The Dichotomy of Profit and Prophecy
Ah, the age-old tension between the material and the spiritual, the prophets of profit and the profit of prophets. Isn’t it fascinating how “profit” and “prophet” sound so similar, yet their implications diverge like two rivers flowing from the same source? One river meanders through the landscapes of worldly gains, while the other cascades into the ocean of spiritual wisdom. But what if these two rivers are not as separate as we think? What if they are but two sides of the same cosmic coin?
The origins and evolution of words are interesting to me. Take profit; today, it is almost synonymous with financial gain, though we often profit from an experience that does not involve money. The word’s origins, though, are associated with accomplishing, making progress, being useful, doing good, and succeeding.
The word prophet is defined as a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God. Its origins are also associated with “soothsayer.”
The Prophets of Profit: The Illusion of Material Abundance
In our modern society, the prophets of profit reign supreme. They are the high priests of capitalism, the soothsayers of stock markets, and the oracles of opulence. They tell us that our worth is measured by the numbers in our bank accounts and the brands we wear. But let’s pause and reflect: Is this the true measure of human worth?
The Diamond Approach tells us that most of our concerns about not having enough—be it money, love, or security—are mere supports for the ego1. So, what are we chasing? Is it the illusion of abundance or the fear of scarcity? And isn’t it ironic that we often overlook the wealth of experiences, relationships, and moments that enrich our lives in our pursuit of material wealth?
The Profit of Prophets: The Treasure Trove of Spiritual Wisdom
On the other side of the spectrum, we have the profit of prophets—those luminous beings who have graced our world with wisdom, blessings, and pointers to truth. Think of Rumi’s poetic rhapsodies, Socrates’ probing questions, or Buddha’s enlightening insights. These are not just words; they are keys to the realm and reality of the soul.
But here’s a provocative thought: Are these prophets truly separate from us, or are they mirrors reflecting our own inner wisdom? The Diamond Approach posits that a “man of Being” has experienced a new birth and development, often preceded by identification with the ego. Could it be that the prophets are showing us the path to our own rebirth?
…most people have a difficult time because they believe that they don’t have enough money, or they don’t have enough love or enough security, or enough of one thing or another. Most of these concerns are not realistic but are simply supports for the ego. How many friends you have, how many people admire you, how much financial security you have—this whole level of concern needs to be looked at and explored, rather than assumed to be true and acted upon. – A. H. Almaas, Facets of Unity: The Enneagram of Holy Ideas , ch. 19
The Dance of Duality: Merging the Material and the Spiritual
What if the prophets of profit and the profit of prophets are engaged in a cosmic dance, each offering a piece of the puzzle? The material world is neither devoid of spirituality nor the spiritual realm disconnected from materiality. They are intertwined in a dance of duality, each holding a piece of the truth.
So, what’s in your wallet? More importantly, what’s in your heart? Are you gathering coins or collecting wisdom? Are you investing in stocks or your soul? The real treasure lies in integrating both, realizing that material abundance can coexist with spiritual richness.
The source of this point of view is the fact that the man of Being is almost always one who has experienced a new birth and development, which was preceded by identification with the ego. It is rare that a human being is from the beginning essential; if such a person appears, he is what the Sufis call a prophet. – A. H. Almaas, The Pearl Beyond Price: Integration of Personality into Being: An Object Relations Approach, ch. 4
A Call to Inner Alchemy
Is navigating the labyrinth of life challenging you to become an alchemist? Transforming the lead of material concerns into the gold of spiritual wisdom. Recognize that the prophets of profit and the profit of prophets are not mutually exclusive but mutually enriching. And in this alchemical process, you may discover the philosopher’s stone that is your true Self.
Would you like to explore more about the Diamond Approach or delve deeper into the dance of duality?