What is Spirituality?
An Introduction
Before we can answer the question: What is spirituality?, we need to
gain a basic understanding of human nature.
The Three Realms
Each human being is composed of three basic aspects: physical,
mental, and spiritual.
The physical realm is the realm of the human body. It includes the
workings of the body as a whole, as well as the workings of the
various parts of the body, such as the brain and the motor and
sensory organs.
The mental or psychic realm is the realm of thoughts and feelings,
the realm of human psychology. It includes the characteristics and
faculties of the human mind, the layers or levels of mind, and the
various propensities of the mind.
The spiritual realm is the realm beyond the mind; it is the realm of
the soul and Infinite Consciousness. The soul may be defined as the
clear reflection of Infinite Consciousness and it reflects on the
mind.
In human beings, the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects are
highly developed, making us unique. We, as human beings, have the
capacity to understand ourselves and to realize our inner, spiritual
nature.
The Nature of the Self
To understand how we can go about doing this, we need to know about
the self. By self, we do not mean the physical self, or the physical
body, nor do we mean the mental self; we mean the spiritual self, or
the soul.
What is the difference between the mental self and the soul? Western
psychologists advance various ideas to explain the nature of the
self, but most of these ideas are at best vague and incomplete, and
at worst, totally incorrect. The mental self is our feeling of I-
ness, our I-feeling. Our I-feeling has various stages of subtlety
which give us our sense of doing and knowing. The difference between
our mental self, or the various stages of our I-feeling, and our
spiritual self, or our soul, is that the former is mental in nature
while the latter is consciousness itself.
The Purpose of Human Life
The purpose of human life is to merge our mental self, or our I-
feeling, into our spiritual self, or our soul, and then merge our
soul into Infinite Consciousness. In other words, the purpose of
human life is to merge our mind and soul into Infinite
Consciousness, and thereby realize our true spiritual nature. This
process is often referred to as self-realization.
As we endeavour to merge our self into Infinite Consciousness, we
also should try to perform as much selfless service as we can.
Spiritual advancement and selfless service go together. Thus, the
purpose of human life can be characterized as self-realization and
service to humanity (or, more broadly, the entire universe). Self-
realization and Service to Humanity is the motto of Ananda Marga
(the Path of Bliss).
The Essence of Spirituality
Spirituality means that which concerns Infinite Consciousness. When
we direct our I-feeling towards Infinite Consciousness in a
conscious, systematic way, we make spiritual progress. Conversely,
when we direct our I-feeling towards the mental or physical realms
without making any effort to adjust it with Infinite Consciousness,
we do not make any spiritual progress.
Spirituality is about 'oneness'. By 'oneness', we do not mean
oneness is the physical or mental realms, we mean oneness in the
spiritual realm. The essence of spirituality is to become one with
Infinite Consciousness.
The Spiritual Path
A time comes in the life of a person when they are given the
opportunity to decide whether or not they want to direct their I-
feeling towards Infinite Consciousness. If they decide they do, they
get the opportunity to progress spiritually this lifetime; if they
decide they don't, the opportunity to progress spiritually this
lifetime wanes, becomes unimportant, or is lost.
Those who make the conscious decision to direct their I-feeling
towards Infinite Consciousness, set out on the spiritual path. In
one sense, the spiritual path is the same for all of us: all
spiritual aspirants are endeavouring to merge their I-feeling into
Infinite Consciousness. In another sense, the spiritual path is
unique for each of us: each individual has to undergo their own
distinct set of experiences in order to reach the goal.
Gaining an understanding of the purpose of human life is the first
step on the spiritual path. Making the decision to direct our I-
feeling towards Infinite Consciousness is the next step. When a
person makes this decision, they become ready to learn spiritual
meditation.
Spiritual Meditation
Performing spiritual meditation regularly is how we merge our I-
feeling into Infinite Consciousness. Learning spiritual meditation
from a qualified teacher is called initiation.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of meditation taught today:
spiritual meditation and non-spiritual meditation. In spiritual
meditation, the mind is directed towards Infinite Consciousness; in
non-spiritual meditation, the mind is directed towards the psychic
and physical realms. Many meditation techniques involve
concentrating the mind on various mental or physical phenomena, such
as a candle flame, blank space, a particular thought, money, power,
etc. Such meditation techniques are non-spiritual in nature.
Spiritual meditation always directs the mind towards Infinite
Consciousness - the Supreme Soul.
The right to learn spiritual meditation is the birthright of each
individual, and learning spiritual meditation must be free of cost.
The simplest way to determine whether or not a particular meditation
technique is spiritual or non-spiritual is to find out if it directs
the mind towards Infinite Consciousness and is free of cost.
Qualified spiritual teachers, called acaryas, teach spiritual
meditation free of cost.
