What Does it Mean to be ‘Spiritual’ Essay Example
What Does it Mean to be ‘Spiritual’ Essay Example

What Does it Mean to be ‘Spiritual’ Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (1074 words)
  • Published: November 15, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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When trying to define what it means to be 'Spiritual', looking it up in a dictionary may provide some insight, but it ultimately falls short. The dictionary definition states that spirituality is something that exists outside of the physical or material world. Although this is a decent attempt at capturing its essence, spirituality is truly indescribable. It surpasses human capabilities of articulation. While we have an understanding of what spirituality entails, finding the right words to convey it is immensely challenging. Essentially, spirituality involves connecting with our inner being, a realm that goes beyond our immediate environment, worries, problems, and society.

Being spiritual means transcending our surroundings while also aligning with the universe. This may sound perplexing and it truly is. Spiritualism underscores that external factors like wealth or material possessions can never alter our inner essence.

Spirituality involves embracin

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g the magnificence, fascination, and enigma of creation while affirming our individuality and establishing a sense of self. This understanding helps us recognize our significance in the grand scheme of the cosmos, eliminating the need for labels or relying on others for definition. Spirituality acknowledges that all beings - whether human, non-human, or celestial - are interconnected and valuable. Ultimately, spirituality brings us closer to the divine.

Various spiritual methods such as Yoga, Meditation, Fasting, Isolation, Prayer, Asceticism, Reading of Scriptures and theology, Pilgrimage, Sacramental rites, Collective worship or experiencing God firsthand are believed to bring people closer to God. People engage in these practices for multiple reasons including the inspiration from historical figures like The Buddha and sages in the Upanishads who have used and succeeded with these methods.

Various methods are used to improve concentration, prevent the min

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from wandering, and maintain focus. These methods also help individuals attain a higher state of existence and become closer to God by transcending material desires. Some people establish a connection with God through symbolic artifacts and ritual objects, which serve as intermediaries. Devout lives are led by practicing techniques like meditation and mysticism. Lastly, individuals express their religious beliefs and feel a sense of closeness to God through creativity using mediums such as art, literature, and music.

Many individuals find that words alone are insufficient in conveying theological concepts, so they utilize creative methods to supplement their expression. Moreover, there exist numerous motivations for an individual's decision to become part of a monastic community, with one notable motive being the aspiration to break free from a society focused on material possessions and discover a more profound spiritual meaning in life.

Society is too preoccupied, causing people to be distracted and tempted, preventing them from attaining higher spiritual meaning. If they retreat from society, they can find peace and feel a connection with the surrounding nature. Monks often live together in seclusion to worship alone and share their spiritual journey, which is called collective worship. Many disagree with society's capitalist operations and opt to distance themselves from it.

Many famous religious leaders, including Jesus, have chosen to isolate themselves. Jesus is particularly renowned for spending 40 days and nights in complete isolation. Numerous monks believe that following in Jesus' footsteps can bring them closer to God, as it reflects godly behavior. Expressing commitment to one's faith can be done through various means. The most obvious and essential way is by practicing the faith.

Acknowledging oneself as a Christian is distinct

from genuinely embodying the Christian faith. One's devotion to the religion is exhibited through upholding its moral principles, values, and customs. Some endeavor to demonstrate their dedication by behaving with great piety, strictly adhering to religious teachings and doctrines. Additionally, they may frequently attend their designated place of worship, whether it be a temple, mosque, or church.

This demonstrates their unwavering dedication and commitment, as seen in their willingness to visit a sacred place. Moreover, they can enhance their spirituality and strive for a closer connection with the divine through activities such as yoga and fasting. Becoming part of a religious community is also an important means of displaying their faithfulness. It requires sacrificing material possessions, relationships, and familiar surroundings in order to pursue religious beliefs, thus showcasing steadfast commitment throughout their lifetime.

Examples of individuals who demonstrate extreme commitment to their faith through physical hardships include monks and nuns. These dedicated individuals renounce the ownership of material possessions and embrace celibacy and abstinence. The belief is that such rigorous practices not only exhibit their faith but also enable them to control their physical desires, thus enhancing their perception of their own bodies and the beauty of the natural world.

Some individuals, known as 'Ascetics', choose to isolate themselves completely from the world to demonstrate their reliance on God. They view this act as a symbol of prioritizing their faith over all else. Conversely, others argue that participating in a religious community is not about personal benefits but rather about giving back. By actively contributing to the community, one can achieve a heightened sense of spirituality and draw closer to the divine.

There are two main perspectives on why

people join religious communities. One perspective believes that joining a community helps individuals focus on their spirituality and remove distractions over time. The other perspective argues that being part of a religious community is rewarding in its own right. This viewpoint opposes the idea of joining for selfish reasons and emphasizes the importance of contributing and giving to the community. It emphasizes that believers should give before expecting to receive.

Some individuals may also hold the belief that the true reward is not attained in this present life, but rather in the afterlife. Others hold this perspective because they believe that God encourages acts of giving rather than taking. They believe that by giving, one is behaving in a manner aligned with godly principles, which is a reward in itself. Conversely, a religious adherent may express disagreement, asserting that the primary purpose of joining a religious community is to escape the chaos and turmoil of modern society. Through this newfound tranquility, they anticipate elevating their spiritual state to a higher level. By becoming part of a religious community, they anticipate achieving an enhanced level of spiritual consciousness. Many religious followers join these communities with the expectation of obtaining something in their lives that they lacked previously. They may argue that if their intention were solely focused on giving, there would be no distinction between their previous way of living and being part of a religious community.

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