Guest guest Posted November 7, 2003 Report Share Posted November 7, 2003 It is generally accepted that Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. It is so because there is a great variety of beliefs and practices among the Hindus. Hinduism is a fellowship of Faiths and Federation of Philosophies. We may reconcile this scenario by starting from spirituality, which is about the spirit, the Self, or the life principle. Therefore spirituality is a common factor that may have many philosophies and different religious practices that help us to grow spiritually. Regardless of these philosophies and practices, the life principle is common throughout the creation, among plants, animals, humans, and the rest of it. Religion is a set of beliefs and ethics, which one practices according to one's birth and the environment. Hinduism is the religion of the Hindus, also known as Santana Dharma, a name given to the Universal Religion, which hailed supreme in India. It is the oldest of all living religions and is not founded by any prophet. Purpose of Religion: The word religion comes from the Latin word, religio, which consists of two words, re (back) and lingare (to bring or bind). That which binds the soul back to God is religion. Religion satisfies the deep inward craving in man who is not always content with leading merely an animal existence and wants spiritual consolation, solace and peace. While the religions may be many but the spirit is one. Therefore the purpose of all religions is to help us grow spiritually i.e. bring us closer to God. Hari Om radhakutir ********************************************************************* "The Lord's blessings are ever with His devotees who chant His sweet Names and who work in the world as His instrument. Enthrone Him in your heart. Merge yourself in Him. Continuous remembrance of the Lord is the secret of success in life and God- realization." - Swami Sivananda Please visit our website on Vedanta: http://www.geocities.com/radhakutir ********************************************************************* - "sardarajitsingh" <the-hermit <> 07 November, 2003 12:58 PM Religion v/s Spirituality > Our beloved Pradeep wrote > Well, I didnt know that this forum was to > discuss only hinduism. I thought spirituality is not bound to any > specific religion. > Alakh Niranjan,>>> > > And By writing this he has knowingly/unknowingly raised a very > important point. What is difference between being religious and > being spiritual. What is the difference between religion and > spirituality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2003 Report Share Posted November 7, 2003 >While the religions may be many but the spirit is one. Therefore the purpose of all religions is to help us grow spiritually i.e. bring us closer to God. Post 5466 Radhakutirji >It is not necessary that every religious person is a spiritual person too. A spiritual person is the one who lives in spirit not in body. A spiritual person may not even believe in any religion. Post 5468 by dr Nachiketa >So, religious people tend to focus their beliefs on guidance from only their specific scriptures and believe only in one method of worship as prescribed in their scriptures. whereas spiritual people are ready to adapt and practice whatever nourishes their souls. Post 5476 Bhangra rapper -- As I read these posts, the question that pops in my mind is "Does Spirituality unite and Religion divide? _/\_ Tat twam asi Uma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Greetings to all. I believe, as a mystic, that Spirituality is about becoming one with God here and now, and putting dogma and tradition aside. Religion is useful to help children and unstable people in their lives. However, rules limit one's ability to partake of God's Spirit. So, meditation and contemplative prayer are the best ways to go to unite with God. He is Spirit, and is always ready to receive us. So, religions need to understand that their ability to mediate between a person and God is limited. At a certain point, God takes over, and 'religion' is no longer necessary. The devoted meditator, abiding in true spirituality, knows God alot better than someone who has memorized religious books. "Seek the moon in the sky, not in the pond." - Persian proverb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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