We are not seekers anymore—we are shoppers, not always really shopping, perhaps just window shopping.
In an age where attention spans have shrunk, just enough to handle the brevity of TikTok videos. Commitment is measured in minutes. We’ve taken the sacred and turned it into a sampler. Spirituality has become a bizarre buffet. A little of everything….mindfulness, a little bit of mantras, a pop of psychology, a sprinkle of astrology—and we call it spirituality. Add to that a dash of Zen, a spoonful of Krishna, a whiff of Jesus, topped with a sprinkle. Of Rumi and a side of “I read The Secret once.” Voila! We call it “my own spiritual path.”
In reality, it’s more like spiritual fast food—convenient, quick, comforting… and utterly devoid of nutritional value. In an age where belief is Branded, and Devotion is digitized, Salvation comes with a subscriber count. the sacred has lost its solemnity.
We no longer surrender—we curate. We no longer practice—we personalize. And in doing so, we amputate the limbs of truth, only to parade around with the prosthetic of convenience. This is not progress. This is polished confusion. We have built a cluttered, confused, commoditized mess.
We’ve mistaken Liberation for laziness and Discipline for dogma. The ancient wisdom that was meant to awaken the soul? We’ve repackaged it as weekend retreats, self-help jargon, and Instagram aesthetics.
Spirituality is a furnace, not a scented candle. We’ve gone from Agni to aromatherapy. A shift from chanting powerful mantras to mumbling affirmations, forwarding them and adding a “Yes” in the comments. We moved from revering gurus to following influencers with ring lights and discount codes.
Our altars are cluttered, our minds are chaotic, and our souls? Chronically disoriented.
Let’s be honest. Most of us treat spirituality the way we treat IKEA furniture. We open the box, glance at the manual, chuckle, chuck it aside and declare, “I don’t need this. I’ll figure it out.” Three hours later, we’re sitting on a lopsided chair that squeaks every time we try to find peace.
But here’s the inconvenient truth: Transcendence is not comfortable. It is not casual. It is not convenient. It demands Surrender. Sweat. Silence. Structure.
Sumir Nagar is a seeker, wanderer who devotes himself to exploring the intersections of consciousness, culture, and chaos. Excerpted from here.
Seed Questions for Reflection
What do you make of the notion that our modern approach to spirituality often resembles "spiritual fast food," offering a convenient yet shallow experience? Can you share a personal story that illustrates a moment when you realized your spiritual practices were more focused on convenience than on true awakening? What helps you cultivate a commitment to spiritual practices that demand "Surrender, Sweat, Silence, Structure," rather than opting for comfort and convenience?
In today’s world, Sudo Spirituality always more attractive, appealing and miracle oriented. The mind gets caught very easily for those who are seeking searching in name of spirituality or look for material success.
That’s why Buddha, Zen, La Tzu disappeared. Very few, just counting on figure tips understood. People become greedy even for meditation also. The most ordinary / common understanding is not sound encouraging as most of them are searching for some kind of excitement.
Well, its always been like that since eternity. In past also, very few were realised , in present also very few are on the pathless path & in future, these nos will still decrease……….
Thank you. I agree.
I’m saddened to see a loss of willingness to roll up our sleeves and do the work.
I have believed for a long time that we need to do personal development as well as spiritual evolution- I’m not sure we can do one without the other.
I work on myself daily.
Ciao J
This really nails it. We live in a fast food culture: we want it fast, we want it now! I have no example, just great admiration for the author.
CL
Claire
May 8, 2025
This hit home for me. It made me stand back and examine what I've been doing. And I am embarrassed to admit I'm currently guilty of everything said here. I need to get rid of the fast food and simply sit in silence. Doesn't sound difficult on its face, does it? But it's the way to the sacred space I seek and the union I desire.
