What I Learned from Jaya Kishori on MONEY and SPIRITUALITY: use this tilte: Money and Spirituality - Yes, You Can (and Should) Have Both -
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By Neeti Keswani – Business Storytelling Coach | Ho’oponopono Practitioner | Host of Luxury Unplugged Podcast
Walking the Tightrope Between Wealth and Wisdom
Why do so many of us chase after financial success while still making pit stops at temples, churches, or meditation retreats? At the heart of it, we’re all seeking a sense of security—both material and spiritual. There’s an underlying hope that by earning and saving, we’ll secure a comfortable life, but just in case there’s more to existence than what meets the eye, we keep a foot in the spiritual world too.
It’s a bit like wearing a seatbelt while also carrying a lucky charm. We work hard to build our careers, yet we also light incense, chant a mantra, or volunteer at a local shelter—balancing ambition with a desire for inner peace, just to cover all bases. After all, who doesn’t want a prosperous bank account and a clean conscience?
Unpacking the “Money Buys Happiness” Myth
So, do people really buy into the idea that money can buy happiness, or is it just a catchy phrase we toss around in polite conversation?
Let’s be honest—while we’re quick to repeat that “money doesn’t buy happiness,” there’s often a little voice in our heads that wonders, “Wouldn’t life be a lot easier—and maybe a little happier—if I had more?” It’s a tension our culture lives with daily. You’ll hear this in TED talks and temple halls alike: Intellectually, we acknowledge that happiness isn’t sold by the kilo at Cartier or counted at a cash register. Yet emotionally, many of us hold onto hope that a healthier bank balance might put a spring in our steps.
Research actually brings some clarity here. Studies, like those led by psychologist Ed Diener, show that while having more money doesn’t make us significantly happier moment-to-moment, it does boost our overall satisfaction with life. In other words:
More money = More satisfaction with how life is unfolding
More money ≠ A guaranteed burst of everyday joy
And here’s where it gets interesting. Despite these facts, surveys suggest most of us still secretly (or not so secretly) aspire to more—often believing that our “someday” wealth will finally unlock the happiness doors. For example, a recent YCharts survey pointed out that a whopping 65% of millennials believe they’ll be millionaires before hitting midlife, even if their savings accounts suggest otherwise.
So, beneath the surface, there’s a powerful pull: logic tells us happiness isn’t for sale, but emotion nudges us to hope otherwise. The cliché sticks—but so does the dream.
Luxury Unplugged Podcast
thought-provoking intersection
Jaya Kishori
designer handbag
Rolex watch
Should a spiritual person own luxury items?
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The Controversy Around Spirituality & Luxury
Jaya Kishori
Rolex
Some questioned her authenticity as a spiritual leader. Others defended her right to enjoy material comforts.
Should we judge someone’s inner peace by their outer appearance?
It’s hardly surprising that this debate ignited such passion. After all, our culture is full of mixed signals when it comes to money and material things. On one hand, modern society and capitalism celebrate wealth—telling us that prosperity is a sign of success, and maybe even virtue. On the other, spiritual traditions often warn us that money can corrupt, that the pursuit of luxury is a slippery slope away from true contentment.
This tug-of-war plays out every time a public figure—especially one associated with spirituality—is seen enjoying the finer things. Is it hypocrisy, or simply being human? Is it possible to pursue both inner peace and outer comfort, or must one come at the expense of the other?
Perhaps it’s worth asking: Why do we hold such strong opinions about the relationship between material wealth and spiritual depth? And more importantly, what does it say about our own beliefs?
Before you answer, let’s unpack this further.
The Bigger Question Behind the Bag
But let’s be honest: money, for all its spiritual debate, is immediate and concrete. It can turn a moment of longing—whether for that bag, a slice of cake, or a ticket to somewhere new—into reality. In a world that so often feels uncertain, money offers a measure of control and comfort. It can smooth over life’s irritations, whether that’s skipping the cleaning chores, upgrading your travel, or simply choosing the restaurant where the bathroom is always working.
We all know that feeling—sometimes, when life gets stormy or unpredictable, a little retail therapy, a delicious meal, or even just a cozy spot to unwind can lift our spirits. Money can’t buy happiness, but it can provide the small comforts: the favorite snack, the spontaneous treat, the warm coat on a chilly day.
