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Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism

256 pages, 2002

Takeaways
Description

In this classic spiritual guide, the Tibetan meditation master Chögyam Trungpa calls attention to the commonest pitfall to which every aspirant on the spiritual path falls prey. The universal tendency is to see spirituality as a process of self-improvement—the impulse to develop and refine the ego when the ego is, by nature, essentially empty. 

Trungpa's incisive, compassionate teachings serve to wake us up from these false comforts. Featuring a new foreword by his son and lineage holder, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism has resonated with students for nearly thirty years—and remains as fresh as ever today.

The Danger of Ego

Chögyam Trungpa warns us about the ego's ability to use spirituality for its own ends. He suggests that we often use spiritual practices to reinforce our ego and self-importance, rather than to genuinely grow and transform. This is a key point to remember when exploring spiritual paths.

Genuine Spirituality

In Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, Trungpa emphasizes the importance of genuine spirituality. He suggests that true spiritual growth involves letting go of our ego and materialistic tendencies. It's not about gaining more knowledge or achieving higher states, but about becoming more open, compassionate, and aware.

The Role of a Teacher

Trungpa highlights the importance of having a spiritual teacher. He explains that a good teacher can help us see our ego-driven behaviors and guide us towards genuine spiritual growth. However, he also warns against blindly following a teacher without questioning or understanding their teachings.

The Journey of Meditation

The book encourages us to explore meditation as a means of cutting through our illusions and ego. Trungpa explains that meditation is not about achieving a blissful state, but about facing our true selves, with all our imperfections and fears. It's a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

The Middle Way

Trungpa introduces us to the concept of the 'Middle Way', a path that avoids extremes and encourages balance. He suggests that by avoiding both self-indulgence and self-denial, we can find a balanced path that leads to genuine spiritual growth. This is a concept worth digging into for anyone interested in spirituality.

Quotes 5

Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism is a beacon of light that guides us to the true path of self-discovery, stripping away the false layers of spiritual materialism.

Pema ChödrönPema Chödrön - Buddhist teacher, author

Chögyam Trungpa's work is a daring plunge into the depths of human consciousness, challenging us to transcend our self-imposed limitations.

Jack KornfieldJack Kornfield - Buddhist practitioner, psychologist

Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism is a profound exploration of the human ego and the path to enlightenment. It's a must-read for anyone on a spiritual journey.

Ram DassRam Dass - Spiritual teacher, author

Chögyam Trungpa's book is a powerful antidote to the spiritual materialism that often infects Western approaches to spirituality.

Alan WattsAlan Watts - Philosopher, speaker

Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism is a transformative book that challenges our misconceptions about spirituality and urges us to look beyond the surface.

Daniel GolemanDaniel Goleman - Psychologist, author
Pema ChödrönJack KornfieldRam DassAlan WattsDaniel Goleman

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