The comments add more thoughts to ponder. We simply live in a different world than the people who embodied spiritual practice. Our minds have evolved even as a newborn baby coming out of the womb. Spiritual Fast food is a snack of spirituality and sustains you in the moment until you get a wake-up call. A call of awakening. This was Covid's gift to me 10 days of Qi Gong that turned to 100 days but more than that introduced me to a worldwide positive community. I had always wanted to do Qi Gong but never had an opportunity. I tell everyone who will listen to try but it is a base, like Americanized Yoga. The true guru's practice the origin tradition which I think most of us strive for, yet we have to work, take care of house and simply rest. Trials and tribulations have always turned humans to spirituality, we live now in such a comfortable world that is now changing to uncomfortable. So, we will strive again to Surrender, Sweat, Silence and Structure. Love this reminder!
Why is there so much resistance to the writing? Yes, it is very clear that there is, as someone else wrote, many people live the "pop-culture" espirituality. Without a look at transcendence we continue on this path of superficial spirituality. Good, bad, at least we keep trying? Yes, but that’s what the text brings up for us to reflect on.
We have neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, that are linked to pleasure. The more they are activated, the more the body wants these moments of pleasure. That's why crack is so quickly addictive, and that´s why surrender and sweat are in second or fifth place... We want pleasure in a life full of work and time-consuming activities.
VI
Vinisha
May 6, 2025
We are so quick to condone others, even a small step in this direction is worth its weight in gold! Why would we discourage anyone on this path. The article had no suggestions no solutions , we should encourage everyone wherever they are on their journey in spirituality. Lets support each other with compassion and kindness.
BT
Burning TongueMay 6, 2025
My moralistic judgment of you encourages me to let it be known that you sound like a victim. Those thinking they are on the path aren't really on the path. You don't read that well, nor have solutions yourself
JO
James O’ Dea
May 6, 2025
How you receive Truth is between you and You: how ever you get wrapped in illusion the Truth, the Grace, is in the center of everything, but to receive It requires provisional containers that can carry you through all the sound bites, both sacred and profane, until all dissolves in Love. One of the proven self-dissolving kits is true humility. The state of humility unlocks the prison of time since it neither regrets who you were in the past nor projects who you need to be in the future, thus allowing your natural self to flourish in the presence of the present, I would worry more about elaborate paths that rely on expensive teacher initiations than instant McD’s spirituality. But notice just now how the Critic sneaks in and has to prove it always knows better.
KA
Kathryn
May 6, 2025
I've done a bit of both - i.e., spiritual fast food, and adherence to a specific religious or relational framework. I find that - without claiming to be an authority in these matters - i feel a kind of "clutter" when i hop around too much. However, in these aquarian times it is also a time in which certain great leaders will be found lacking, if only to nudge each of us into greater levels of personal discernment, taking responsibility for our own choices. There are people who are equally spiritual who are simply serving in an organization like the UN, or being a stalwart neighbor, or even begging on the sidewalks. Many people are called and do take on these practices to set a new tone for their life, not being so enmeshed in the dramas of typical ambitions. These practices you mention help us refine our desires and experience a new kind of fulfillment. There are shadows on all our paths, and contemporary folk are within their rights to be skeptical of the group pressures or cultish st... View full comment
I've done a bit of both - i.e., spiritual fast food, and adherence to a specific religious or relational framework. I find that - without claiming to be an authority in these matters - i feel a kind of "clutter" when i hop around too much. However, in these aquarian times it is also a time in which certain great leaders will be found lacking, if only to nudge each of us into greater levels of personal discernment, taking responsibility for our own choices. There are people who are equally spiritual who are simply serving in an organization like the UN, or being a stalwart neighbor, or even begging on the sidewalks. Many people are called and do take on these practices to set a new tone for their life, not being so enmeshed in the dramas of typical ambitions. These practices you mention help us refine our desires and experience a new kind of fulfillment. There are shadows on all our paths, and contemporary folk are within their rights to be skeptical of the group pressures or cultish standards. Some people shun intensity, which is part and parcel of a path. Some people need intensity to feel alive and thus push the drama, the discipline, or the battle, depending. I think fast-food spirituality is a symptom of openness to different perspectives, which can be a healthy indication of growth beyond certain doctrines or conformity to accepting what is dished up. Hide full comment
I would quote Sri Ramana Maharshi who asserted that a 15 minute a day practice over time -- usually many years -- would produce the required results. The critical component here is consistency and that includes employing a consistent methodology. As Ramana would say the acquisition itself is not that difficult -- you already have it. So it is a disciplined, repetitive practice of systematically stripping away misguided ways of thinking-being. There is no reason why you can't do this "cafeteria-style". And, of course, no reason why it can't just surface spontaneously. The critical component is the content of what you are consuming. Junk food and flavour of the day are not going to get you very far ;>
DD
David DoaneMay 8, 2025
I believe 15 minutes a day or 1 minute once can be awakening. I think what is important is that the amount of time be open, honest, sincere, real. I think awakening has to do with quality and not quantity. I think a quality practice helps us stay awake.
