Robert Thurman is a Professor of Buddhist Studies at the Columbia University and President of the Tibet House U.S. His post can be viewed at http://bigthink.com/robertthurman/spirituality-vs-religion.
As explained by wikipedia: Spiritual matters regard humankind’s ultimate nature and purpose, not as material biological organisms, but as spirits or energy with an eternal relationship beyond the bodily senses, time and the material world.
Spirituality is often confused as religion or religious beliefs, but there is a contrasting difference between both. Religion is basing our beliefs on doctrines or dogmatic principles where as spirituality is based on living openly to new ideas and myriad of influences. Spirituality is less rigid than the dogmatic / doctrinal beliefs of religions. Spirituality believes that we already have all the answers and they can be found when we journey within. It also involves a more personal relationship or connection with an individuals ‘god’ or belief system.
Becoming spiritual creates an intimate relationship with our source. Spirituality may be defined as the search for inner peace and happines or the sacred – that which is not ordinary. It is the returning to our inner self, knowing your self deeply. Living openly with a willingness to question every value you hold, removing blocks with the ultimate goal of finding out who you really are.
Spiritual practices include those of prayer or meditation. Spiritual practices are essential for personal well being, these become the skills needed for managing aspects of inner life. This spiritual connection brings deeper meaning and insight to all life experiences, it generats the desire to live on purpose and with passion. Living spiritually is associated with enhanced mental health, marital function, parenting and coping and it essentially leads to the finding of purpose and meaning to life.
On life’s journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right Mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him. Buddha
Living Spiritually
Living Spiritually is a significant part of living to our full potential. We are all spiritual beings having a human experience. It is important to practice living spiritually every moment. This enhances our life experience and answers many of life’s biggest questions.
LIVE SPIRITUALLY:
Let Your LIGHT Shine, Practice LOVE, INSPIRATION, GRATITUDE……
Inspired (In Spirit)
Visit the Needy and Give
Encourage and Nurture Peace, Love and Happiness
Silence Your Self and Listen for the Truth
Practice Compassion Know we are all One
Intimately Reconnect and Know Your Source
Return to Truth through Self Actualization
Invigorate your Surroundings with People on the Same Spiritual Path
Tranquility- Reconnect with Nature
Understand and Fulfill Your Life’s Purpose
Awareness – Become More Conscious of Life
Live Openly
Live in the Now
Yoga, Prayer or Meditations Practiced Daily
We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.Dalai Lama
*********