“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:2-3)” – Jesus

Welcome to our discussion of the spiritual wisdom of the beatitudes. The first of the beatitudes is very often misinterpreted; because it is often only read superficially & understood on a physical level. Like most of the beatitudes, it is not contemplated or comprehended at the more spiritual level from which these “blessed are…” statements were spoken. Therefore, this is frequently one of the verses which people quote to claim that Jesus was against wealth, money, or riches.

However, this is not the intended meaning of the verse. For, the verse says “POOR IN SPIRIT”; and to be “poor in spirit” means that one’s inner self or soul is emptied of all desires and attachments to materiality, earthly possessions, and selfishness. To be

St Francis of Assisi renouncing his wealth & family status. Picture is of a mural in Assisi by the School of Giotto

“poor in spirit” doesn’t truly mean that we must be a pauper; or that we can’t have wealth or anything nice. It just means that we are unattached to the things that we do have.

Jesus was teaching his followers to be “poor in spirit” because if we have a desire for, or a love of, anything, which is greater than our love for God, then there is no chance for us to enter into God’s Kingdom. Unless we let go of physical/material attachments then there is no possibility of attaching ourselves to God. It is only through this type of inner renunciation of worldly things that we purify and empty ourselves enough for God to fill us. Therefore, Jesus is ultimately saying that it is not wealth or possessions that hinder us spiritually, but rather our attachement to them.

Now, Buddhists & Hindu’s also believe that it is our attachment to things which is a great obstacle to our spiritual life. They believe that it is our attachements which cause our suffering and misery; and even hinders the attainment of nirvana. For, our attachements keep us bound to this world; and unless we are unattached we cannot be truly free.

When we become unattached to worldly objects, and recognize our desires for things to be misleading and destructive to our souls, then we, in essence, break the chains which keep us bound to a life of misery and suffering. It is only then that we will begin to find true peace, joy, and happiness in our lives. It is in a life of simplicity, detachment, and by seeking only the things of God, that a seeker is ultimately rewarded and inherits the kingdom of eternal blessedness. It is by living in this manner that we DISCOVER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. And this is why Jesus says that the “Kingdom of Heaven” comes to those who are “poor in spirit”.

Therefore, heed the advice of the first beatitude and be “poor in spirit” so that you can break down any walls which shut you off from God’s Kingdom. And remember that the person who succeeds in spiritual living is “the one who remains inwardly unattached” (Bhagavad Gita 3:7). When we learn to become unattached we empty ourselves of physical desires and needs which allows God to fill the void with His Spirit. Then, let His Spirit manifest through you in all your words, thoughts, and deeds so that God’s light may shine forth and uplift all the people that cross your path.

I will leave you with this little bit of advice: one of the best ways to remain unattached is to realize that all of creation belongs only to God. Therefore, all of our “possessions” are only on loan from Him. What He has blessed us with He can take back at anytime.

May God bless you and protect you as you walk your own spiritual path & remember to — Always Heed the Spirit,

Anthony