Is the only way to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state through renunciation of worldly pleasures?

Question

is that of renunciation of worldly pleasures?

Answer 1

Probably not. And the one doesn't necessarily lead to the other.

Discipline helps in achieving a high intellectual state, but achieving it isn't a lot different in value than achieving a large bank account.

High spiritual states appear to arrive uninvited at the doorsteps of folk of all belief systems. Without regard to the paths they took getting there. Seems to work somewhat randomly, to some tiny percentage of planet-walkers.

Answer 2

Renunciation is intentional ignorance. In fact the only way to achieve "high" intellectual and spiritual states are through an inclusive, comprehensive, and assertive to the point of indulgence in everything, which includes the "worldly pleasures". The way to be intelligent and ultimately spiritual is through knowledge of all things, one cannot exclude a category, especially one based so loosely as this description. Who defines what the worldly pleasures are in the first place?

Never trust anyone who censors. Often the reason for their chosen proscriptions is a means of control. Make no mistake, those who blacklist want something from you and they want to keep you as sequestered and sterilized as they can.

For a case study that proves once and for all that renunciation is not the only way to spiritual and intellectual states, look to Terrence McKenna. His was certainly one of the most agile, powerful, and extramundane minds that the human race has seen, and a very large part of his time was spent scarfing down all the worldly pleasure he could get his hands on.

Answer 3

Not really. People who take this route are often left wanting or missing those pleasures. The issue is our belief system. Worldly pleasures provide joy and happiness and if one beliefs that one should be happy and be happy all the time, the endless cycle will continue.

Answer 4

Ghandi would say yes. Seems like most sources that explain the way to enlightenment talk about giving up material goods. Makes sense - it eliminates distractions (although you might be concerned about bad weather and food).

Personally I'm not sure what to think. As long as i live a good life and don't murder, rape, steal, etc. i think I'm headed for a satisfying end :)

Answer 5

you don't have to give up anything to experience spirituality ..some religions want you to believe by giving money to them their God will solve all your problems..they prey on the elderly most of the time...renunciation is the word religion came up with ... it sounds better than "give me all your money if you want to be saved"..

Answer 6

you could always revel in them. :-)