I’ve always been fascinated by the philosophical aspects of world religions. As I mentioned in a previous post, I see many more commonalities among different doctrines than I see differences—and one of those happens to be their emphasis on simple living.
Across the board, the great spiritual leaders were not known for their riches or worldly possessions; rather, they led simple and humble lives, rejecting material goods in favor of teaching and service.
Jesus, usually depicted as owning little more than his robe and sandals, is quoted as saying, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)
Moses gave up “the treasures of Egypt” to lead the Israelites’ Exodus across the Red Sea. He relied on faith, not wealth or power, to sustain his people as they wandered in the desert, and they were bestowed with “manna from heaven.”
The prophet Muhammad is said to have lived with few material goods, patching his shoes, mending his clothes, and eating and sleeping on the floor. He advised, “Wealth is not in having vast riches, it is in contentment.”
Gandhi, the great Hindu leader, died with less than ten earthly possessions—including his sandals, watch, eating bowl, prayer book, and spectacles. One of his most famous quotes: “Live simply so that others may simply live.”
Siddhārtha Gautama, the historical Buddha, was an Indian prince who renounced his worldly possessions in search of spiritual enlightenment. He taught that desire is the primary cause of unhappiness, and that “joy comes not through possession or ownership but through a wise and loving heart.”
The Chinese sage Confucius abandoned a comfortable life as Minister of Justice to teach his doctrine of ethics. He said, “”With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bent arm for a pillow—I have still joy in the midst of all these things.”
Lao Tzu, father of Taoism, championed simplicity and humility with such quotes as “Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires” and “He who knows he has enough is rich.”
So I can’t help but wonder: if so many people subscribe to these religions, and their leaders were such powerful proponents of simplicity, why are consumerist lifestyles so prevalent?
Now I know that starting an internet discussion on religion can be a dangerous thing. We all have our own beliefs, and we’re often quite passionate about them. However, I trust that we can share our knowledge here without resorting to “my religion is better than yours” or “my religion is right and yours is wrong.”
I’d like this discussion to explore the threads of simplicity that are woven throughout the world’s religions. I’m not an expert in any of them, and would love to hear quotes, stories, and other examples of minimalist living in different faiths. Above all, I’d like to celebrate this beautiful philosophy that so many religions share.
So if you’re game, tell us something about simplicity and your faith in the Comments. (And for those of you who don’t follow an organized religion, please feel free to chime in with how simplicity plays a role in your own brand of spirituality—be it centered on nature, the Universe, etc.)
Just please, please, please do me one favor: refrain from any negative comments on others’ beliefs, and focus on positive ones about your own! :)
I think one thing that is universal among religions is that the goal is to focus on something outside yourself (or maybe further inside yourself than you usually go). For the most part, possessions draw your attention to your immediate, physical existence, rather than allowing you to dwell in the deeper, more meaningful spiritual realm.
From a Christian perspective, the reason to not store treasure on earth is that is something that can make us content with earthly life and/or worried to protect what isn’t ultimately important.
All the people you mention were foremost spiritual, then religious.
This is going to be a good post to follow!
I don’t subscribe to a faith myself. I think nature-based, respect for the earth and natural rhythms, and an acknowledgement of the connection and balance of, well, everything, would sum up my beliefs.
I think simplicity is more evident when faith/spiritual awareness is present, rather than “organised” religion. I see faith in the simplicity of the act of taking soup to a sick neighbour, rather than in the complicated hierarchies or shiny statues of some religions.
Minimamlism, for me, gives me the peace and time for some “wondering”. It gives me a clutter-free zone (physical and mental) for some introspection and consideration of spiritual matters. I think that is something my non-minimalist friends don’t have – “time” or “space”. To just sit back and think a bit. Most are happy these days to just say “I don’t believe.” To me, it’s not about the believing but about the continuing to think and wonder.
And for that, a lot has to give – and that’s where a minimalist philosophy frees up that time and space.
Karen (Scotland)
Karen in Scotland, that is very well put. I totally hear what you are saying.