As someone who has had a very committed spiritual practice for over 40 years, I was saddened by this harsh criticism of people's efforts. While the metaphors were apt and very pointed, no solution was offered; no suggestions, no ideas, no inspiration. As we used to say to children who were fighting, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Perhaps through deeper inner work, one can inspire others to keep trying.
BT
Burning TongueMay 6, 2025
My moralistic judgment of you encourages me to let it be known that you sound like a victim. Those thinking they are on the path aren't really on the path. You don't read that well, nor have solutions yourself with your 4o years of spiritual practice. 40 years of spiritual practice does not mean surrender critique of the surroundings that pollute which provide no observed effort by no people whatsoever.
JA
JayleiMay 7, 2025
Whoever is on the path is on the path. Is there a right or wrong way to be on the path?
BT
Burning TongueMay 7, 2025
the path is an illusion, and yes when you compare it to right and wrong, the path is null for sure. Think before you reply.
JA
JayleiMay 8, 2025
Continue in your illusion. Your tongue, your morality and your toughts are illusions. You are no one.
BT
Burning TongueMay 8, 2025
thats cute. thank you for demonstrating your soda pop mindset. definitely bringing truth to the writing of the author. Thank you for joining me in a round of violence.
JA
JayleiMay 8, 2025
In your illusionnal world there is still violence.... No, no , no!!!!
I agree with the analogy of spiritual practices as fast food. I’ve discovered in my 81 years that spiritual practice is best in the context of a community of faith. Spirality alone can lead one to selfishness. A community of faith challenges one to reach out to others.
JP
Juan Pablo
May 6, 2025
I am writing using translator, from Chile.
Be careful with the calls for attention.
Traditionally, the wake-up call has a charge. Today, the wake-up call is summoned to be sweet so that our attention is directed towards the Supreme.
This writing invites us to pay attention to a reality that may have some ephemeral significance. I invite us to persevere over time in bringing our attention to this sacred, full moment and sit our mind in our heart to allow the wonders of existence to express themselves.
Shambhala. All with attention on the supreme. Eternally, as always.
MI
Michele
May 6, 2025
I agree with Annie's poetic response. This reminds me of an article I read years ago by teacher, author and psychotherapist Miles Neale called "Frozen Yoga and McMindfulness". Before that, he had given a talk about McMindfulness and was very critical of the quick fix fast food attitude towards this new trend. A few years later he took back some of his overly critical comments and said that in the end it's good that it's reaching people. Of those many people there are hopefully enough who decide delve deeper. I also find the "trend" aspect sometimes frustrating (see social media), but I also see that it reaches young and old enough to make a change inside and out.
Is the author suggesting that we need to go back to all being sheep, not questioning what we feel in our own hearts to be truth? Our own personal truth which we find through spiritual exploration and deep inner listening.
Then why is organized religion undergoing a shakeup? Because we no longer want to be submissive followers but assume personal leadership for what we in our hearts believe to be Truth. And yes, there is that smorgasbord stage until we find what resonates best within. Listening to our inner heart is not always a linear journey
In a sea of relativism, we might crave simple directives. Even that statement is one. For me, I abandoned seeking enlightenment to seek connection with all creation. My current practice is learning to let all my senses/chakras guide me, as well as all beings around me, such as, all statements in this discussion. Understandably, the bias here may be cerebral. Understanding and discipline in practice are two threads of the fabric of being, connection and experience
The spiritual fast food may not bring us all to enlightenment but it may bring more awareness into everyday life. When so many have been crushed by religious dogma the spiritual supermarket can offer opportunities to come back to their heart and if not totally surrendering hopefully realizing how important noticing and caring, and being kind is in this world. Yes we surrender to love when we pause to feel it and share it over and over again even when our world is chaotic and messy and every time we take those little bites and notice the power of the moment of silent soul sitting or the kind gesture we build our foundation and encourage those around us to pause and connect to the same foundation of oneness. May your journey be filled with many wonderful little discoveries of beauty , awareness and opportunities for nurturing your inner love and sharing that love with the world. Fear not…..fear squashes our love but love embraces our fear and guides us.
