We are all probably exhibiting some form of what would be termed “spirituality,” and while we may not agree on the origin or definition of it, we do agree that there is benefit to centering our consciousness to improve our ability to reason and respond to those around us.

An interesting discussion, and one much speculated upon in classical philosophy, particularly those who wonder as to the nature of consciousness itself, such as Spinoza and Hume. Thank you for the opportunity to share in the community.

I say this because I believe we are spirit beings to begin with. Even though you may not be religious per say, you still possess a spirit. Meditation is getting in contact with your spirit being and looking at what is going on within you beyond your spirit, i.e., the mind.

Your spirit is the real you, your mind is the ego trying to control the spirit. Christianity calls this the flesh person. There is a war between your spirit and your flesh. If you have been alive for very long, I am sure you are now aware of this war. It sucks, but we all have it.

Now, do you have to go to church, the temple, or the synagogue to meditate, no, but by doing meditation you may find yourself connecting with God and wanting to seek Him at a place of worship as well.

Good question.

Peace and blessings

If we come to some agreement on what these words can (or should) mean then we have created a story about words. Aha! But they are still words, only now with a story attached. Each individual can then filter that story through their own experiences, prejudices, hopes, fears, etc. What remains? A word, a story and a person with the unique interpretation of what is said, felt and believed in. Does it bring you closer to being spiritual? Does it mean you are meditating?

To meditate…to be spiritual? Or, to abandon these definitions and simply observe what is happening right now. That is the choice. Shall we make it then?

Do we STILL hunger for concepts and meaning or can we NOW enter the direct experience of what is here? Before I meditate I must know….

Do we really want to look? Are we finally ready to see? Or, shall we play another conceptualization game? I’m waiting for the answer….

I echo your prayer on peace too.

“Many people, however, will say things like “I’m spiritual but I’m not religious”.” – I am one of them.
I meditate, but the meditation is not related to any religion per se. I believe in God, but it’s unlike the definitions of God that goes around in most religions and I don’t go to a church or temple either. I am spiritual but not religious ”

I am exactly like you in that way, Karthik. The biggest hurdle comes when people ask me “Do you believe in God.” or “Do you have a religion?” I often says “No, I don’t have any religion but I believe in God. In fact I think I am in love with God (errh, no, I did not say that of course.

In these day, even the word “spirituality” gets stuff with all sort of meaning you might not imagine. The line can get real thin. To some being spiritual mean you should be a teetotal or total abstinence from premarital sex or abortion, etc.

Sometimes I just find don’t know how to carry on any conversation anymore. I rather spent time in the state of “BEING” than “DOING”.

“May all Beings find Deep Peace and Joy”

It seems you’ve been enjoying listening to the podcast meditations and are getting something out of them. Beyond that, I don’t have an “intended purpose” for anyone who listens. Sounds to me like you’re doing just fine with the meditations! (We do have an online meditation course on this website if you want to go deeper into meditation, however.)

I wonder why you feel you need to increase your spirituality? Maybe you are just as spiritual as the next person (whatever “spiritual” means) and just don’t call it that. If I do have a purpose for the meditations, it would be to help people accept themselves just as they are, right now. That’s certainly been a part of my journey with meditation.

Thanks for stopping by. Your post really got some interesting discussion going!