What is true spirituality?
I have often pondered on the real sense of the term "spirituality" and wondered how it is commonly understood to mean " religious" - well, in the sense that " religious" is also commonly understood !
To me, spirituality has nothing to do with religion - not that religion is a bad thing. But, spirituality as I see it, is an individual's inner culture that is simple and positive. A state of mind that is unselfish, inclusive, considerate to the world we inhabit, compassionate and forgiving. A state of mind that has faith that the reason for one's existence is not "I" but the Supreme Source. A state of mind that is fine-tuned to that Source in joy and grief, in jubilation and disappointment, in chaos and calmness, in commotion and stillness, in noise and silence....
Let me quote Swami Tapovan Maharaj from his book "Ishwara Darshan" (published by Chinmaya Mission) where Swamiji echoes his thoughts on spirituality:
" To indulge in wicked acts, night and day, without fear of God and to sit for half an hour or one in the morning and evening with closed eyes in stark- like meditation is not what is called a spiritual life. See God inside and outside and everywhere, know all creatures big and small to be forms of God and therefore treat them all with respect and love, never deviate an hair's breadth from truth,duty and good conduct - this is true spiritual life. When the snake -charmer plays upon his pipe, even the deadly cobra sits spell-bound for a time. Is there any spirituality in it?
Moreover none can make any progress in spiritual life without developing noble qualities. Get rid of haughtiness, pride, covetousness and anger. Cultivate the spirit of renunciation,dispassion, physical and mental control,truthfulness, cheerfulness, friendship, mercy, liberality, straightforwardness, non-violence. These go to the very foundation of spiritual life.
...Sweet, loving, balanced life always and everywhere - that is true spiritual life. In it there is no room for sorrow, bewilderment, pleasure or pain. It will be peaceful and majestic like the waveless, mighty ocean..."
