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I got into an interesting discussion with a fellow writer after he asked me this question; how is Spirituality different from Religion?
Both these words are commonly used in each other’s place for a long time but are they synonymous? I don’t think so but I do agree that this concept depends upon personal belief. I have always considered spirituality as a personal concept where as religion a public scenario.
“The spiritual journey is individual, highly personal. It can’t be organized or regulated. It isn’t true that everyone should follow one path. Listen to your own truth.” — Ram Dass
Religion has been misinterpreted and misunderstood for generations. Great minds have tried to help us direct towards the meaning of religion in simple words.
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” — Dalai Lama XIV
We always make the religion so complicated that we fear we may not follow all the rules as we may not understand everything but is religion really too complex to understand and follow or we interpreted it in that way?
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” – Dalai Lama.
Every religion believes in a God or Superior spirit or Supreme Soul and we can see the divine presence in everything big or small around us. We just need to be aware of it.
“My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.” — Albert Einstein
Spirituality is all about understanding self strength like power of our mind and our relation with the creator. It does not force to follow any particular religion or rules of that religion. It is self-awareness, self discovery, it’s a journey everyone takes in their own speed. We are children of God and put on this earth with a purpose. Spirituality helps us understand our greatest bliss or our calling.
“God has no religion.” — Mahatma Gandhi
We care about the expensive offerings, the sacrifices, the devotion, the right words for prayers, chants, mantras, the right time, the right place and everything we can afford, arrange and manage to make God happy.
Why do we believe God cares about any of these material things?
Most of us get so caught up in the rituals or formalities which we have been told are important that we forget what exactly connects us with God. Our feelings, our believes, our faith is what matters.
“When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion.” — Abraham Lincoln
I am in quest of understanding “How is Spirituality different from Religion?” if you know the answer or can throw some light on this matter I welcome your inputs.
Leave a Comment below or by clicking “Comment” link under the Title of the Post, I Would Love to Know Your Opinion on This.
I completely agree with what you have written. I hope this post could reach more people as this was truly an interesting post.
I have been reading posts regarding this topic and this post is one of the most interesting and informative one I have read. Thank you for this!
Trust is petitioning God for downpour, yet confidence is bringing an umbrella.
Religion is man’s way of communicating with things that inspire and uplift and empower. Religion is the organized approach to reaching God. It is often filled with traditions of men, rules,usa.go regulations and often oppresses.
More of our worries come from within than from without
Very well said MySay, spirituality is freedom.. It is interesting that you mentioned about Sai Baba Temple I completely agree with your point. It is a cruel irony that such luxurious offerings are donated every day to a saint like Sai Baba who lived such a simple life. I bet if he returns he will thank for all the offerings then distribute it among the needy and request people to follow his approach. What a great teacher; I wonder how we completely misunderstood his teachings?
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I totally go by your thoughts !! Spirituality is private .. its individuality .. Religion and Spirituality however do having a connecting point but religion is rules .. spirituality is freedom.. religion has a process.. spirituality is anything but a process ..
Yamini.. its strange that spirituality gave birth to religion and today religion is a reason why people are spiritual . We feel donating 5 kgs at Sai Baba Temple is Godly than distributing 500kgs of rice among the needy .. than avoid wrong doings and then adding upto it by bribing God in the name of donation
My Say recently posted…Break Up !
Well said Vijay. I wish everyone had the same opinion. We can’t change the past but we sure can change our mindsets from this generation onwards.
Several religions, Several Gods and one humanity. I choose humanity over everything else
Thank you Aamjunta. Your comments are encouraging.
Really God does not have any religion. Spirituality is basically meant to bring calm and peace in one’s life. Religion cannot be defined as such… Good post, thought provoking one.