What is Spirituality

Okay! We have perhaps started one of the most debated and difficult topic to discuss, and perhaps we would not be able to come to a single point at the end of our discussion. But this is what we are here for: to discuss various points offered by different classes or sets of people, who somehow or other, strive to follow the spiritual path, namely, monotheists, polytheists, humanists, and people from various walks of life.

Well, it is generally believed that a person who is attracted by any spiritual aspect or possess an inclination to find out facts about spirituality can't resist from reading some books or going through the studentship of some teachers, who might be offering guidance on various spiritual topics. This is where the person gets exposed to the world, which is wider than what he or she thought previously, and as diverse as he or she could never imagine! So different notions and conceptions about spirituality are quite obvious, and there is nothing so strange about them.

Spirituality is whole in itself, though different people are exposed to different fragments of its stature-meditation, healing, mental calm, stress relieving, humanitarian aspects, and other similar things. Though the realization of one's true identity and the mergence with God is believed to be the highest aim of any spiritual practice! When we say the spirituality is whole, it certainly means that exercises of all kinds that cater to the needs of body and mind are also necessary. For, if you want to control your mind, you must have a sound body, which allows you to relax and gain calm-this allows traveling for higher regions of spirituality. Some people deride physical practices undergone to attain the strength for spiritual practices, and some people limit themselves to physical practices and continue to be unaware of the higher regions of spirituality: both are right at their own place, but there is no need to point out who is wrong or right.

Some people think that spirituality is for people who have no other better work to do, or do not possess necessary strength and faculty of expertise, which can help them to excel in worldly affairs-it is like sitting on the seashore and claiming that the people who dive for pearls do not have the necessary skills to live on land! They can never enjoy the diving; leave aside the question of finding the pearls that lie deep beneath the seawater.

Another notion about spirituality and spiritual matters is that it should be considered at elderly age, and while you are young and fit, where is the need of spirituality and who cares what is body, mind, and spirit. It is also seen that people who face some difficulty in leading a normal life due to some great reason like death of someone, disability, failure in some bid ventures, or similar stimuli, turns to spirituality to find the peace of mind. There is nothing wrong in it, but certainly spirituality is for everyone-a child, a young adult, old age, men and women, and everyone from everywhere! There is no distinction or categorization to follow any spiritual path or practice, or to be spiritual in any way.

Spirituality needed in present age

The need of spirituality and its various practice is enhanced in the present age, as we can see great confusion and fear among the masses, and people are finding it difficult to cope with the stress and pressure that is being generated in the world, which is running blindly in the name of advancement, but have no control, whatsoever!

Dependence of drugs and cases of suicide are increasing day by day, and younger generation is not finding the right path to move ahead-this is where spirituality can play a great role in controlling and managing the things for people, where they can relax, be calm, and enjoy the things of this world without being possessive about them, and leaving them at the disposal of everybody. The relaxation effect of spirituality on body and mind attracts many seekers, and provides immediate relief from the problems of this world!

© 2006, Davis Virtual Assistance. This article may not be reprinted or copied on any type of media either in part or in whole.

Vivek Kumar is an experienced writer of non-fiction and poetry who especially enjoys writing about spirituality topics. For more wisdom from Vivek or to inquire about his freelance writing services please visit his blog at http://www.singhalresume.blogspot.com