I have always tried to live simply. I do find it hard because I love books, clothes and music. However, last year I did my Hatha Yoga Teacher Training and wow, it kind of all cemented things for me.
I love the Yoga Ethics, the Yamas (outward behaviours) and Niyamas (inward behaviours). Some of those ethics cover topics/values such as living moderately, being truthful, embracing kindness towards yourself and others, practising contentment and cleanliness…..just to name a few.
So when I practise these I feel so calm, grounded and content. Its such a nice feeling, its like my heart expands… when I feel tired, overwhelmed … my heart contracts.
Theres a lot to be said for finding your way in the land of faith/religion. There is so much to choose from and so much collective wisdom to be gleaned from our wonderful world.
Francine, you are an amazing writer. You research everything thoroughly and present it so nicely. Congrats on a great and probably quite thought provoking post!
Sara (Sydney)
Time, space and balance – these are my desires I try to satisfy by minimalist life style.
I find very few people around being able understand this.
Thanks for this post. We have background of Bhuddha, Gandhi and several other saints who never promoted consumerism. I remember them but your post was good reminder that now I will remember their simple living as well.
I like this post. As you say, lots of people tend to forget the things that the spiritual leaders have in common – they think in differences.
Ans as said above..I too believe more in spirituality than in any religion. Religion divides.
The thought of simplicity as a spiritual example is an inspiration.
I think a good question is when did so many of our religious leaders forget the teachings of simplicity? Now it’s all about building mega churches, the bigger the better. And it can’t be a large church without over sized statues, stained glass windows etc. It seems like people forgot that their God is supposed to be everywhere.
I personally don’t subscribe to a specific religion. My hope is that if I’m a good person, helping others and living simply, I will get wherever it is that I need to go in this universe.
I’m a Christian. Part of the reason for my minimalism is practical and part is spiritual and ethical. I don’t think we westerners have some innate right to take more than our share, because we can. We should voluntarily try to take less, be satisfied with less, so that others could have a little more. Spiritually I try to shake away greed and lust and find contentment in what I have, and make God the center of my life, not Stuff. And I just love the practical benefits of less to clean, organize, move etc..
I think Apple is right – spirituality first, and the rest follows.
My faith tradition is Mennonite, and like any continuum, there are Mennonites at each end, but there are a number of minimalist – in the sense of anti-consumerists – including the author of the More with Less cookbook. Mennonites are considered one of the “simple” churches.
I think most of the great spiritual sages of the world were teaching that you cannot find God without accepting life’s impermanance. The material world is just a passing moment. Whether or not you believe in an afterlife, it is impossible to ignore that your time here is brief, that all you love and cherish will pass away. In my own life, learning to accept that truth — and finding the greater peace and wisdom that lies beyond it — has been about stripping away the false security of “things” and “achievements” and focusing my heart on the things that really matter. “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33)
I don’t have a religion. I practice meditation regularly, enjoy philosophical discussions and find solace in nature. Still, I have never found any need to concern myself with mysticism, worship or supernatural beliefs. I consider religion simply another thing I can live without. I try not to have things in my life that serve no purpose or add no value to it, and extending this principle to my belief systems seems only natural.
I appreciate your sensitive approach to this topic, Francine. Your post is very nicely put.
“There was a man who invented the art of making fire. He took his tools and went to a tribe in the north, where it was very cold, bitterly cold. He taught the people there to make fire. The people were very interested. He showed them the uses to which they could put fire—they could cook, could keep themselves warm, etc. They were so grateful that they had learned the art of making fire. But before they could express their gratitude to the man, he disappeared. He wasn’t concerned with getting their recognition or gratitude; he was concerned about their well-being. He went to another tribe, where he again began to show them the value of his invention. People were interested there, too, a bit too interested for the peace of mind of their priests, who began to notice that this man was drawing crowds and they were losing their popularity. So they decided to do away with him. They poisoned him, crucified him, put it any way you like. But they were afraid now that the people might turn against them, so they were very wise, even wily. Do you know what they did? They had a portrait of the man made and mounted it on the main altar of the temple. The instruments for making fire were placed in front of the portrait, and the people were taught to revere the portrait and to pay reverence to the instruments of fire, which they dutifully did for centuries. The veneration and the worship went on, but there was no fire.” — Anthony de Mello
Love this quote Mondo!
