Spirituality does not always have to be intrinsically attached to religion. In its truest sense, it is a way of sharpening the mind, says Rajyogi Bhramakumar Nikunj
Religion is for people who are scared to go to hell. Spirituality is for people who have already been there - Bonnie Raitt.
Spirituality, the word itself creates a lot of inquisitiveness as well as mystery in the minds of people because there is no single, widely-agreed definition of spirituality that’s available to those who want to seriously pursue it. Traditionally, spirituality has been defined as a process of personal transformation in accordance with religious ideals. Since the 19th century, spirituality has often been separated from religion, and has become more oriented on subjective experience and psychological growth. It may refer to almost any kind of meaningful activity or blissful experience, but without a single, widely-agreed definition. Hence under such a confused scenario, to grow spiritually in a society that is defined by power, money, and influence is almost a herculean task. Today, modern day electronic equipments, gadgets, and tools as well as entertainment media like radio, TV, magazines and, the Internet have seemingly predisposed many of us to confine our attention mostly to our physical needs. As a result of which our concepts of self-worth and self-meaning have become muddled and confused.
Usually, when it comes to spirituality, people think of God, religion, rituals et al. For example a person folding his hands before an idol in a temple thinks he is spiritual, though his mind wanders in a number of ways, even during his prayer. That is why the modern generation feels that practicality and spirituality do not go hand in hand. Hence, they consider spirituality as impractical.
However, we need to understand that spirituality is a way of sharpening the mind and hence raise your effectiveness to a much higher level. It is actually knowledge of the self, its relationship with God and the purpose of one’s existence and the way to achieve that purpose or goal. But again there is a question that lot of people raise that why at all does one need to be spiritualIJ What’s so wrong in being materialistic instead of being spiritualIJ Well, the answer to this is simple. It’s a matter of will and one is free to choose how and what they want to be. But, we should not forget a fact that at some point in life, everyone tries to be spiritual willingly or circumstantially/incidentally. This happens especially when one wishes to forget all the materialistic things — the physical details of people, the luxuries of the world and everything that is physical and just wishes to relax and be with oneself in peace, love and harmony.
A spiritual person always remains contented with the self and does not devote his time in material pursuits. Instead he tends to remain in the company of the divine, thereby experiencing true love, peace and happiness which are more lasting than material attainments. Such a person will see everyone as souls; be loving to every person in this world regardless of one’s religion,country, gender and other physical traits. He would always remain peaceful, no matter how people and situations around him would be, because being peaceful is being the true self and being spiritual.
When we would understand the above definition of a real spiritual being, we would be spiritually awakened, enlightened and be directly connected to the Supreme who would lead us to the path of self transformation which would further lead to world transformation. So let’s embark on this journey of becoming a ‘spiritual being’ through self realisation and introspection.