I am not sure how to respond to this article. I've read the previous comments and can resonate with all of them. Committing to just one spiritual path is commendable but for me, I would like to study many paths or at least research them to see what resonates with me. I can see many paths that cross over into each other so I will "connect" with many. Am I guilty of "Spiritual Fast Food"? I don't think so. I just want to become informed about all the different paths to Enlightenment. Perhaps one day I will settle for just one way and commit but I do not want to shut out other paths at the same time.
when lived in truth, life isn't comfortable - it's painful, messy, beautiful, pristine, disappointing and awesome - the only spiritual path is the one of surrender, meeting resistance pain and deep suffering on its own terms until the sense of an alone separate self dissolves and merges and explodes in wonder - the wonder of absolute being, living as life in this moment, where there is no path or method, but a slow unfolding and untangling of phenomenal experience. Spirituality as a furnace and crucible and as you say not a scented candle - it reveals our true nature in the midst of a violent uncompromising universe in all its glory and intelligence. We are just the simple ease that notices this. Thank you Sumir - your writing stirs the heart
Yes there is undoubtedly reductionism of deep meaningful spiritual values in social media’s bite sized over simplifications. There is much unwholesome spiritual consumerism. But, there is “good and bad’ in all things”, for those one liners, those token wisdom teachings may act as seeds, first steps, a creaking door opening a way onto a spiritual path. We can be lofty, purist, idealist, but that is wishing it were other. I celebrate EVERY crumb of curiosity I witness, every question asked, every beginning taken. They may be small drops in the swelling tide of the raising of consciousness but they part of the ocean of awareness.
DD
David DoaneMay 6, 2025
We never know which seed will grow. We often don't even know what are the seeds. I particularly like your "I celebrate every crumb of curiosity I witness, every question asked, every beginning taken."
JC
Joy Casey
May 5, 2025
I realized early on in the 70s after a weekend of Transcendal Meditation" that "spirituality" in this consumerist, capitalist country was a supermarket.
Sumir Nagar sounds overly negative and judgmental to me, like someone who has a very strict view of how spirituality should be done. Spirituality that consists of searching and trying many different endeavors can lack commitment and be shallow or it can entail commitment and be deep. Spirituality that is focused on and committed to one practice can be deep or it can be shallow. In my younger years, my spiritual practices were rigid, dogmatic and inconvenient, and produced little true awakening. My practices now are looser and more convenient than years ago and result in more true awakening than my old rigid ways. Though I could definitely benefit from more discipline in my spiritual practice, my commitment and practices do entail surrender, silence, reflection, and openness and honesty especially with myself and do seem to result in some awakening.
BT
Burning TongueMay 6, 2025
sounds like you got triggered and need another book to read
Well it’s true… there are many who ‘pop culture’ spirituality. I’ve had moments like this where I turn on Krishna Dass CDs and say ‘at least I sang some devotional chants!’
But I’m also a long time yoga teacher, who has noticed the huge shift in students who just come once a week. They may not practice ‘like their hair is on fire’ but they integrate better posture, open heartedness, mindful attention and compassion for others more and more over the years they attend class. They are more ‘spiritually awake’ than most and make a difference in their families and communities, scented candles and all.
As for me? I live my life following my intuition more than most. I bathe in the woods daily, connected to trees and source that calm my nervous system plenty. I live with an open heart that touches many, and my morning coffee while watching the morning light come over the horizon is my meditation moment among busy days, that are really more about making ends meet, r... View full comment
Well it’s true… there are many who ‘pop culture’ spirituality. I’ve had moments like this where I turn on Krishna Dass CDs and say ‘at least I sang some devotional chants!’