I love this post! I long to live more simply with far fewer things…the idea is so appealing. I love all of the inspiring thoughts here, thank you so much!
I grew up in a small town that is very strict on organized religion. I often wondered as a child why they would promote simplicity but live a consumerist lifestyle. I’m still growing up, (I’m in my twenties).
Minimalism started for me in 2008 when both me and my husband ended up looking for work. We had a baby so not working wasn’t an option. We moved to several different nearby towns following work we could find. Each time we moved we got rid of more and more stuff.
Now we do not attend a church, but somehow feel more spiritual because of it. We take walks outside, my home has very few large pieces of furniture and my daughter’s room is full of quite, thought provoking toys. Which she picks herself. She seems to prefer wooden puzzles rather than bright colorful “educational” toys with flashing lights and music.
We still live close to where we grew up. And the people surrounding us assume we are not happy because we have so little. But in fact, the more we get rid of, the happier we are!
Thanks for sharing, Francine. Love it!
I lost a pair of earrings the other day and I didn’t care. If I can have the time every single day, to be outside, to watch the birds, to feel the air on my face, to listen to nature (the rain, the wind), I am content.
I have never been “religious” (though raised Catholic–and I enjoyed the meditative rituals of repetition & incense) which, to me, means attending church & praying daily. But I’ve always been “spiritual” which, to me, means being content and calm in my daily life. Peace, harmony, and contentment are my whole life which I achieve through being in nature, meditating, yoga, love of friends and family, and music. Everything else doesn’t matter.
i am not a religious person, but being a past pet owner i’m amazed at how happy an animal can be with a simple ball, a leaf, a box. i like to think of myself as a more earthly being, knowing i’m loved and cared about, that i have a few simple things to amuse me.
i am a nurse and hope i have made a small change in someone’s life over the years. in the end the who has the most toys doesn’t win, trust me i’ve seen it. all i can hope for is that there is something good at the end that has some meaning to us on a personal level.
Thank you for this insightful post. I am Catholic and I recognize, how you did, that many religions and spiritual traditions were based on similar tenets, Simplicity being one of them.
Within the past year, since reading about simplicity and minimalism and beginning my journey, I have pondered the role of religion as well. I consider the concept of having ‘great faith’ as an abundance of faith (or hope or spirituality, etc) which is positive, versus an abundance of stuff/possessions/belongings.
And, in response to Lin “And it can’t be a large church without over sized statues, stained glass windows etc.” I’m no church historian, but I think historically, statues and stained glass were intended for those who could not read, so they might understand the biblical stories and saints. Even today – (though it seems not the commentators on this post :) there are many who have lost sight that their God/Higher Power IS everywhere. May those who are looking find what it is they seek.
Sonrie, I hadn’t thought of the statues and windows in that sense before – as an illustration of the stories. Like you, I’m no church historian true but it makes sense to me.
I also think that churches put time and money into things of beauty as their members may not (in times past) have had access to beauty in the form of art in their own homes. The intention would be an association between faith and beauty (in a positive way)?
Karen (Scotland)
Sonrie, I truly wasn’t aware of the value of the statues and stained glass outside of being ornamental. Very interesting, thank you! I personally find them overwhelming but perhaps that’s because I’ve spent so little time in a church setting. I’ve always felt my strongest sense of spirituality outside with nature.
I love this post, the proverbs and sayings and all the comments. i can’t wait to read more.
I was raised Catholic but i’ve chose in my adult life the Episcopal Church and i’m now more spiritual than i ever was being religious and growing up going to church just on Sundays.
I now pray in a daily basis and try to live simply and do good things for others everyday. i’m fascinated by Buddhism and religions that inspire people to live wholly, simply and who devote themselves to the search of spiritual enlightment.
It makes me happy to know that i could leave all my possessions behind, right at this moment, if i ever had to. That nothing holds me to this world, except family and friends.