Yet, after the thrill of the purchase, we’re left with the same questions: Is this just another attempt to fill a void, or can material choices genuinely reflect our inner alignment? Maybe, just maybe, it’s not about the price tag or the logo, but about how authentically we’re living—choosing what truly resonates rather than what simply distracts.
So, when it comes to spirituality and luxury, perhaps the real question isn’t what we own—but why we choose it.
Is that wrong?
According to Jaya Kishori herself:
“I don’t buy things because they are branded. If I like something and can afford it, I buy it—for myself, my family, or my friends.”
conscious choices
So where does the judgment come from?
The Influence of Upbringing on Money and Meaning
Our earliest experiences shape how we relate to both wealth and what we hold sacred. Take a look at your own childhood: Were financial matters whispered behind closed doors? Did you watch a parent save every penny, equating frugality with virtue? Or perhaps you grew up in a home where achievements and acquisitions were quietly celebrated as badges of honor.
These impressions linger. For some, money becomes a measure of safety and success—the byproduct of relentless hours and careful calculation. For others, it’s a resource to be approached with hesitation, maybe even guilt, as if spending on oneself is always slightly suspect.
This tug-of-war often shows up later in life, and not just in our bank accounts. Some might find themselves driven by a need for financial independence, quietly working long hours to create options and freedom. Others may pause at every purchase, wondering if material comfort conflicts with their inner values—or the lessons learned from family stories of sacrifice.
Ultimately, personal history weaves its way into how each of us chooses—consciously or not—between wanting, needing, and simply being. And when it comes to spending on something meaningful to you, the real question is: Whose voice are you listening to?
Two Narratives, One Wallet
But what shapes the lens through which we view money or, say, a simple shopping decision? It often begins at home, where the stories we’re told about wealth are anything but uniform.
Imagine growing up hearing two very different scripts: one voice celebrates abundance, seeing financial success as both safety net and victory parade; another reveres simplicity, echoing the notion that less is somehow more noble. Maybe your father equates prosperity with progress—he lauds working hard, moving up, perhaps even splurging now and then as a sign of “making it.” Meanwhile, your mother recalls the humility of stretching a dollar, passing down the quiet pride of finding joy in less.
So, what happens when those views collide inside you?
You might find yourself caught in a tug-of-war—one day hustling with the hope of out-earning worry, the next feeling conflicted about celebrating a win, as if fulfillment carries a tinge of guilt. This push and pull can spill into adult life in unexpected ways: working long hours not just for material gain, but to quell lingering anxieties about coming up short; or, on quieter days, wrestling with whether ambition and contentment can coexist.
Is there a right answer?
For many of us, the journey is less about picking sides, and more about learning to notice whose narrative is driving our choices—so that, when we pick up that bag (or opt not to), we do so with intention rather than inherited confusion.
*
The Comfort (and Limits) of Money
Why do we so often reach for our wallets—not just for things, but for a sense of safety, ease, or even escape?
Money, at its core, is comforting. It gives us that buffer: the promise that we can solve problems, avoid inconveniences, or surround ourselves with a little luxury when life gets rough around the edges. Maybe it’s the ability to choose a quieter café on a hectic day, plan a spontaneous holiday to recharge, or outsource life’s mundane chores—simple acts that can feel like small kindnesses to ourselves.
When we feel overwhelmed, anxious, or bored, spending can act as a quick fix. Treating ourselves to a favorite meal, new gadget, or just those perfect tortilla chips can lift our mood, even if just for the moment.
But here's the catch: as soothing as these comforts are, their effect is often temporary. The same pair of shoes or big night out can’t fill every gap. Still, with few alternatives as immediate or straightforward, many of us return to money as our perennial solution—because, for a moment, it works just enough.
And so the cycle continues.
The Emotional Weight Money Carries
Beyond the labels and price tags, money itself plays an undeniable role in how we navigate life’s twists and turns.
