You are Religious or Spiritual?
By Mark Stainer
@MarkStainer (100)
United States
September 17, 2016 10:27am CST
Recognising that I am connected to the energy of all creation, that I am a part of it and it is always a part of me. Attaining Immateriality and Staying connected to this Divine Intelligence, Universal Energy, Cosmic Consciousness, at ALL TIMES is SPIRITUALITY for me.
It really doesn't matter, with whatever label or word we use to describe "it". Words are completely inadequate.
For me, according to me, my Intellect, Spirituality is not religion.
One can be spiritual and not have a religious context. The opposite is true too: You can be very religious with no spiritual dimension, just doctrine.
I warmly welcome Opinions, Comments, and Suggestions on this Please.
3 people like this
5 responses
@Shiva49 (26727)
• Singapore
17 Sep 16
I try to understand all beliefs and not get constrained by one.
I think all have their basis and also pagan slant though most say they don't.
I like also to align with universal consciousness as we are part of it.
I am not ritualistic but want to follow my inner knowing by listening to it.
It is the spirit of inquiry as to who I am that intrigues me.
I know we may not have the awareness to understand much but have flashes of insight at times - siva
3 people like this
@Shiva49 (26727)
• Singapore
17 Sep 16
@MarkStainer Thanks Mark, my pleasure to share my thoughts.
We share the air we breathe for our very survival and also the water we drink along with other vital resources.
Come to think of it, our contribution can at best add a wee bit to the whole.
We have barely scratched the surface of our potential weighed down as we are by petty squabbles including my god, your god, thereby losing the bigger picture of what life is about.
Whether we prove up to it or not our one creator will see his plans through with us being part of it or not.
The earlier we connect with the universal cosmic consciousness the better we play our part as co-creators.
That approach is necessary to get us out of the present vicious cycle of relentless revenge that Gandhi famously said "an eye for eye will make the whole world blind" - siva .
1 person likes this
@MarkStainer (100)
• United States
17 Sep 16
@Shiva49
That is so true. So nicely said Siva.
I highly appreciate the same. I feel blessed to be here on this site.
I've been looking for something like this, a platform like this since 2013. I met with an accident in 2011. Was on bed rest for around 1 / 1.5 year or so. That was a major accident. All I can say is that only & only because of God's grace I'm alive today. From that point, it wouldn't be wise to say that I've been reading spiritual stuff, rather I would say that Spiritual teachings unfolded & reached me somehow.
I had questions to ask, something to discuss, things to share, ideas & thoughts to share. And I had been asking the Universe to allow me & give me a chance to Share, Discuss and Ask from some Wise People (Like You), to have & get more clarity on my thoughts.
And At Last, I've got a Platform. Wow.
This also proves a couple of more things:
• Prayers do work. But they must come from your Heart.
• Teacher appears, when the student is ready.
I really don't know how, but this site appeared somehow. And I guess that I was ready now. This was the right time & Universe brought me here.
And, I must not forget to Thank You, really Thank You for taking some time out and posting your most Beautiful & Valuable comments Siva.
I highly appreciate that.
And I'm thankful to the Universe as I'm blessed with Wise & Good People around me.
Thank You...
1 person likes this
@MarkStainer (100)
• United States
17 Sep 16
I strongly agree with you Siva.
We've not been trained / told to connect ourselves with this Universal Cosmic Consciousness. Which is within everyone of us. Which is our source. It is a place we come from. But it's the only thing we know least about. Only because we've been taught to look outside to find anything. And it's the only thing that's inward.
Thanks for your comment & nice to know your thoughts on the same.
1 person likes this
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
17 Sep 16
While it is common to search for spirituality within ones own religion...they are not connected according to me.
2 people like this
@MarkStainer (100)
• United States
17 Sep 16
According to my point of view as well. You're correct.
So you consider yourself as a religious person or Spiritual?
2 people like this
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
17 Sep 16
@MarkStainer Trying to be spiritual...Its the only way to get through life :)
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@MarkStainer (100)
• United States
17 Sep 16
@responsiveme
Nice
And yes that's true.
I feel the same. One can understand life & it's purpose, only by being spiritual. I read somewhere that religion is believing in someone else's faith. And Spirituality is having your own experience.
A big difference in a believing & knowing. Mostly people believe, don't have a knowing.
1 person likes this
@moirai (2853)
• Philippines
18 Sep 16
Well, I was born into a certain religion (R. Catholic), and educated in mostly Catholic schools... But I don't really consider myself 'religious'. While it is true that the basic tenets I try to live by come from the Bible (the golden rule, and the 10 commandments), I would say I am more spiritual than religious, from your descriptions. I actually don't think that what religion you are in is important, as long as you try to live in a good way among your fellows.
2 people like this
@MarkStainer (100)
• United States
18 Sep 16
@moirai
That's True. I agree. I also think the same way, that nothing - Nothing really matters if you live in a good way with others. If you cause No Harm to anyone (Intentionally or Unintentionally). I think that's the way maybe we can call it as "Living God Centered" Life.
Thanks for sharing........
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@MarkStainer (100)
• United States
17 Sep 16
NICE
I think one must be Spiritual than being religious.
1 person likes this