It’s an interesting speculation on wealth and spirituality, Armand.

Everyone is undergoing an experiential adventure with certain challenges and Death is at the end; The Great Leveller.

We are all negotiating our own labyrinth and ‘wealth’ is just one of the ‘challenges’ that some have to contend with. It gives the adventurer more options, but that is a double edged sword; Avoiding a superfast slide to excess and debauchery is probably the first hurdle to overcome!

I think the feeling that you have amassed something and really want to keep hold of it, can also be a real ‘spiritual challenge’. Likewise, if things come really easily there can soon grow a gnawing void of meaning.

The term ‘spiritual development’ is also a tricky one. If one is tenacious, single-minded and has a strong will, then one can progress quite nicely along, what some might term, ‘spiritual’ corridors. ‘Gaining’ a wide view and expanded vision, unique information, power over the psychology of others etc. But hey ho, when the end beckons and the elven gold turns into leaves, you realise these powers were also only ‘challenges’ on the adventure.

Is there any meaning to the adventure? Why yes, like any journey, at the end you have hopefully learned a bit more about yourself. The light of adversity has illuminated parts that make you recoil in horror. But at least now you know what you’re up against.

Big money spiritual retreats and the like? Ha ha, it’s a capitalist’s dream. (as long as they’re photo worthy they’ll do very well!)