It’s more than just a resource—it’s sometimes our silent shield against life’s uncertainties. When things get tough or unpredictable—a bad day at work, a rough patch in a relationship, a string of gloomy weather—having some financial security can feel like an anchor. It reassures us, whispering that we have options, that not everything is out of our hands.
We find comfort in little things money allows us to do:
Taking ourselves out for a meal when the day gets heavy.
Booking a spontaneous weekend away to shift our perspective.
Diving into a hobby, buying that book or paint set, just to feel a bit lighter.
These acts aren’t necessarily about status—they’re about soothing our spirit. Buying a favorite snack or streaming a new documentary might not change the world, but it can change a moment. Money, in these moments, becomes a quiet companion, offering relief or delight when life feels overwhelming.
But here’s the nuance: While money can cushion the rough edges, it can’t erase them. After the indulgence fades, reality is still waiting. We might chase that feeling again and again, hoping to fill spaces that money was never meant to fill.
So, is it wrong to lean on money for comfort sometimes? Or is it just one more way we seek balance in a world that’s often out of our control?
Is Luxury Opposed to Spirituality?
What if luxury isn’t the opposite of spirituality—but a byproduct of it?
inner peace
outer world begins to reflect abundance
outcome
The Bhagavad Gita
Arjuna
warrior prince
Lord Krishna
“Do your karma. Perform your action.”
This tension between outer wealth and inner detachment isn’t unique to Hinduism. Across the world, wisdom traditions have wrestled with the balance between material abundance and spiritual fulfillment.
For example, in Christianity, we hear: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Many faiths, from Buddhism to Jainism, urge followers to loosen their grip on possessions, teaching that lasting satisfaction cannot be mined from material things alone.
Yet, these teachings don’t necessarily call for rejecting the world—they invite us to examine our relationship with it. Even as Christian culture in the U.S. shapes much of our thinking—with 205 million believers and “In God We Trust” inscribed on every dollar—the message isn’t always about abandoning wealth. Instead, it’s a reminder not to make money your god, and to give with an open heart.
So, whether you’re a prince on a battlefield, a monk in saffron, or someone simply choosing consciously in a store, the essence is this: Spirituality asks us to act with intention, to participate in the world without being owned by it.
What Happens When Money Becomes the Ultimate Pursuit?
Let’s pause for a moment and consider:
What actually happens if money climbs to the top of your priority list—if, knowingly or not, it becomes your “false god”?
First, let’s be honest: a life wholly devoted to accumulation often leads to a different kind of poverty.
You might stack up wealth, but what about joy, depth, or meaning?
When the chase for more overshadows what truly matters, your days may feel busy but your spirit feels strangely barren.
Here’s why making money your everything can backfire:
Emotional emptiness: Chasing riches for their own sake tends to create a void no purchase can fill. Success might look grand on the outside, but inside, anxious questions echo—What next? Is this all there is?
Neglected relationships: When profit becomes the measure of all things, time with loved ones collapses under the weight of your pursuit. Friends and family become an afterthought, and genuine connection quietly leaves the room.
Lost sense of self: Values, passions, and even health can get sidelined. You may notice personal growth or spiritual curiosity replaced by numbers and comparison traps.
It’s not about rejecting abundance—far from it. Even ancient wisdom traditions from India to Japan whisper the same truth:
You can’t run on sunlight and mist alone. Life demands a balance.
The real risk isn’t having money.
It’s forgetting why you wanted it in the first place.
Let money serve you, not rule you. When purpose, intention, and joy are at the helm, wealth becomes a means, not your master.
*
Why Do We Still Chase Money If It Doesn’t Promise Happiness?
Let’s be honest—most of us have heard someone say, “Money can’t buy happiness.” Maybe we’ve even recited that line ourselves, nodding sagely as if we’ve unlocked life’s greatest secret. But deep down, isn’t there a part of us that quietly wonders, “Wouldn’t a little extra cash make things just a bit easier?”
Here’s the twist: Even when studies show that increased wealth doesn’t significantly boost our day-to-day joy, the pursuit of money remains persistent. Why? Because on some level, we equate financial security with a better life—the freedom to care for our loved ones, experience new things, or simply sleep a little easier at night.
