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Seeing Through the Lens of Materialism

posted by Deepak Chopra Nov 19, 2008 5:00 am
Seeing Through the Lens of Materialism
14 comments

The lens of materialism gives us the least accurate view of the world, because through it we see consciousness as merely an accidental by-product of brain chemistry, and the powers of the mind as a myth. To equate the deepest reality with inert atoms colliding with each other in the dead cold of outer space denies all that sustains life and makes it worth living: Beauty, truth, art, love, morality, community, discovery, curiosity, inner growth, and higher consciousness.

What do all these qualities have in common? They depend on intuition. There is no objective proof that love is beautiful, or that truth can set you free. Rather, you must come to these realizations through your own inner experience.

Is God a mere add-on to physical existence, or at the very root of existence? This isn’t an easy choice to make, because the evidence is seriously out of balance. Most of us have extensive personal knowledge of the material world, but scant personal knowledge of God. God has a lot of proving to do. He must prove that he’s present and dependable, the same way a rock or a tree is. If we want to claim that God sustains life, he must sustain it as viably as air, water, and food do.

To realize God is no small thing. It may take a lifetime–if you’re lucky.

Adapted from Why Is God Laughing? The Path to Joy and Spiritual Optimism, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony Books, 2008).

More on Deepak Chopra's Tips (518 articles available)
More from Deepak Chopra (529 articles available)

14 comments

14 comments

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14 comments add your comment
gYpsY RaIn

If everything is atoms colliding- "Ronnie B" then so is God...yet the awesome~ness of God/ the Source/as I say: *Pure Energy* is-> God IS &... God is also Is NOT. For me, it takes both to have any.

Matia G.

i love the wisdom in this one! i've recently discoved God thru an eastern philosphy and i feel so incredibly lucky! to mary on commandment 4: its about giving and not receiving.. our parents gave us shelter and food and would have died for us, how do you not see the truth in honoring them?

the more i rid myself of material desires the easier it is to find the truth. its so awesome. i'd like to have no other desire except to be able to bring others enlightenment. thats my goal.

Christian Burgess

If we want to claim that God sustains life, he must sustain it as viably as air, water, and food do.

Excuse Me He Does But HUMANS Take More Than They Need.

Mary Walsh

We can spend a lot of time in the mind trying to figure out the world and hoping for change. What Deepaks says BE THE CHANGE is what is required of us. Dont wait around for someone else to do it for you.
Thank you Deepak

Paul Lowe

I don't know about God, but, I think about God because other people believe in a supreme being and I respect other people. I have been thinking if God is anything then he or she is time, ageless time, independent of anything and completely constant throughout all components in existence. Not like planetary time of the calendar and clock, but, universal time…the sum of everything to everything, composed in the quality of time, the natural order, the natural chaos of existence touching all components of matter, all organism alike and linking the unknown history of everything that predates our calendar of time, to the opportunity of common wealth in the future, regardless of the false surface of human contentions, generated by the material aspects of uncommon association.

Sylvia Wulf

Due to unfortunate incident in my youth, I parted company with organized religion in any form. I refused to put my faith and trust in any more 'shepherds' - that had been shattered too decisively. However, while I am a life-long rationalist, and scientifically minded, I never quite lost a feeling that there had to be more.

My spiritual searching has been an ongoing process all my life. Over the years I found a path that works for me, and I am content (what that path is is of no importance here), and science and faith are finally in balance for me.

When I was young I spent Christmas Eve in Okefenokee swamp, watching the most spectacular sunset I have ever seen. I had been on the verge of giving up on my search for a greater force to believe in. That memorable evening was the most perfect Christmas present I could have asked for, and so now, even though I may have doubts about Christmas, and many other things taken for granted by people of 'Faith', I have faith that there is a Creator, and I am content.

Mary Walsh

I was brought up as a catholic and learned the 10 commandments by heart. Recently I googled the 10 commandments just to jog my memory and saw that the 4 commandment says honour your father and your mother. It does not say that parents should treat their childeren equally with respect at least it is not a commandment. I found catholisism a bit too onsided and therefore am not keen to be a "God" person. All religions have their own unique qualities and realy our relationship with God or whomever we like to call him or even no God is a very intimate matter.I believe religion has caused too much misunderstanding and confusion. The collective shift in consciousness has changed our world today so much so that doctors are not able to keep up with the changes as they have so long treated illnesses and not people. It's about time the atoms started colliding.

Michael Y.

Quantum physics is revealing that science and spirituality are actually talking about the same thing.We are learning more about energy and the universe every day. As Einstein said you either think nothing is a miracle or you think everything is a miracle. I believe the latter!

Linda Koenig

You said, "Everything is atoms "colliding" ... but three words should be added at the beginning of that statement: "In my experience." But the older you get, the more your experience will change. And if you don't fight it, you are in for some mind-bending discoveries. Enjoy!

Ronnie B.

Wrong again. There is no "god" whatever that means. Everything is atoms "colliding" ... only people who don't understand the deep beauty of physical law try to deny it in favor of mythology and superstition.

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