Spiritualism, spirituality, spiritual, and the spirit
The above-said terms, even though related, have distinct meanings.
-Spiritualism is more of a religious movement focused on the afterlife and communication with the spirits of the deceased.
Neo or modern spiritualism, to a great extent, comprehends the interaction between the intangible metaphysical reality of the universe and the material existence of matter and consciousness to express that creator and creation are the same and not two. It primarily focuses upon self-knowledge to explore ‘who you are’ beyond your body and mind.
-Spirituality, on the other hand, is that experiential journey of the spirit and the soul within the human mind to engage and exercise with methods and practices of introspection, yoga, mindfulness, empathy, and compassion to awaken that divine within via divinity, humility, clarity, and stability. It leads one towards the awakening of the soul, which guides and checks the brain and its body. It is the spirit in motion – spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Spiritual effectuates that we are spiritual beings going through human experiences transcending from lower to higher consciousness. Spiritual people believe beyond the body and mind to unravel the mysterious soul and experience the same. They gain self-knowledge and self-awareness through various spiritual practices to balance the material with the spiritual soul.
The spirit is the supreme ability of non-dual cosmic energy present in the mind in the form of intuitive awareness. It is that metaphysical subjective reality of ‘who you are’ wherein consciousness is the objective reality of ‘what you are.’ The spirit and the soul combine to check and guide your body and mind, which is the vital principle that animates living beings.
The concept of “spiritualism” and its relationship with the term “spirit” has intrigued humanity for centuries. The spiritual essence exists beyond the physical body’s limitations and our five senses for perception. Despite our advanced scientific knowledge, no instruments can directly detect or quantify the spirit. However, our inability to empirically measure does not lead us to dismiss its existence entirely. If that were the case, “soul” or “life force” would not have emerged and gained recognition as synonyms for this intangible concept. Equivalent terms can be found in numerous languages worldwide, such as “atma” in Hinduism.
Further, transitioning from a material to a spiritual approach is not straightforward. The journey toward spirituality is bound to be lengthy for a material-oriented person.
Although others may not readily make any changes based solely on one’s outward appearance, in this journey, one’s entire internal world undergoes a profound transformation. To become spiritual, one need not withdraw from the material world; instead, one needs to balance the intangible aspects of life.
Once you comprehend how the mind interacts with the supreme ability of the cosmos embedded within its mind, it empowers the human mind to explore and discover from the stars to the sub-atomic particles. You realize the meaning behind the proclamation of the creator and the creation being the same since two cannot exist in non-duality, unlike what all religions claim, where both are distinctively separate.
In conclusion, the divine resides within you, which expresses itself from your acts of virtuous deeds in divinity for that divineness, which we desperately require today.
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