This tug-of-war between what we know and what we feel is universal. Intellectually, we might accept that true happiness stems from connection, purpose, or inner peace. But emotionally, it’s almost impossible to shake the notion that our “someday”—the day we land that promotion, buy that house, hit that savings milestone—will unlock the contentment we seek.
And society doesn’t make it any easier. We live in a world that often measures worth by net worth. Headlines are filled with overnight successes, rags-to-riches tales, and statistics about future millionaires. The collective belief? If we just keep striving, our turn will come.
So, do we chase money because we’re shallow or misguided? Not at all. We’re human. We crave both security and growth. We’re dreamers at heart, believing that with a little more, life could feel just right.
But as Jaya Kishori reminds us, the question isn’t whether luxury or comfort is bad. It’s about our intention and relationship with what we pursue. Are we seeking from a place of lack, or are we grateful for what flows into our lives?
*
What Does Research Say About Money, Happiness, and Life Satisfaction?
It’s easy to assume that wealth guarantees happiness—yet scientific studies reveal a more nuanced picture.
Research led by psychologists like Ed Diener and teams at Gallup found something fascinating: day-to-day happiness doesn’t increase dramatically as your bank balance grows. Whether you’re flush with cash or budgeting carefully, your overall mood from moment to moment might look surprisingly similar.
But here’s the twist—those with greater financial resources do tend to report higher overall life satisfaction. In other words, money may not deliver constant cheer, but it can create a sense of security and fulfillment about one’s circumstances and future.
Why the disconnect? Intellectually, we might repeat, “money can’t buy happiness.” Yet, emotionally, many of us hold onto the belief that more money will solve our problems or bring us contentment down the road. It’s human nature to aspire for abundance, quietly hoping our turn for fortune will arrive.
*
The Culture Clash: Money’s Mixed Messages
In America, the narrative around money is anything but simple. On one side, the culture beams with admiration for achievement, productivity, and the accumulation of wealth—a true badge of honor. We measure ourselves by our job titles, career milestones, and, often, by the size of our bank accounts. Even our greetings ("What do you do for a living?”) reveal how deeply we tie self-worth to work and earnings.
But then, threading through all this ambition, are the spiritual warnings whispered by sages and shouted from pulpits: chasing riches alone will not lead us to lasting contentment. Money, while useful and perhaps even necessary, cannot fill the soul. “Money doesn’t buy happiness,” we’re told, often by those who have plenty of it. Religious texts echo this, cautioning against letting material pursuits crowd out the deeper joys of life. After all, as the old saying goes, it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the wealthy to find spiritual fulfillment.
American culture, powered by dreams of success and fueled by advertising’s promises of a better life, glamorizes luxury goods and heroic spending sprees. Every purchase feels like it might bring us one step closer to “enough.” Yet alongside that current runs a parallel stream: give generously, beware of greed, and remember that fulfillment lies beyond the material.
The tug-of-war leaves many feeling conflicted. Is financial abundance a sign of virtue, or a distraction from what matters most? Are we meant to pursue wealth or renounce it? For many, finding balance amid these clashing messages becomes its own act of personal courage—a spiritual adventure played out in the everyday decisions about how we earn, spend, save, and give.
Can You Wear a Crown and Still Be Conscious?
Jaya Kishori speaks of kings who lived in palaces, adorned in gold, yet practiced detachment.
intention
values
Wearing a designer bag does not mean you’re attached. Just like wearing saffron robes doesn’t automatically make you enlightened.
True spirituality is:
Peaceful in presence
Aligned in action
Conscious in choices
Spirituality Isn’t About Being a Sage on the Outside
peace and Prada
inner stillness
outer abundance
vibrational alignment
Spirituality teaches us to be centered inside, then move outward into the world—not escape from it.
The Subtle Spell of Advertising
Let’s take a look behind the velvet curtain:
Advertising doesn’t just sell us stuff—it quietly speaks to our deepest desires. Billboards, glossy magazines, and even those pop-up ads on your phone are less focused on the product, and more on whispering, “You need this to be complete.”
We’re shown images of rugged cars navigating untamed wilderness, fragrances that promise allure, or dreamy homes perched beside endless blue seas. It’s all an invitation—an almost spiritual nudge—to seek fulfillment through things. Buy this, and you don’t just get sunscreen or a deck chair; you get belonging, adventure, and a shot at bliss.
