Spirituality is a topic that has become quite popular recently, with many claiming to prefer being “spiritual” over being religious. Young people and teens often post philosophical quotes from ancient philosophers and saints on social media with the tag “Be spiritual!”. But does everyone really understand the concept of spirituality and its essence?
Spirituality is the science of the mind. Spirituality is about understanding our spirit, our soul, and seeking answers to fundamental questions such as “Who am I? Why am I here? Why was I born on Earth as a human being?” Spirituality is the realization of the truth about birth, death, life, rebirth, karma, self-realization, and ultimately God. Spirituality teaches that we are not merely a body, mind, or ego, but a soul, a spark of unique life energy. This energy is immortal, without birth or death, originating from and returning to a Supreme Immortal Power (SIP) that is beyond human understanding.
A community is a group of people who share a common interest, characteristic, idea, or ideology. Communities provide a support network for individuals pursuing a particular goal. But can community support foster an individual’s spiritual growth? While many communities claim to assist in the spiritual journey, true spiritual growth is a personal journey. The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is to achieve moksha (liberation or salvation), and each person’s path is unique and shaped by their personal karma.
Karma is personal and unique to each individual. No two people share the same karma. Therefore, no two spiritual journeys are the same. Therefore, while a community can assist in social, economic and religious growth, it cannot directly influence spiritual growth. Spirituality is about self-realization and understanding one’s true nature, and it is a journey that must be undertaken alone.
Although spiritual growth is an individual journey, communities can contribute indirectly. Religious communities provide seekers with knowledge of scriptures and help them transition from religion to spirituality. Religion is the kindergarten of spiritual education, introducing the concept of God. Spirituality, on the other hand, is the university, leading to the realization of the true nature of God. Religious communities foster the yearning for God and guide individuals to begin their spiritual journey. However, at some point, individuals must transcend religion to pursue true spirituality, often with the help of an enlightened spiritual leader. Spiritual communities consist of individuals at different stages of spiritual growth. These communities can motivate and support seekers by sharing knowledge and spiritual practices. The spiritual journey is difficult and often involves fatigue, loneliness, and monotony. Many who begin on this path struggle to continue without proper guidance and motivation. The realization of truth leads to contemplation, which raises many questions, doubts, and obstacles.
At times like these, a spiritual community or group of like-minded people can provide invaluable support. Through shared experiences and guidance from spiritual leaders and gurus, they can help each other stay on track. The spiritual journey is personal and each seeker faces unique challenges and obstacles. But a community can play a vital role in motivating an individual, keeping them on track and preventing them from turning back.
The role of community in spiritual growth, while limited, is important. While the path to self-realization and enlightenment is personal and unique, community provides a support system that can help individuals stay motivated and focused on their spiritual goals. Through shared experiences, knowledge, and the guidance of spiritual leaders, community can help seekers navigate the difficult path of spiritual growth. Ultimately, the journey must be made alone, but with the support of community, the journey is made more bearable and fulfilling.
