping with my belief of compassion for all. I am as flawed as anyone, and maybe more than others. My only path is that of an effort to live in a way that would not harm nor hinder, while underlining ‘live and let live’. As much as possible let us try, no matter what our spirituality, to ensure that our existence makes the existence of others the best it could be.