Thanks for an inspiring post!
Simplicity and the ability to live in the moment go hand in hand. I have a Christian background, but really have a very eclectic spirituality in which Jesus and others play a big role. Dianon mentioned how animals live simple lives and can be so free, so in the moment. I think of “the fall” of Adam and Eve, of the partaking of the Tree of Knowledge, as the time when humans evolved to start acquiring egos and worrying about material concerns and were less able to live in the moment with pure joy. Simplicity is a way to get closer to the paradise that we were meant to live each day – simply trusting in the process of life and not being concerned as much with all the other distractions.
This is AMAZING and something I’ve been thinking about from a very young age. I grew up in a relatively non-religious house (Mom is Lutheran, Dad is a Jewish convert). From a very young age, I have a strong belief in a higher power. I’d often ask to go to church, and once I could drive, I was very involved in church. However, I never fully agreed with all of Christianity, so explored many other religions. My then boyfriend (now husband) was in the process of converting to Islam, I learned about it with him and converted as well. Now he still considers himself Muslim, and I consider myself more of a Universalist. Through his Islamic teachings, he came around towards minimalism, which I LOVE. I think people who grow up in a religion and most “religious” people get caught up with other parts of their religion. Most often forget the absolute basics, as is apparent by how we treat each other. Minimalism or simple living IS a common thread in all religions, kindness and peace ARE common threads in all religions, giving to the poor and helping the sick, elderly, young, and less fortunate IS in all faiths. Yet, why do the majority forget it all? I think we all just get so wrapped up in our own lives and are inherently selfish. Plus, the outside, physical things are easier to deal with in religion over making mental changes. It’s easier to head to church every Sunday or wear modest clothing than it is to frequently remember to think kind, non-judgmental thoughts of others. At least here in the US, it’s also hard because we’re often around influences trying to sway us from our religious/spiritual teachings rather than encourage us to follow them. We’re bombarded much more with advertising to ignore everyone else and spend on our self more than we are to put that TV back and go help a neighbor get to a doctor’s appointment. It’s apparent in advertising-the majority is for stuff to buy and a little is for charitable causes. For me, I constantly remind myself of the important things in life and ignore advertising as much as possible–but that can also come at the cost of not caring for yourself. It’s a tricky balance to find. Following the main tenets of faith (simplicity, giving, being kind) can be the hardest part of religion, yet, I feel, the most important.
All the great religious founders tended to live simply–sometimes doing without to the point of it no longer being simple, actually. And those stories are all very appealing… people who would never want to live a simple life themselves still find that story appealing.
I think part of it is this: said great religious leader abjured the life of material goods and concentrated solely on spiritual enlightenment. Then they came back and taught their discoveries. Their asceticism lends them a certain credibility, especially from people who would never want to do it themselves, and gives power to their teachings. But in a sense they have done the work for us–we only have to listen to them and do what they say.
I don’t think that’s a particularly good way to go about religion but I think it’s common. It might answer the question you posed as to why there are so many followers of these religions but so few people living simply. Siddhārta discarded his weath and lived in poverty for years so that he could have his moment of pure enlightenment. But now he’s done it and come to tell us. We don’t have to go through the same process, we only have to follow him.
Even if those leaders don’t mean for it to go that way, it does. Even if their teachings say, “You should do as I do, it is very rewarding,” it is possible to ignore that part and just follow the dogma. Organized religions encourage that sort of thing because the leaders of the organized part end up wanting power and not wanting the masses to feel empowered on their own.
The basic tenets of religion/faith/spirituality are simple. Man and his desire, whether it be for power or ambition or wealth, corrupts. So when you ask why there are mega-churches or those who request large sums of money from people who cannot afford to give, you can find the hand of man in the mix. As in all things, we need to sort through the message and find the truths; in other words, to find and connect with the minimalist nature of religion/faith/spirituality.
I am so impressed at the truly spiritual messages from everyone here. The universal message, if there is one, seems to be about the personal nature of faith and making that faith alive by connecting with nature, with others, with ourselves and respecting the beliefs of all. It is expressed so eloquently by everyone, without any judgment or malice. That is a very rare thing in discussions of religion or belief systems and you have all inspired me in the good nature of people, in general.
