  Spiritual
This week: Spirituality and Religion Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI Now What?  
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The two terms are sometimes used as synonyms, and sometimes confused with each other. My mother's cousin, whom I call Punam Masi, discussed her views with me, on 'religion' and 'spirituality'. She also elaborated on her own spiritual journey.
Here are her thoughts. |
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Dear Reader,
What does it mean to be 'spiritual'? Is being spiritual similar to or different from being 'religious'?
Here's the outcome of my discussion on this with my favourite aunt, my mother's cousin, whom I call Punam Masi.
Although people tend to think that religion and spirituality are synonymous, I believe there is a subtle but intrinsic difference. Religion, to me, denotes some rituals and some specific beliefs. Spirituality, on the other hand, is mainly to do with the spirit of faith in what is commonly called ‘a higher power’.
Thus, while religion imparts theories that have long been held sacred, a spiritual person is constantly questioning, to reach a deeper understanding of his/her higher goal. One can almost say that religion is like going to school or college to learn, but spirituality is like being a research student and learning independently.
Religion largely seems to speak of how one behaves to others, but in spirituality, there is an understanding that doing something one knows to be wrong will, first and foremost, be harmful to the one who transgresses moral laws. Which means that in religion, importance is given to the action; in spirituality, it is the intention that is more important than the action.
In religion there are rewards if you follow the rules and reprimands if you don’t. In spirituality, your own conscience is the guide; and satisfaction or guilt are the results. Spirituality offers a clean-cut yes or no, when it comes to what is right and what isn’t.
Religion and spirituality co-exist, in that religion is basically external; spirituality an internal matter. Religion appeals to the need for companionship; spirituality is often enjoyed in solitude.
It seems to me that religion and spirituality, while not synonymous, urge human beings to strive for harmony. Whether one follows a largely religious path, a largely spiritual one or a happy combination of the two, one will be at peace with humankind and the universe.
I then asked Punam Masi to elaborate on her own spiritual journey.
What has been your personal spiritual journey? How did it start? What are the significant 'milestones' you feel you've covered? Where do you feel you are now?
My personal spiritual journey has been most rewarding, but it would never have been possible without the clarifications I got from my Guru, Swami Akhandanand Saraswati.
It started when I was very young, and like all youngsters, full of questions for which I got rebukes, instead of answers! I remember asking my grandmother why Shri (Lord) Krishna was praised for doing things that humans are told not to do – like stealing butter, telling lies, flirting with the wives of the cowherds, killing his own uncle, and so on and so forth. I was told that what Bhagwan (God) does is always right, and should not be questioned. This did not satisfy me.
It also upset me to see poverty, cruelty to animals and hypocrisy in society, and injustice in big things and small – at school and at home. As a child I was confused and this confusion continued until I found a Guru who could give me rational and satisfactory answers as to why there is so much suffering in the world, why so much inequality of birth and circumstance. I could not accept that God was unjust or whimsical or cruel; and my heart refused to accept that there is no God.
The law of Karma seems the only logical answer as to all the suffering and inequality in the world. It reminds me of Newton’s law, that everything has its equal and opposite reaction. It makes sense that a person who inflicts suffering should suffer. Even though these things can neither be proved nor disproved, the law of Karma – that we suffer for our sins – is a powerful tool to make people think twice before they do anything they know to be wrong. My Swamiji used to say, ‘When things go wrong, think, “My sins are being cut away”. Do good deeds so that suffering does not come to you in future. When things go right, think, “My good deeds are being used up”, and do more good deeds so things keep going right!’ So, the point is, to always d good deeds; never do anything wrong!
The other benefit I derived was that I stopped feeling that I was unlucky, or feeling hurt when people were nasty. ‘I must have done something in my past life to merit this. Let me not blame them, because God abides in all beings, and let me be careful to not hurt anyone ever.’ This way, I was saved from becoming bitter or developing animosity.
When I began to get a glimmer of understanding about a universal Higher Power that was benevolent and loving, I wanted to offer thanks for all the good fortune life had given to me. I told him about my deep anguish at the way humans treated the helpless animals at their mercy, and that I longed to do something to create compassion for other species – and also other humans – in the hearts of people. He told me to go ahead, but to work with the feeling that I was serving the Almighty who abides in all beings.
The first milestone in my life was to find an enlightened Guru who was open to questions and could give me answers that I found satisfying. The second milestone was to start – at the age of fifty – active involvement in animal welfare. The third milestone was to retire after 17 years of a certain degree of success in animal welfare, and turn my mind to translating my Guruji’s books from Hindi to English. I felt that such beautiful clarifications should be available to the English speaking world, and if my wish to share what I’d benefited from was sincere, God would help me translate them accurately. By His Grace, I have translated 35 of my Guruji’s books and five of Swami Girishanandji (his disciple)’s, and written two. And, by God’s Grace, I can feel no pride in this, because I am fully aware that it is His Grace; not my ability.
Now I am lost in wonder that I am over three score and ten, and at peace with myself. Sometimes I feel sad that I have not got the bhakti (deep faith) I want, in spite of doing everything I could, to get it. Then I feel that since it is not in my power to get bhakti anyway, and God has granted me so much, He will give it when He feels it is time, provided I hold on to this belief and am sincere and honest with Him.
Thanks for listening!
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Thank you for the responses to "What do I know about myself?" !
QPdoll  Hi, Sonali. I, too, do not know what I would see in the Mirror of Erised. One of my greatest desires is to travel to Ireland. I would hope that's what I'd see, but one never knows. Like you said, it could be something I don't consciously think about. Great newsletter.
shepherd46 This was a wonderful and honest insight to how you feel and why you feel the way you do. I thank you for writing this because it will probably help many -- that is, help many understand why they feel and act the way they do. I know it has helped me. When parents are unloving or unkind, it mixes up a person--at least, it did me. They are gone now and I do still love and miss them but they also brought on problems with me and my siblings. But, that is a long story. Anyway, perhaps it is best to forgive and move on...Good and honest article. Morningstar
the Wordy Jay It sure was interesting to know more about you via your newsletter, Sonali.  Hope you had a wonderful 50th celebration!
gingerlyme I thought your fiftieth birthday newsletter was a fantastic idea - and I'm not sure what I would see in mirror of erised either. Enjoy your unsurprise party!
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Spiritual: January 31, 2018 Issue [#8718]
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