Why ‘spiritual’ is not always ‘religious’

Why ‘spiritual’ is not always ‘religious’

We live in an era when there is much turmoil in the names of divisive concepts. Much hatred has been spewed forth, in the name of religion and faith. We have chosen to be more insular than ever before and hate them that we rubbed shoulders with, just a few years ago. Places of worship, where one sought peace of mind, have become places where we gather together to learn and live hatred to others. He that made us all, has been given names, and the fight now is about which name is right and which worship is true. We often forget the fact that the Almighty seeks not your ceremonies, but the goodness you hold in your heart. Even the right minded, who still believe in universal brotherhood have started to perceive any form of spiritualism as the first step to hate and discord.

But have we really understood the true meaning of spiritualism, as opposed to religiosity? The fact is very few of us have given this a thought, even the so-called intellectuals. While on one side the war cries ring, the other side abhors all forms of spiritual thinking as bad. It may be worth reminding ourselves that while spirituality and religion are often used interchangeably, the two concepts are different. I, on deep reflection contend that spirituality involves a personal quest for the power of God within you and seeking the meaning in life, while religion involves an organized entity with rituals and practices focusing on a higher power or God. In short, while God being central in both forms, is understood differently.

Religions are based on ceremonies and practices. It is when these ceremonies come as conflicting with those of others it becomes a source of contention and disagreement. This can even become bloody conflict, if the ceremonies of one faith interferes or causes disruption to those of another faith. There has been largescale conflict and bloodshed in the name of these. Likewise the occupation of sites of religious interest by more than one faith, property of antiquity can also be the root cause of violent disagreement. History tell us about killings by wild sword yielding war mongers in the name of religion, always staying in the belied belief that killing for God is a great deed that will be bestowed the blessings of divinity.
In a spiritual pursuit, a man sees himself as a reflection of the Almighty. He understands that by sticking to the narrow pathways as cited in the words of Holy books, he grows ever closer to Truth. Having faith in the goodness within, has been the hall mark of those who adorn the realms of greatness in history. While war-mongers are remembered too, they are seen only as killers and not ideals to be followed. There is a line of thought that history belongs to the victors. History may be so, but never the social system. Society always take up what is the path of least resistance, and without bloodshed. It is here that culture is formed, thus shaping civilization. So while the victor with blood in his hands may be mentioned, he does not shape the life of them that come after.

Reflecting upon one’s own deeds and evaluating its effect on those around is the first act of spirituality. If you feel that your own deed cause pain to other, or misled someone, and you take up the onus of rectifying the same, you have begun the spiritual journey. Reaching out to those with clouded vision and giving them the true vision is the starting of a spiritual sojourn. Regardless of which faith you follow, what name you address the Almighty with, the roots of all spiritual pursuit is the congenial existence of humanity in love and harmony. It is when mankind stood up for one another that we moved forth from bestiality to humanity.

What is surprising though is the fact that, with all the knowledge and technology at our behest we actually have started slipping down and back into the pathways of bloodshed, which we came out of through the centuries. It is surprising that with all the knowhow, we use the same not to save lives and improve livelihood, but to gang up to kill. It may be worth trying to use these achievements to bring the true spirituals together and spread the message of love around.
We can always dream, can’t we?