This is an excerpt from A Testament of Hope, The Essential Writings of Martin Luther King, Jr.:
“In an effort to understand the students and to help them understand themselves, I asked one student I know to find a quotation expressing his feeling of our struggle. He was an inarticulate young man, athletically expert and far more poetic with a basketball than with words, but few would have found the quotation he typed on a card and left on my desk early one morning:
I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see,
I sought my God, by he eluded me,
I sought my brother, and I found all three.”
Hi, I am Japanese and living in Nagoya.I do not express about my faith a lot but it seems good chance for me to tell somethng about my faith. I believe islam , islam means peace. And Quran is my book of relegion, Quran means ”to read” in arabic. What is Quran ? it is a love letter from God. How to live this life happly and after this life. Prophet mohammad is messenger of this love letter.
>So I can’t help but wonder: if so many people subscribe to these religions, and their leaders were such powerful proponents of simplicity, why are consumerist lifestyles so prevalent?
Because
Myself I am week, caring other person’s eye,not clever enough to live like prophet mohammed (peace upon him) But I am learning everyday , make many mistakes but try to do good things ,
I think after reduce stuff around us and live in a quiet space, what appear next ? it is GOD.
Some unvisible but warm good feeling can call Love is surround us.
not sticky to the stuff with time with money with want, clean light will surround.
I read DAN SHA RI BOOK also this book connected with releagion anyhow YOGA ,Buddism.
Thank you for another thoughtful and though-provoking post! I have really enjoyed all the comments too. I am a Christian and have always been attracted to the baseline simplicity of this faith and the simplicity of focus upon spiritual, rather than material, wealth. There is a lovely minimalist summary of faith in the book of the prophet Micah which is stunning in its profound simplicity: do justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God.
Anne — You have stated perfectly what I’ve been trying to find words for! thanks.
You have made several good points….as usual. So if all these religions expound the philosophy of simple living and not placing emphasis on things, where have we gone wrong? And it is not always our religious leaders but is also the followers who have an insatiable appetite for more things.
I am a follower of Christ who said to leave everything and follow Him. I aspire to do that and often fail.
With each thing I pass on, a feeling of being lighter comes over me. Thanks for your help!!
I am so taken by the anti consumerism and your blog has taken me back to my desire to take a vow of poverty like St Francis of Asissi.
Wikipedia has this to say about him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi
I have loved the history of the Shakers – using only things that were functional.
I have spent time in the Mennonite church – where everyone shared their ‘things’ so that none would be without.
I was sent your post “A short guide to consumer disobedience” and I remembered my spiritual hunger to be free from ‘things’.
We started our marriage without a lot of extras, including no TV…and we didn’t have a TV until we’d been married almost 10 years. We spent time with our children, and each other. Life was simpler then!
I confess that I get caught up in the ‘things’ that we have, and it takes time away from me quietly spending time with my Lord Jesus. I want to live simpler and simpler so that we can help others simply live. I love that quote.
I have been greatly impacted by your post – the year of the butterfly.
Your book, The Joy of Less, was my guide for simplifying so that we could move into a 300 sq foot RV.
I love this concept and principle, and I believe it is very solid in many faiths…and I hope for a revival in MY faith in Jesus Christ to help me to live more like Him…
I am an atheist but this post really connects with something I have been thinking about recently. I sometimes get the feeling that I might find it easier to tell people about my attitudes towards some things if those attitudes had a religious basis, and that they would also be more accepting of my attitudes. I may well be wrong, and I am of course aware of the daily persecution that people face for their religious beliefs. Nonetheless, among the people I encounter, I sometimes think that if I were to say ‘I don’t get drunk because it’s against my religion’, or ‘I’ve decided to try and embrace a less consumerist lifestyle because of my religious beliefs’ people would be more politely accepting.
You could say you are a humanist.