And let’s not forget the ever-present sense of urgency:
“Only a few left!”
“Limited edition!”
“Don’t miss out!”
This subtle scarcity makes us want it more. It’s not about the item itself, but the feeling that missing out means missing a piece of happiness.
So, while you can purchase something because it feels joyfully aligned with your soul, remember: advertising is always gently nudging us toward the next desire. The key is to stay aware—choosing what genuinely resonates, not just what’s cleverly packaged as the answer to a longing you didn’t know you had.
The Energy of Intentional Purchases
soul is nourished
You begin to:
Attract what resonates
Buy what reflects your frequency
Express yourself without apology
intention behind the purchase matters more than the price tag
Luxury is not loud when it’s aligned.
subtle echo of inner richness.
True Abundance Is Inside Out
Let’s redefine abundance.
inner life is rich
outer world reflects that calm clarity
Your wardrobe evolves
Your business expands
Your relationships deepen
true luxury unplugged
The Surprising Link Between Wealth and Compassion
Interestingly, research shows that as our financial abundance increases, our natural sense of empathy can sometimes take a back seat. When we feel we already “have enough,” it’s easy to forget what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes.
A full bank account can create distance—separating us from the simple kindness that comes with identifying with others’ challenges. Genuine abundance? It’s not measured by what’s in your wallet, but by your capacity to connect deeply and stay open-hearted, no matter your material means.
The Cultural Conditioning of Self-Worth
In American culture, self-worth is often pegged to our careers and the size of our bank accounts. From an early age, we’re nudged—subtly or not—to view our jobs as a reflection of our value.
It shows up in casual conversations. “What do you do?” isn’t just small talk—it's a measuring stick. The implication: Your profession, your title, and your financial achievements are what truly define you.
Yet, this mindset is limiting. It narrows our identity to a résumé and an account balance, neglecting the depth and richness within. By seeing ourselves first as earners and achievers, we risk missing the more meaningful forms of fulfillment that come from being, connecting, and creating from a place of inner abundance.
What Can We Learn from Jaya Kishori?
bigger invitation
Can a spiritual person enjoy beautiful things?
Is renunciation required for enlightenment?
Can luxury be an expression of gratitude, not greed?
Spirituality and luxury can co-exist
conscious
Rolex
Mercedes
mindset
Beyond the Surface: What Money Really Means
Like it or not, our lives are intertwined with money. It’s the tool that buys us time, possibilities, and sometimes even peace of mind. But let’s be real: having money doesn’t make you less spiritual, and it definitely doesn’t make you immune to the weird, complex emotions we all carry about wealth.
Money is a means, not an end. It can open doors, free you to invest in what matters, and even help you show up more fully in your life and for others. But it’s easy to let money become the main event, the thing you chase for its own sake—forgetting that it’s supposed to serve you, not rule you.
There’s also that sneaky cultural conditioning: the idea that more is always better. In reality, most studies say the opposite—there’s a point where “enough” truly is enough, and chasing more can erode your compassion and connection.
And if you ever catch yourself judging someone’s choices (or your own) when it comes to money, know you’re not alone. Most of us are still untangling the old stories and voices in our heads about what’s “spiritual” or “worthy.” Every day is just another chance to practice, learn, and maybe let a little more ease in.
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Bag
why
your alignment
your insecurity
When someone judges you for looking too “luxurious,” ask:
“Am I living in alignment with my values?”
If yes, let them judge.
Your outer life is not for their approval.
You can walk this world fully present, fully free—and fully you.
Closing Message from Neeti
Luxury Unplugged
self-improvement and spiritual alignment
If this episode stirred something in you—share it with someone who’s on the journey of balancing success and stillness.
without sacrificing your soul
Live luxuriously. Lead consciously. Be fully YOU.
—
About Neeti Keswani
Neeti Keswani
Luxury Unplugged Podcast
I help high achievers, conscious entrepreneurs, and creators build emotionally intelligent brands, aligned identities, and soulful success stories.
inside and out
—
Connect With Me
YouTube – Luxury Unplugged
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