Spiritual but not Religious

1. 58

   GitaYoga.Netposted 14 years ago

   The library is quite a peaceful place and the mid-afternoon daylight pours through the floor to ceiling windows. I have always enjoyed writing in the quiet of a library or bookstore, though the relative ruckus of High School adolescents reminds me to schedule my library sojourn for an earlier hour of the day.
   
   This morning, during my mantra-meditation practices, my mind kept toying with this concept of spirituality vs. religion. I encounter many in my coaching and speaking programs who vehemently abhor organized religion. I can understand that sentiment as I was raised in a religious institution myself. Practitionerâ??s disdain for ritualistic and institutionalozed practices, rules and regulations, devoid of mature spiritual development and understanding, is in most cases well-founded.
   
   Letâ??s set religiosity aside for the time being; at least religiosity as defined as an institution. What is spirituality? It is easy to define religion and religiosity. However, peopleâ??s definition of spirituality varies from person to person. I will say that in my experience, more often than not, spirituality is basically religion without the â??Godâ?? element. Religion without â??all the worship and service to Godâ?? generally describes most peopleâ??s idea of spirituality.
   
   Religiosity, devoid of â??worship and service to a particular Godâ??, still does not clearly explain or define spirituality. The definition of spirituality, with or without acknowledging God, is a significant issue considering the saying by the philosopher Chardin. â??We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.â??
   
   As spirit beings inhabiting a matter-based reality we will naturally encounter some incongruities. The question is simple; how do spirit-made beings function in a matter-based world?
   
   The process of negation is one way to identify and nourish our spirituality. Letâ??s eliminate gratification. The senses of sight, smell, taste, touch and sound provide us with sensual pleasure and gratification. However, activities that are not primarily intended to gratify these senses, yet still give us a sense of happiness, is an activity that stimulates the soul, hence spiritual.
   
   If we invite a friend to accompany us to the movies with the primary intention of sharing the experience and getting to know the other person then the evening can be spiritually uplifting. If our primary concern was the stimulation of our senses, during the movie and thereafter, then we are susceptible to frustration if the movie turns out to be drivel and the evening does not turn out to be sensually gratifying.
   
   Our spirituality is identified, nourished and strengthened when we choose activities and engagements that are only secondarily or incidentally stimulating to our material senses.
   
   Problem solving must be done in a similar fashion. When we encounter problems and find solutions to those problems that are not primarily tied to our personal, sensual gratification the resultant spiritual solutions will be far more universally applicable, acceptable and beneficial.

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   1. 81

      earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Well said. The spirit soars when we are with our children, listening to them when they are little and sharing their fantasies.I believe that we are hardwired to religiosity and need to meditate, read and learn so we are informed by our self knowledge and thereby grow to love the lifelong task of individuation.

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         Whikatposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you both for your very thoughtful insights. This was very refreshing to my spirit. Thanks again Gentlemen. :-)

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   2. 60

      mohitmisraposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Religions are the spiritual teachings based on a particular master.
      Spirituality engulfs all yet they are the same ,both seek to unite with the spirit.
      Spirituality just doesn't have a particular master.

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2. 81

   earnestshubposted 14 years ago

   Spirituality requires no god.

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   1. 60

      mohitmisraposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Spirit is god.

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         earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Funny I thought you had taken that job!

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            mohitmisraposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            When you understand the meaning of spirit you will understand the meaning of god.

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         packerpackposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Looks like the fight is about to begin!

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            earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            The action is on another forum just now!

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               packerpackposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Oh is it .... where?

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               1. 81

                  earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  the jesus one.

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3. 0

   \Brenda Scullyposted 14 years ago

   duck everyone !!!!!!!!!!
      
   
   Yes I have checked it out still arguing in the Jesus one too, will they ever dry up.......
   
   Or will I, you could well ask I suppose, hey I think they may be moving over here

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4. 73

   Inspirepubposted 14 years ago

   And by their actions do they ably demonstrate WHY so many people abhor organised religion.
   
   It is too easy for people's ego-selves to get hooked in to the religion as a form of denial of death - indeed, organised religions encourage this addictive behaviour - and then any "insult" to the religion becomes personal.
   
   Take two people from two different organised religions who are in the same state of ego-enmeshment, and you have a permanent duel in the making.
   
   If either one actually lets go of self-righteousness and returns to the spiritual principles which are encoded in any teaching that outlives its originator, they instantly step out of the battle and return to a state of peace.
   
   I have seen Mohit do it before, so I know he is capable of enlightened behaviour - and it only takes one to break the cycle.
   
   Jenny

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