I was brought up as a Southern Baptist and until maybe the last ten years I dared not venture away from that. I grew tired of being made to feel guilty if I didn’t donate money for this new sanctuary or that new gymnasium. The little town I lived in once had a thriving downtown area. It was practically demolished to make room for two competitive churches that would buy the vacant buildings and then bulldoze them to make room for their growing congregations. Something just seemed totally wrong here. Instead of teaching one to lead a more simplistic life and help the less fortunate, all that I got from this was that bigger and better churches were mandatory if more souls were to be saved.
Shortly after observing what was going on I began on a path of self discovery. Since then I have looked into many different spiritual paths and now realize what I was really looking for was a more simplistic way of life where I could feel more closely connected to the divine. As an ecclectic, with each spiritual path I took, it was only natural that I would be lead to living a more minimalistic lifestyle.
I grew up in a very controlling Protestant-based religion that was, in part, based on fear of persecution. We were encouraged to “stock up” for times of scarcity and “be prepared.” That mentality was based on fear and a sense of making sure you were going to be “safe” in the future. It was a big shift for me to change that way of thinking and realize that it did not serve me financially, religiously, spiritually, or globally. Making decisions based on fear never brings you closer to peace or joy. Never. Having left the religion and the fear behind I can now make decisions that are based on living in the present and as a citizen of the planet as a whole. It feels so much better!
“Making decisions based on fear never brings you closer to peace or joy.”
Linda, that is very beautifully put and so true!
Though I grew up Catholic, I left that religion as an adult. I will say that St Francis of Assisi is a very inspiring spiritual guide, though. I still have a strong belief in God and spirit. I attended a very enlightening church in my previous city, it was a Unity Church of Christianity. Many of the lessons were to look inside yourself, without any judgement or personal control and determine who you are, what your gifts are. Then use those gifts to make the world a better place, to experience wholeness in your life, and to live as one with all of God’s creation. I think that deep introspection was a catalyst to me realizing I had been using junk to fill the void I was feeling by living a life that wasn’t what I wanted for myself. Which led me to simplifying and minimalizing :)
I’m very non-religious, but I think that human connections – and the value that one gets from helping others – ultimately are far more meaningful than accumulating possessions. Materialism is a very empty thing.
At the same time, my inner cynic wonders if most of these religions preach “simple living” so that the parishioners feel better about filling the church’s collection plate – after all, wanting to keep the money for yourself is so selfish and materialistic. I took a trip to the Vatican once, with an ex-Catholic friend; she was very angry to see just what sorts of treasures were accumulated with the pennies given to the church by widows and orphans.
“. . . .why are consumerist lifestyles so prevalent?”
I believe it is in the searching for fulfillment and meaningful connections that causes the over-consumption on so many levels in the first place. Fear, loneliness, confusion, disconnection from Faith (any faith), even fear of dying or the unknown can be strong catalysts for collecting & surrounding ourselves with ‘stuff’. But if we look at Spiritually connected individuals or groups, we see wherever there is more peace there is less anxiety; where there is more knowledge & connection there is less longing to acquire outward objects, and where there is a broader understanding of the continuation of our Soul’s journey into an ‘afterlife’ ~ there is contentment. I believe it is a spiritual hunger we mixup and confuse ourselves with by acquiring ‘things’ to fulfill our needs, which never works ~ and leaves us longing for even more ‘stuff’ then we started with in the first place.
In religion we can keep searching
In constant acquiring we can keep disconnected
But in Spirituality we can gain fulfillment
And start to de-clutter !
That’s my belief.
Thank you for another WONDERFUL, thought-provoking post
xoxo
Unfortunately most of the worlds religious leaders have forgotten the message that they were supposed to be teaching in the first place, they have fallen into the trap of “self first” you only have to look at the massive wealth (money,land,property,fine art,ect)that they have accumulated to see this,
I try to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. But also those of Mahatma Ghandi, Mother Theresa, and Martin Luther King, Jr. I don’t always succeed as well as I would like to do but I try. I feel so much better about myself and my life when I stay close to that path.
Thank you for encouraging us all to share this with one another. I find the responses to be very encouraging.
