In a recent conversation about spirituality, someone mentioned that there are all sorts of opinions out there. Suddenly it struck me. Today’s arena of spirituality is a free-for-all. Science is different. In science, things are logically verifiable, or at least justifiable and reasonable. Spirituality is plagued with superstition, convention, indoctrination, and emotionalism. For that reason, pretty much anything goes. Most everyone has already formed an opinion. This is all compounded by the fact that spirituality is generally approached as an escape from having to really think. It is not generally considered to be an arena where things need to make sense. Therefore, a rational approach to spirituality is viewed as just another opinion.
Can you imagine if the field of science was riddled with nothing other than irrational opinions, one valued just as much as the other? If so, there would be no telephone, no automobiles, no television… basically just the Stone Age. Sadly, that is the state of spirituality in the world today. Just as the ancient Rishis said, this is Kali Yuga – the Age of Ignor-ance. This is further compounded in that people commonly take offense at the very idea of taking a critical look at their perspective on spirituality. What a mess.
This all started when the scientific age was in its infancy. The very tenets of spirituality made no sense to those scientific novices. Today, science has advanced sufficiently enough to actually make sense of spirituality. Thusly, the wheat is separated from the chaff. Superstition, emotionalism, indoctrination, and irrationality are filtered out of the field of spirituality. As with science, there is no longer room for a free-for-all of random opinions. Adi Shankara referred to this process as discernment. Discernment is integration of all aspects of awareness – the rational with the emotional, the thinking with the feeling, the heart with the mind. That integration is practically non-existent today. Even those who attempt to approach spirituality from a rational perspective have, for the most part, been unable to put all the pieces together. The true art of discernment has fallen by the wayside. The degree to which someone is spiritual is determined by how fully indoctrinated they are to a particular dogma.
I trust that, at this point, stating that spirituality needs to be redefined will not be viewed as just another opinion. So what is spirituality? Let’s define spirituality as the field that integrates all fields of life into a unified whole. A spiritual life, then, is a life that strives to attain that level of wisdom, knowledge, insight, and understanding. This demands vision, a willingness to look beyond what you currently know, while at the same time looking directly into the face of what you do know, and questioning it: the art of discernment.
Awesome!
I am so thankful for how smooth this information goes in.So profound yet so simple. I wish that these thoughts could reach across the world and give people a reason to pause and possibly reevaluate there position on the subject. It is clear to me that if this is read and does stir emotions, like anger or insult, reevaluation is likely necessary.
Thank you Brahmarshi..a great start to my day
Beautifully said.
I marvel at the gap that exists between my enthusiasm to become “spiritual” and the magnitude of the commitment necessary for achievement. Realizing all the while it is not a destination but a journey.
What about what seems to have happened a bit in the arena of science, when scientists are put into a position of proving a point of view instead of uncovering what is accurate? It seems that even the field of science is a free for all for someone’s opinion or of what someone wants the truth to be, for their own gain.
You make such a great point. Spirituality is a free-for-all. One opinion is considered as good as another.
I wonder if discernment isn’t practiced more because in order to discern, you have to feel how much you don’t know. It requires self-honesty in terms of what you’re capable of feeling and understanding, and what you’re not.
It also requires awareness of subtle levels that you’re not necessarily used to paying attention to. The experience is sometimes like trying to go beyond what you think you’re capable of. It really stretches you.
What a great blog! This is exactly what the world needs to hear. There’s got to be plenty of people out there who want to hear this message and who want to understand a spirituality that makes sense. Beautiful!
Awesome blog.”Discernment is integration of all aspects of awareness – the rational with the emotional, the thinking with the feeling, the heart with the mind.” I’ve found on my path how critical humility is in that discernment, to honestly look at what I’m holding on to, my belief systems and preconceived notions. Self-honesty is such an important step in the discernment process, and it’s a process…I was horrified recently to realize I was turning your teachings into a belief system, becoming dogmatic in my thinking, and I so appreciated your caution (that resonated in my heart) not to do that. It was a humbling experience but a good one, freeing. I realized I didn’t have to have it all figured out and tied up in a neat little box (to set on my closet shelf, heaven forbid!)Traversing the razor’s edge (at least trying my best!) and so grateful for your guidance and wisdom.
Marianne,
What you say does indeed occur on the fringe of science, but is not really science at that point but is actually the politics around the science.
There is also the arena of theory, like theoretical physics for example. There they are trying to work out the science but are still in the exploration of it.
Thank you again for saying this so simply. We as a species may get there. But like all good things, it takes time.
Thank you Dr. Mamas for showing us the way towards developing discernment. It has been an incredible journey and I look forward to seeing what is around the next corner.
Awesome blog. Best definition of “spirituality” EVER!!!
Amazing!
The best perspective on spirituality I have encountered. Thanks.