For most of the last 2,000 years, spiritual meditation was virtually
unknown in the West, and western philosophy said little, if
anything, about the purpose of human life. But that was not always
the case. Although spiritual meditation originated in India, several
famous Greek philosophers taught people about the purpose of human
life, practised spiritual meditation themselves, and initiated their
disciples. Members of other civilizations also practised spiritual
meditation. But with the decline of the Greek civilization and the
rise of organized religion, the practice of spiritual meditation all
but died out in the West. Over the last 100 years, however, this
situation has gradually changed. Spiritual meditation has again
spread from India to the West, and today it is practised throughout
the world.
Spiritual Methodology
As we make spiritual progress, we constantly need to adjust our I-
feeling so that we can function effectively in the world. That is,
as we direct our I-feeling towards Infinite Consciousness, we
constantly need to adjust our I-feeling so that we can function
effectively in the mental and physical realms.
This approach to life is called 'subjective approach and objective
adjustment'. It is the spiritual approach to life, and may be
characterized as spiritual methodology. The opposite approach is
objective approach and subjective adjustment; is the materialistic
approach to life. In the former spiritual approach, one's I-feeling
progresses towards Infinite Consciousness; in the latter approach,
one's I-feeling moves towards matter. That is why it is said the
opportunity for spiritual progress is lost.
By following spiritual methodology, we learn how to direct our I-
feeling towards Infinite Consciousness as we simultaneously function
in the mental and physical realms.
Spiritual Morality
Spiritual morality is the foundation stone of spiritual progress.
Unless we follow principles of spiritual morality, we will not be
able to meditate properly and progress spiritually.
There are two types of morality: simple morality and spiritual
morality. Simple morality includes secular morality and religious
morality, while spiritual morality includes cardinal human values
(ie the cardinal principles of human morality, or the yogic code of
Yama and Niyama, and Neo-ethics). To make spiritual progress, we
have to follow the principles of spiritual morality. Thus, spiritual
morality and spiritual progress go together.
Following spiritual morality is so important on the spiritual path
that it has been said: 'Spiritual morality is the base, spiritual
meditation is the means, and life divine is the goal'. Spiritual
morality consists of:
* External moral discipline: ie not intentionally causing harm by
thought, word or action; proper action of mind and right use of
words; nonstealing; to see the Infinite Consciousness or Cosmic
essence in all things; non-indulgence in superfluous things or
greedlessness;
* Internal moral strength: ie cleanliness both external and
internal; mental ease or contentment; going out of one's way to help
others or selflessness; proper understanding of spiritual subjects;
devotion to a higher principle of life or love for the Infinite
Consciousness (God).
What Spirituality Is Not
Many people today are confused about spirituality. They often think
that spirituality is something it is not. Now that we know what
spirituality is, let us look at what spirituality is not.
Spirituality is not following numerology, astrology, the I-Ching,
etc, merely to gain insight into one's life. Understanding one's
higher self is, however, part of spirituality. It is not New Age
metaphysics. Spirituality is not going back to a pre-industrial, pre-
modern lifestyle where one can commune with nature and be one with
the world; that is, spirituality is not back to nature or down to
earth. Spirituality is not contacting ghosts, spirits or dead
relatives to find the answers to life's problems; that is,
spirituality is not spiritualism. Spirituality is not taking drugs
to alter one's awareness or giving up everything to visit holy
places; that is, spirituality is not escaping from or renouncing the
world. Spirituality is not sexual union to gain intimacy in sexual
practice; that is, spirituality is not sexuality. Nor is
spirituality entering into a narrow relationship with God, following
a set of dogmatic beliefs, and hoping to go to heaven after one
dies; that is, spirituality is not religion.
Is spirituality yoga? Yoga does not mean exercises or yoga
postures. Yoga means union with Infinite Consciousness. Mere
performance of yoga postures or any other technique associated with
so-called yoga is not spirituality. Unless and until a person has
the inclination to become one with Infinite Consciousness or God and
directs their I-feeling towards That, only then will yoga assist in
spirituality. Otherwise, the so-called yoga is merely a subtle form
of exercise.
As we have seen, spirituality is none of these things. All of the
above are based on some kind of relativity; be it opting out of the
world, physical, sensual, seeking mental stimulation, intellectual -
they come and go. Attachment to or desire or addiction towards the
relative defeats the purpose of obtaining the Infinite Consciousness
or the Absolute. The relative world is a relative truth and can be
useful in establishing a congenial environment for spirituality and
the person who directs their I-feeling to the Infinite Consciousness
will at the same time see the expression of the Infinite
Consciousness in all things relative.
Spirituality and Religion
Perhaps the greatest mistake that people make when they set out to
learn about spirituality is to confuse it with religion.
Spirituality and religion are not the same thing.
The most fundamental difference between spirituality and religion is
that spirituality teaches people to become one with God, or Infinite
Consciousness. Religion, on the other hand, teaches people that they
will always remain separate from God. What is the basis of the
distinction? In philosophical terms, the fundamental difference is
that spirituality is non-dualistic, while religion is dualistic. In
dualism, the inner feeling and general tendency is to take it for
granted that there are two entities, the unit being and the Supreme
Being. In non-dualism the Supreme Being contains everything and
there is complete merger of unit consciousness with Infinite
Consciousness; the sense of I-ness is completely absorbed.