I have been a practising Buddhist for 25 years and also following a macrobiotic diet/lifestyle to one degree or another during that time.
something interesting I have noticed is that the more carefully I follow my macrobiotic lifestyle – eating simple,organic,seasonal vegan food and plenty of whole grains (some macros do eat fish too) the simpler my desires become. I’ve tested this over and over – more complicated,rich,sweet and animal food tends to produce a restlessness and less satisfaction.
Before I had my kids I was doing yoga everyday,growing my veggies and eating simple food. I can honestly say that at birthday time I really didn’t want for anything. Yoga is all about union with God and I find that when I practice I’m less concerned with my own needs and more compassionate towards others.
These discoveries about food and yoga came accidentally,long before I’d even heard of minimalism – wasn’t I lucky!
Madeleine from Australia
I gotta look into this macrobiotic diet thing. I often describe myself as “mostly vegan except fish and milk chocolate.”
I do yoga once a week or less, and I always find I can control my bad habits (cookies, brownies, nail-picking, excessive blog-reading) so much better within the next day.
I absolutely love this post
I’m religious, but grew up in a household that gathered wisdom from whatever source we found it – so I find similar threads all the time in “religions.” If ind it interesting that most of the people you named in your post were not only minimalists, but embraced poverty deliberately. I’ve read stories about Muhammad where his followers would bring food and he would immediately go out and give it to another family – meanwhile his hunger was so bad that he had two stones tied around his stomach to allay the pain. Most religious traditions have stories like this and it makes me wonder where have we all gone wrong?! I don’t think most of us are cut out for deliberate poverty, those people are examples to the rest of us – but it seems that any effort in the direction of less is a good step. I know minimalism is important to me for both religious and secular reasons! Great post, Francine!
What a great post, Francine and you presented it so well!
I, also do not follow a specific faith, but I do believe that I am more spiritual than religious. All the great leaders of various faiths all emphasize that we need to seek something that is greater than ourselves, and one way to do this is to serve others (or be less selfish).
I see religion akin to a “government” of sorts for different beliefs. It takes the core of the belief and sort of organizes it and provides guidelines for its followers and believers. Even though I don’t think prayer or spiritual thoughts need a special book, or a statue, sometimes it helps to have a focal point for our thoughts, as opposed to worshipping of said book or statue.
I’m Pagan, and minimalism and the non consumerist lifestyle helps to keep my life centered around putting nature and all other forms of life in the forefront of my considerations. Especially living in Southern California and being tech dependent I need all the reminders I can get to be grateful and give thanks to the lives that surround me and support my life, be they human or not.
I am spiritual not religious.
I try to be kind and thoughtful of all things around me.
I try to live simply and desire nothing.
Lovely post Francince.
I am both spiritual and religious. I enjoy the community that religious practice can foster, and I find attending a regular worship service to be very grounding. It helps continuously remind me of what is important – relationships and not stuff – and focus on giving and the needs of others rather just focusing on me and my own family all the time. It reinforces, guides, encourages and inspires me in both my spiritual and minimalist/simplicity practice.
I also love participating in the “religious” practice of tithing (giving 10% away first before you do anything else with your money – even pay taxes ;) ). It actually wouldn’t matter to me if I was giving this money to a church or some other charitable organization, but I think it’s a great practice. I see the work my church does to help people and I am satisfied that it is going there, and then I can give more money and time as I see needs arise. But I like to do this first. It teaches me that I’m just passing through this world, and that nothing here is really mine to keep for “eternity.” It’s a great lesson in letting go – first – and then pressing on with life.
Sure, organized religion isn’t perfect, it’s made up of imperfect and flawed people who are for the most part doing the best they can to do good. But having that structure and regularity of “religion” in my life helps me a great deal – I understand it’s not for everyone and it can be hard to look past the flaws.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.” Of course he was speaking about how we spend our time, but I’ve tried to apply this to aspect in my life, including the things that I surround myself with.
The less stuff and clutter that I have in my life the more time I have! More time to spend quality time with my family, serve my community, and strengthen my relationship with our Heavenly Father. To really focus on what’s best.
