Religious vs. Spiritual

Religious vs. Spiritual

Religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a code of ethics, and a philosophy of life. Spirituality truly seeks to know the divine without clinging to rituals.

Man has lived in groups through thousands of years. Everyone has a hidden need that makes him to attach himself to some ritualistic gatherings. For example the ongoing world cup telecast the stars and fans in the audience are seen with body paint, certain costumes, and seen chanting, even priests lead the crowd in chanting. How do you explain this behavior?

Spirituality is something personal and sincere. Religion is an institution that constrains one's thinking in a box. Recognizing the soul is a spiritual experience - a personal relationship with God.

We can discuss in another angle also. We all have a conscience which can be compared to an embedded campus within. The compass gives the directions which is right or wrong. Why can't we take that as the voice of God? It will be an experience of enlightenment or voice of reasoning. Joy comes from listening to this inner voice. That in a nutshell is spirituality.

Conclusion:-

I believe it is entirely possible to be both spiritual and religious. I don't believe that religion and spirituality are mutually exclusive.

The discussion continues in understanding the religious nature or beliefs

1. Christianity

The word Church ' can mean a building or a mere congregation in a place for worship. In this context, it can mean also a community. Roman Catholic Church, with 980 million followers all over the world, is the largest church in the world.

2. Hinduism

A religion with 648 million followers in India, Hinduism developed in combination with Aryan Religions as early as 1500 B.C. The four major groups are : 1. Brahmins or Priests, 2. Rulers or Warriors, 3. Farmers or Merchants, 4. Peasants or laborers

The goals of Hinduism are the release from repeated reincarnations thru practice of yoga, adherence to Vedic scriptures, devotion to a personal Acharya or guru. Bhaja govindam, bhaja govindam, goviindam bhaja .... mudamathe.

Other than the namasankeerthanam, nothing comes to one's rescue when he is sinking or drowned in samskara or in samsara. Hinduism advocates the doctrine of saranagathi or surrender to god for emancipation.

3. Islam

840 millions follow Islam. Islam in Arabic means "Submission to God". Ramadan Fast, Reading Koran and pilgrimage at least once to Mecca are the strong conviction followed by a devout Muslim.

4. Sikhism

About 500 years before, (1469), Gurunanak found the sikhism - teachings of 10 Gurus is enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book. Sikhism preaches devotion to God at all times or simple remembrance to God. Truthful Living, equality of mankind is Sikh's philosophy which denounces superstitions or falsehood.

Taoism

Founder Lao-Tzu in China in 640 B.C. Live simply and spontaneously in close touch with nature is what the message Taoism delivers.

The reader may feel exhausted already, let me say God Be With You at this moment.


Regards.

Yours Religiously,