Spirituality and Religion

This is one of the most misunderstood concepts. Spirituality and religion are used interchangeably in day to day usage. However, there is a world of difference between the two. Simply put,
Religion: Following the messenger

Spirituality: Following the message

Nexus of Spirituality and Religion

Religion is a set of beliefs and rituals which are observed, followed, protected, and passed on. Enlightened beings who understood spirituality in its true sense, based on the circumstances of the time, along with the knowledge of spirituality, gave a set of rituals that would help seekers on the path of spirituality. This is to say, that during its inception, the purpose of religion is always spirituality. May it be any religion of the world - Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, etc. The purpose of all of these religions was to attain divinity. Along the way, however, with the passage of time, even for the same words of scriptures, the changing context opened numerous interpretations. There is a concept called confirmation bias. This means that one intuitively looks to confirm his set of beliefs and overlooks anything that contradicts it. That's why it can be dangerous at times to read the scriptures without proper guidance. If one is on the wrong path he may slide further finding wrongful justification in scriptures.

Which religion is the right religion?

Every religion which helps you attain spirituality is the right religion. Actually, there is no right and wrong religion, my guru says, there are only right and wrong seekers. It's essential to find the right guru who can direct you in the right direction. There is a deluge of 'dhongi babas' (impersonators) too.

My guru explains, that religions are like spokes of a wheel. While individually different, all lead to the same core of spirituality. There is no question of right or wrong religion.

How to know if a person is worth following as a guru?

Not being enlightened ourselves it's not possible to accurately know. But a few guidelines will help you develop faith in the right guru.

1. How peaceful is the guru himself? Does he get agitated?
2. Is he loving towards everyone?
3. Is he a blissful person himself?

It will help if the guru is able to communicate with you individually. So that he may give personal guidance for you.

Many people (especially millennials), in my understanding, are repelled by religion in today's context. Reason being that religion with its focus on rituals seems to have lost its spirit. It's like a flute without music. It's like a body without life. It's not meant to be so. Religious rituals were created to aid in one's spiritual quest. But without understanding the meaning, doing them mindlessly has led to repulsion from religion.

My opinion is, one is better-of being spiritual. Irrespective of the religion.

Disclaimer:

I am not a guru or enlightened being. I am a work in progress. My understanding may be incomplete. This blog is only meant to help clear doubts, not create arguments over what's right and wrong. For all those who have a different opinion, I respect your opinion, you may be right. This is, however, what I believe is right.