I guess that may be part of the reason we live in a scary society at times. We are all ( well many of us ) so bound on having and owning that to think outside of ourselves is almost anathema to us. If we all tried to live more “god-like/deity-like/leaders of religion-like ” lives, we may find our society so much sweeter.
I think that stuff is something we can hide behind because we are afraid to see what we really are. Imagine yourself in a crystal bubble when there is light all around you and everything is so clear it is blinding. This light shines on us and lets us see very clearly, and it makes us afraid because we are not so strong yet. And then we buy something and use it like a patch on the bubble, and the light is not so blinding now, and it makes us more comfortable in the small world of our bubble. We keep sticking those patches on our crystal bubbles, because dark makes us feel safe. For a while. But nobody can survive with a light, even if it can be so ruthless and shine on all our inconsistencies and flaws. So we start to get rid of those stuff patches and then we suddenly discover how beautiful is that light and how beautiful we are even with all our flaws, and how beautiful is all the world around us. The people you write about had their bubble all clear and shining, and this is why everybody could see their light and follow it. The famous saying about not hiding your light under the bushel just may have something to do with it…
…nobody can survive WITHOUT a light… sorry, my mistake, probably a telling one, I am not so strong yet, too.
What a thought-provoking post, Francine, and what measured and thoughtful comments. I consider myself an atheist nature-lover; not being wasteful is, to me, a form of observance. My own life experience has shown me that there a good people in all faiths, and good people of no faith. I feel that many faiths have become top-heavy with hundreds or even thousands of years of dogma which threaten to obscure the central tenets of the wise and good spiritual people who founded them. And yes, underneath it all, there are the same universal principals of spiritual life.
Great post!
I was sorting through my closet, trying to figure out what to get rid of and what to keep. (You really inspire me here!)
I got tired and needed a break.
I sat on my living room rug and did some exercises with some praise and worship music… I was singing amd thanking God and I felt peace and clarity.
When I got up and thought about my closet again, it was much easier to get rid of more stuff! I had become aware of the reality of eternal things and what really matters in this short life. :-)
I am a born again Christian. Jesus saved me 9 years ago. I am getting rid of a lot of stuff.
I’m glad I waited a day before really delving into this post and the responses. They’ve all been so gratifying and inspiring to read.
I’m another pagan who has come to simplicity (not always minimalism) as part of my religious makeup. I’ve simplified down my rituals and practices to what seemed needed and beautiful.
I don’t find my gods in stark minimalism, but I do find them when I’ve simplified down to let them in. And that’s just the inward simplicity, outwards has been influenced too.
I’m not always certain which informs which, if my reading and research as a Hellenic pagan has informed my simplicity or if my simplicity has informed my religion, but I’m glad for it all the same.
As a Christian, I love this verse: Owe no one anything except to love one another (Romans 13:8, the Bible). It’s a wonderful guide to live by in our debt-laden nation.
Often times my leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints give counsel and advice to simplify our lives. I have been driven by this for many years, staying out of debt, paying my home mortgage off and seeking relief from the usual (or unusual) stresses of life.
I feel that I have always sought to keep my life simple, but embracing many of the principles of minimizing has really helped me see more clearly the physical, mental and emotional ‘stuff’ that I can clear out from my life in order to have the time and focus more fully on what’s most important for me and my family.
Thank you Francine for being a part of that journey for me!
Thank you all for your wonderful comments — what a beautiful and inspiring discussion!
One of my favorite philosophers, David Bohm, held that scientific theories (relativity, quantum mechanics, etc) are simply different ways of looking at one reality. I think of religions in the same way — different views/interpretations of our place in this world, and the meaning of our existence.
What’s amazing is bringing all these different views together (like you’ve done here in the Comments), thereby giving us a greater perspective than any one of us have on our own. It’s like trying to look at a large object in a pitch-black room: as individuals with only one flashlight, we just see a piece of it. But when all of us illuminate it from different angles, we have a much better chance of grasping the whole.
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and thoughts, and being so respectful of each others’ beliefs!