Religion or spirituality – where are we heading?
Dharma is a framework for acting in a way that simultaneously activates self, others, and situations
Steve Correa, Raghu Ananta – Narayanan
A Pew study (2011) on religion in India confirmed that India is neither a melting pot nor a salad bowl and has changed little over the years. In contrast, 29% of adults in the United States today fall into the “neutral” category, which includes religiously unaffiliated agnostics and atheists. According to Pew Research, the existence of spirits is widely believed (83%). This means that they are less identified with organized religion. The number of people who believe in God with absolute certainty, attend religious services regularly, pray every day, and consider religion important in their lives is decreasing.
Interestingly, the survey found that 71% believe in heaven, 61% believe in hell, and 60% believe in both.
“None” varies by country, ranging from a high of 74% in China to a low of 2% in India. I hasten to add that one study (PLOS) found that atheists have just as strong a moral compass as religious believers, and that having a moral compass requires belief in God. The idea that there is is denied.
Exploration in Indian context
India is known for its rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual diversity and embodies a spirit of syncretism that embraces many spiritual practices. The country’s spiritual landscape is a harmonious blend of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and various indigenous belief systems. This syncretism is evident in the coexistence of temples, mosques, gurdwaras, churches, and other places of worship across the country. India’s spiritual fabric is woven with rituals, festivals, and traditions, seamlessly integrating elements of various faiths. The philosophy of unity in diversity is deeply rooted, allowing individuals to follow a variety of spiritual paths and fostering a tolerant and inclusive environment in which diverse spiritual practices thrive.
In the Indian context, spirituality, cultural practices, and religion are deeply intertwined. The coexistence of different traditions and an emphasis on unity in diversity characterize India’s view of spirituality and religion. In the Indian tradition, differences in the content of beliefs are not very important. The nature of the interface between people following different traditions is important. Therefore, Ahimsa and Satya are paramodharmas.
Indian spirituality often emphasizes an individual’s inner journey seeking connection to God and a higher reality. It involves self-discovery, introspection, and the pursuit of higher consciousness. Many Indian spiritual traditions emphasize the universality of spiritual experiences beyond the boundaries of particular religions. Spirituality is often seen as a personal and direct connection with God that goes beyond external rituals.
Practices such as yoga and meditation are integral to Indian spirituality. These techniques aim to quiet the mind, achieve inner peace, and explore the depths of consciousness. Indian religions are often referred to as “dharma,” which has a broader meaning than the Western concept of religion or spirituality.
Dharma is a framework for acting in a way that simultaneously activates self, others, and situations.
Dharayati iti DharmaH – That which sustains (life) is dharma patatam patitam patishyantam yat uddharati tat dharmaH – Dharma is that which regenerates the corrupt, restores the corrupt, and supports the uncorrupt. .
This central idea is encompassed in a variety of ways that make righteous living possible, including duties and responsibilities and moral and ethical principles that are in harmony with the cosmic order. India is known for its religious diversity. India has a long history of religious mixing, where diverse religious traditions coexist and often influence each other. The interconnectedness of different spiritual paths is recognized and a sense of harmony and unity in diversity is fostered. The Indian spirit promotes religious tolerance and acceptance of diverse beliefs. This pluralistic perspective encourages individuals to follow their chosen spiritual path while respecting the choices of others.
In the yogic tradition, acculturation is considered important for the healthy development of children into adulthood and the transition between maturity and old age. The underlying idea is fascinating. It states that growth includes psychological and physical maturation. However, for this process to be harmonious and for the child’s potential to truly develop, the social context must also be appropriate. These practices are lumped together as religious practices, but if you look closely, they are not teaching children about any particular idea about God or life. They are designed to evoke deep questions in one’s mind. For example, if we look at the main ritual of the almost extinct 60th anniversary celebration called Shastyabdapoorti, it takes the form of a dialogue with Kala Time. Her husband tells Time: Now I am wiser and understand you. I promise to act harmoniously with you in the future. please help me. “He then has a conversation with his wife and renegotiates the promises he made years ago. The important thing is to give the children a consistent worldview that is appropriate for each transition. These rituals Although the content of is different for each sampradaya, the principle is the same.
The way to ground ourselves in the Indian way in tackling contemporary problems is first and foremost to avoid looking to the West for solutions. These solutions are based on completely different ways of thinking about humans, the universe, and spirituality. Secondly, great thinkers proposed many ideas at the moment of independence. Gandhi founded the Navodaya school. Sri Aurobindo set out his vision for integrated education. These models are worth studying and emulating. They emphasize the spiritual and material aspects of life without becoming religious.
(Steve Correa is an executive coach and author of The Indian Boss at Work, Thinking Global, Acting Indian.
Raghu Ananthanarayanan is a behavioral scientist, yoga teacher, and author of several books)