According to the cosmology of the main religions, it goes generally
along these lines: after we have lived out our life, we die and our
soul goes to purgatory, where it stays until the Day of Judgment.
Upon judgment, the 'saved' go to heaven and the 'sinners' go to
hell. The 'saved' sit beside God in heaven for the rest of eternity,
and the poor 'sinners' sit beside the devil in hell for the same
duration. According to spirituality, on the other hand, once we have
learned spiritual practices, we have the opportunity to complete our
spiritual journey and become one with Infinite Consciousness in this
very life.
There are many differences between spirituality and religion, but
the most fundamental difference is that spirituality involves
becoming one with Infinite Consciousness - one with God - while
religion involves remaining separate from Infinite Consciousness (eg
being 'beside' God). Consequently religions will always mean
separation of unit consciousness from Infinite Consciousness -
separation of unit soul from the Supreme Soul. However, in
spirituality, the unit soul is the same as the Supreme Soul, but for
the sense of I-ness and this sense of I-ness is dissolved through
spiritual practices. It is part of the Cosmic dance that this
Cosmic drama unfolds itself for each individual.
The so-called rewards of religions will also always be relative.
Everything relative is subject to birth, sustainability and decay or
generation, operation and destruction (GOD - the Cosmic drama). The
notion of a self or soul in heaven or hell is also a falsity and is
relative because where there is separation of self from Infinite
Consciousness there is the inevitable process of generation,
operation and decay. This is simply the application of the theory
of relativity. So, only by proceeding towards the Absolute is there
spiritual liberation or permanent spiritual salvation.
The Science of Spirituality
Spirituality is a science. The science of spirituality, or the
science of spiritual practices, is called Tantra. Tantra has existed
for thousands of years. It sets out in very clear terms the various
stages that spiritual aspirants need to pass through as they
progress along the spiritual path. The practice of Tantra enables
spiritual aspirants to move along the spiritual path in a smooth,
natural way.
In some parts of the world, there is confusion about the true
meaning of Tantra. People who have no understanding of spirituality
and no genuine desire to progress spiritually popularize incorrect
ideas about Tantra. They teach that Tantra is concerned with
acquiring power (eg occultism) or enjoying life in various types of
ways (eg sexual practices). Such people do not understand that
Tantra is the science of merging our I-feeling into Infinite
Consciousness by performing spiritual practices.
Devotion
The practice of Tantra, and thus spiritual meditation, is designed
to develop devotion. This is the purpose of spiritual practices.
Once the feeling of devotion is developed, it becomes possible for
the spiritual aspirant to merge their I-feeling into Infinite
Consciousness.
Love and devotion are not the same thing. Love is a propensity
situated near the mid-point of the chest. When the feeling of love
is awaken and channelled towards Infinite Consciousness, devotion
develops. Spiritual aspirants endeavour to awaken the feeling of
devotion so that they can concentrate their mind at the point of the
pineal gland, psychically advance in their spiritual outlook, and
merge into Infinite Consciousness. This is the inner secret of
spirituality.
Human life is very short, hence we should try to make as much
spiritual progress as we can by cultivating the feeling of devotion.
The Preceptor
Some people believe that they can make spiritual progress by relying
exclusively on their own efforts. That is, they believe that they do
not need the help or guidance of a spiritual preceptor. But this is
a mistaken belief. Just as the effort to be successful in any aspect
of worldly life requires the assistance of suitable teachers or
mentors, the effort to progress spiritually depends upon the
guidance of a genuine spiritual preceptor.
The guidance of a spiritual preceptor is so important on the
spiritual path that it is impossible for a spiritual aspirant to
make any spiritual progress without the Preceptor's help. The
personal guidance of the Preceptor is what enables the spiritual
aspirant to make spiritual progress. Such personal guidance is known
as the grace of the Preceptor. In yoga, it is the grace of the
Guru. Only God alone is the Guru and teachings are expressed
through physical mediums who are Preceptors (but as the
consciousness of the Preceptor is the same as Infinite Consciousness
the Preceptor can also be called the guru).
When a person becomes ready to learn spiritual meditation, they find
a spiritual preceptor according to the strength of their spiritual
longing. If their spiritual longing is extremely strong, they will
find a highly accomplished Preceptor, one who is well-versed in all
aspects of Tantra and all branches of knowledge. Such a spiritual
preceptor will be able to guide them successfully through all the
stages on the spiritual path so that they can reach their ultimate
goal. The guidance is in all realms of existence: physical, mental
and spiritual. The Preceptor is merely the expression of the
Infinite Consciousness through the form an enlightened being and is
one with the Infinite Consciousness.
Ultimately spirituality means oneness or union with Infinite
Consciousness. The essence of spirituality is to become one with
Infinite Consciousness.
What is Spirituality?
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