Spirituality And Religion (Opinion) Comments

Religion and spirituality are not one and the same. One can follow a religion and may not be spiritual. Religion concerns mostly with rituals. Religion is an established and community nurtured and oriented institution. Spirituality is individual specific and nurtured and lived by individuals. Religions are mass -specific. Spirituality is individual and Divinity-specific. Religion can be dogmatic but spirituality is enlightening. Blind faith or superstition may be the part of religion. Faith is the essence of spirituality. Faith in oneself and one’s SELF is the life-line of spirituality. Religions may denounce other religions. Spirituality never denounces religions. Culture, tradition and manners guide religions. Spirituality defines them. Spirituality stands for universal love and peace. A religious person transforms into a spiritual person. A spiritual person is an ever ready source of tranquility and bliss. Steeped in silence without egoistic thoughts in the form of happiness or unhappiness, they live in peace and let live others live in peace. Their mere presence will be beneficial to the world as the mere presence of Sun helps activites on earth. Spirituality sets in when religious dogma sets. Spirituality is liberty, freedom and independence. Religion is unquestioning adherence and following.

Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Jiddu Krishna Murty and such eminent personalities are spiritual persons. People experience peace and calmness in their presence. This is the acid test to know whether the Guru is spiritual or not. Ecstasy and joy are not symbols of spirituality. They are symbols of devotion. Devotion is more emotional and becomes calmness gradually.
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