But I’m also a long time yoga teacher, who has noticed the huge shift in students who just come once a week. They may not practice ‘like their hair is on fire’ but they integrate better posture, open heartedness, mindful attention and compassion for others more and more over the years they attend class. They are more ‘spiritually awake’ than most and make a difference in their families and communities, scented candles and all.
As for me? I live my life following my intuition more than most. I bathe in the woods daily, connected to trees and source that calm my nervous system plenty. I live with an open heart that touches many, and my morning coffee while watching the morning light come over the horizon is my meditation moment among busy days, that are really more about making ends meet, rather than luxuriating in commercial spiritual gizmos.
If I get to my mat for a longer practice myself it is usually more restorative and mindful enough to allow me to get up and do it all mindfully again the next day.
PEACE IS EVERY STEP we make, all day long I am reminded. Every moment of struggle is an opportunity to practice spirituality. You don’t really have to search for meaningful struggles too far!
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It is indeed sad to see spirituality has become "Spiritual fast food." It is something I can buy from outside of me-like a commodity I can purchase from outside and it becomes my food for fulfilling my spiritual hunger. If it is true then rich and affluent people will go to heaven and poor people will go to hell. Unfortunately and sadly there are people who are looking for outside sources for their spiritual awakening and inner fulfillment. I remember my childhood days when by living a simple life we were contented and happy. I learned that happiness comes from within by helping someone who needs my undivided attention and my helping hand. I have learnt the paradoxical spiritual truth-by giving we receive; by offering my inner wealth of unconditional love I become worldly rich and happy. This inner wealth never gets diminished. It creates a flow of inner wealth and it is never dried.
I am very grateful to my parents for enkindling the light of unconditional love and selfless servi... View full comment
It is indeed sad to see spirituality has become "Spiritual fast food." It is something I can buy from outside of me-like a commodity I can purchase from outside and it becomes my food for fulfilling my spiritual hunger. If it is true then rich and affluent people will go to heaven and poor people will go to hell. Unfortunately and sadly there are people who are looking for outside sources for their spiritual awakening and inner fulfillment. I remember my childhood days when by living a simple life we were contented and happy. I learned that happiness comes from within by helping someone who needs my undivided attention and my helping hand. I have learnt the paradoxical spiritual truth-by giving we receive; by offering my inner wealth of unconditional love I become worldly rich and happy. This inner wealth never gets diminished. It creates a flow of inner wealth and it is never dried.
I am very grateful to my parents for enkindling the light of unconditional love and selfless service in me. That light doesn't get extinguished. It remains steady. Such a light of wisdom shines and keeps me awake. And it is a blessing.
May we all walk on the spiritual path. This is my prayer: Let us love unconditionally. Serve selflessly. Keep the inner light shining.
Namaste!
Jagdish
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Yes there is undoubtedly reductionism of deep meaningful spiritual values in social media’s bite sized over simplifications and spiritual consumerism. But, there is ‘good and bad’ in all things…..( and yes, I know labelling ‘good or bad’ is a spiritual no no :) ) for those one liners, the token wisdom teachings may act as seeds, first steps, a creaking door opening a way onto a spiritual path. We can be lofty, purist, idealist, but that is wishing it were other. I celebrate EVERY crumb of curiosity I witness, every question asked, every beginning taken. They may be small drops in the swelling tide of the raising of consciousness but they are all part of the ocean of awareness.
BT
Burning TongueMay 6, 2025
this sounds like so much spiritual materialism. Being what you think you think is purist is simply noticing what is hurting the world. The crumbs you say celebrate are enriched, poisoned and you still lie to yourself about it.
JA
JayleiMay 7, 2025
Burning, what a without compassion answer! Do you have the absolute answer? Nah, buddy — we’re all in the same boat, getting it right sometimes, messing up other times.
BT
Burning TongueMay 7, 2025
your in your boat. I'm in the water, not drowning. I watch fools like you scared to swim and step. It's not that deep so speak for yourself. You confuse sympathy for compassion.
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