Is it wrong to want financial abundance on the spiritual path?
Most of the great Yogis and mystics that we know of were not interested in abundance, fame, family and other worldly pursuits. They generally tended to turn their backs on the world to focus on the inner quest for spiritual freedom. Does this mean that we stray from true spirituality if we wish to have lots of money and live in a nice house?
Those Yogis who left the world to search for Truth were following ascetic traditions, which believe that the world is an illusion and we should not involve ourselves in worldly affairs if we want spiritual realisation.
The Tantric tradition, which we honour at Agama, embraces the world as a divine manifestation, and we are not required to give up the pleasures of the world, as long as there is genuine detachment. For most modern people, the Tantric path of spirituality is far more inviting than the ascetic path, and then the question arises of how to engage in the world while staying aligned with true spiritual principles.
People generally come to Yoga for 4 main purposes:
1) To improve their health or cure disease
2) To improve their daily life
3) To develop paranormal powers
4) To pursue a spiritual path
Financial abundance would fall under number 2, improvement of one’s daily life. On the Tantric path, there is nothing wrong with having such a goal, but it is very important never to lose sight of the ultimate purpose of Yoga, which is spiritual liberation.
There are many stories of Yoga practitioners who seemed to have much aspiration for spiritual life and decided to leave their spiritual community for some time to pursue a career or work for a while to earn money. Once they achieved some financial or social success they left spirituality for good.
Wanting to have a nice life is not a sin, but if the desire for money is greater than the desire for God, this is not true Tantra and there is a great risk of getting lost in material goals.
We need to have clarity on our motivations when we choose to participate in the world as spiritual seekers. Then we can play in the world and enjoy ourselves without losing sight of the true purpose of this life.
Yoga and the Power of Manifestation
Through Yoga practice and metaphysics we can come to understand the subtle laws of the Universe. Once we know how the Universe works, we can apply these cosmic principles to all areas of life. That means if we want financial abundance we can achieve it through Yoga. The same universal principles that guide us towards spiritual freedom can help us to manifest what we want in other areas of life, including money.
In Paramahansa Yogananda’s book, The Autobiography of a Yogi, he shares a story that illustrates the extraordinary manifestation power of the mind, in which his ailing Guru cured his illness and gained 50 pounds overnight.
Here is that excerpt from the book (Chapter 12, pg. 133-134):
“‘Sir’,” I said, ‘I have been very sick and have lost many pounds.’
“‘I see Yukteswar, you made yourself unwell and now you think you are thin.’
“This reply was far from the one I had expected; my guru however, added encouragingly:
“‘Let me see; I am sure you ought to feel better tomorrow.’
“My receptive mind accepted his words as a hint that he was secretly me. The next morning I sought him out and exclaimed exultingly, ‘Sir, I feel much better today.’
“‘Indeed! Today you invigorate yourself.’
“‘No, Master,’ I protested. ‘It is you who have helped me; this is the first time in weeks I have had any energy.’
“‘Oh, yes! Your malady has been quite serious. Your body is frail yet; who can say how it will be tomorrow?’
“The thought of a possible return of my weakness brought me a shudder of cold fear. The following morning I could hardly drag myself to Lahiri Mahasaya’s home.
“‘Sir, I am ailing again.’
“My guru’s glance was quizzical. ‘So! Once more you indispose yourself.’
“My patience was exhausted. ‘Gurudeva,’ I said, ‘I realize now that day by day you have been ridiculing me. I don’t understand why you disbelieve my truthful reports.’
“‘Really, it has been your thoughts that have made you feel alternately weak and strong.’ My guru looked at me affectionately. ‘You have seen how your health has exactly followed your subconscious expectations. Thought is a force, even as electricity or gravitation. The human mind is a spark of the almighty consciousness of God. I could show you that whatever your powerful mind believes very intensely would instantly come to pass.‘
“Knowing that Lahiri Mahasaya never spoke idly, I addressed him with great awe and gratitude.: ‘Master, if I think that I am well and that I have regained my former weight, shall those things come to pass?’
“‘It is so, even at this moment.’ My guru spoke gravely, his gaze concentrated on my eyes.
“I instantly felt an increase not only of strength but of weight. Lahiri Mahasaya retreated into silence. After a few hours at his feet, I returned to my mother’s house, where I stayed during my visits to Banaras.
“My son! What is the matter? Are you swelling with dropsy?” Mother could hardly believe her eyes. My body was now as full and robust as it had been before my illness.
“I weighed myself and found that in one day I had gained fifty pounds; they have remained permanently.”
“My guru, awake in God, knew this world to be nothing but an objectivized dream of the Creator. Because he was completely aware of his unity with the Divine Dreamer, Lahiri Mahasaya could materialize or dematerialize or make any other change he wished in the dream atoms of the phenomenal world.
“All creation is governed by law,” Sri Yukteswar concluded. “The principles that operate in the outer universe, discoverable by scientists, are called natural laws. But there are subtler laws that rule the hidden spiritual planes and the inner realm of consciousness; these principles are knowable through the science of Yoga. It is not the physicist but the Self-realized master who comprehends the true nature of matter. By such knowledge Christ was able to restore the servant’s ear after it had been severed by one of the disciples [Luke 22:50-51]”
While this incredible and inspiring story demonstrates what can be achieved with the mind, the average person doesn’t yet fully believe that they have such capabilities. This is why the so-called Law of Attraction doesn’t work for most people.
Does this mean that manifesting abundance is only possible for self-realised beings?
Luckily not.
At Agama Yoga School, we are taught exactly how to manifest what we want with a formula that includes techniques that are usually missing from most teachings on attracting abundance. The power of the mind is a crucial factor, but not everyone has the mind power of a great Yogi right now. Using affirmations is important, but success requires true comprehension of specific yogic principles.
Formula for Manifesting Abundance
Here are the necessary steps or requirements for manifesting what you want, as taught at Agama:
- Set a clear goal
- Energise your goal with appropriate Yoga techniques
- Create the right resonance
- Enhance the power of the mind
- Cancel limiting beliefs
This method acknowledges the limitations at the level of the mind that most people have and offers a way to get the mind on board and strengthen the belief that we are the creators of our reality.
It’s not something that happens overnight. It requires a certain determination and enthusiasm, but as Yogananda says, “Every human being is an expression of the great, vast Spirit. Since you are a manifestation of Spirit, you should make an effort to express your infinite potentialities”.
Every year, Agama Yoga offers The Power of Manifestation Workshop , where you can set aside some time to focus on manifesting your goals, dreams and desires. If you’re tired of living a life fuelled by limiting beliefs and wish to start manifesting the life you truly want, feel welcome to join the next group of conscious manifestors. The group energy is highly supportive, and you’ll learn how to apply the techniques of Tantric Yoga while staying aligned with spiritual values and integrity.
THE POWER OF MANIFESTATION PART 1 (SELF-PACED RECORDED COURSE)
THE POWER OF MANIFESTATION PART 2: LIVE ONLINE & ON KOH PHANGAN 17-21 APRIL