Hinduism and Spirituality

The Hindu Dharma is simply a view and way of life which can be accomplished by a self-conscious human being . Hindus do not subscribe to a set of beliefs because beliefs may be a view but they are not pragmatic enough to manifest into a way of life . You can go to the most remote village in India and ask them , “Where is God ?” and they will answer “ He is everywhere” . This is Hindu Dharma . It is a pragmatic view that beautifully unfolds into a way of life .

The Hindu tradition is rich with various religious practices and rituals that are meant to introduce spirituality in a Hindu’s life . There may be a scientific reason behind these practices and rituals or there may not be anything scientific about it . But , there is definitely the component of spirituality that is the underlying basis of these practices and rituals .

In the contemporary world , many neo-religions have come into existence . These religions are founded by particular persons and they subscribe to a set of beliefs . All the followers of neo-religions are religious people . There is no doubt about it . They lead a prayerful and religious life to prepare them for the hereafter . But , there is no such thing as spirituality in these neo-religions .

Spirituality is unique to our Hindu Dharma . Spirituality does not mean indulging yourself into mystics and mysteries . It is simply a search , an inquiry about yourself . When the word “you” is mentioned , it refers to “I” which also includes the Lord and the creation also because there is no second person other than “I” . I always look upon myself as separate from everything else that I see . But from the standpoint of totality , the observer (myself) is also included in all that I observe . If not , how can I deem it to be total when I am excluded from it ? Therefore , since I am not separate from the total , the inquiry about myself naturally also involves an inquiry about the Lord and the creation .

In short , the view and way of life that expounds the reality of oneself , the Lord and the creation is Hindu Dharma . Seeking the true nature of oneself alone is spirituality and without spirituality , nothing exists in Hindu Dharma .