Discussion – “Has Modern Day Religion Become Too Political To Really be Spiritual?”
By Sanjib Mukherjee,
In the ancient days, spirituality also spoke about the inner connection between mankind and the divine, yet today all we seem to hear about is one religion fighting another. Has politics overtaken spirituality as the essence of modern day religion? Would love to hear your views.
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Politics is actually Poly+tricks. It searches for the ways through which a politician can go to masses and use them as Pawns. Since Religion is identified with following some sort of organized practices, it automatically has the power to collect people. Unfortunately, this power to be One, is misused by greedy people. Greed could be in terms of money or more power.
But I disagree with the fact that politics has replaced the spirituality as essence of religion in modern day. Actually it has been doing so since the creation of this world. This is eternal problem that prevents the world to be absolutely divine. It is like satans opposing divine forces we used to hear in stories.
Haven’t we heard about Galileo who was forced to accept the dogma of church simply because he was advocating a theory which goes against something what religion was based upon.
That is why being spiritual has always been preferred to being religious. Ideally, religion just creates the environment around the person in such a way that person could start the journey inside. Religion is just a preparation, a map put on table, but not a journey. Journey is always inside, which is called spiritual.
Those who consider religion to be the way to go and the journey itself, finds mislead by head of religion. We hear fatwa by Muslims Clerics, Hindu Pandits looting Pilgrims in the name of religion, Churches involved in making money by forgiving sins and many more.
When discipline is thrust upon from outside it is a mob called religious mela. When this discipline comes from within, out of the innate desire to be together, it is called satsang. A satsang is not mislead because everybody is a leader from inside, as the experience of journey is inside. Religious practices are just outer preparations and it is not much different from etiquette that is followed in different societies.
Religion divides people ; spirituality unites people.
The problem today is the lack of understanding between the two. More importance in being given to rituals (religion) than internal growth and refinement of individuals (sprituality). People celebrate religious festivals just to enjoy and have fun instead of focusing on the true meaning of the celebration. Whichever faith one follows, he can be spiritual without hating people of other faiths. Live and let live!
Relgion has the scope of guiding people in the right path. One thing we all should remember is that we should never be misguided by the ancient scriptures. ( There are many so-called religious leaders out there, to misinterpret them and misguide the gullible masses). We should take whatever is good and shun those pracices which are unjust and unsuitable for modern day living.
True, today religion has not only become political but also a lucrative business to make money. People should constantly make a sincere effort to grow spirtirually with the help of good books, satsangs, yoga and the like…and not get cheated by the crooked politicians and religious folks who make a mockery of religion to further their personal interests !
There is still a lot of scope for one to be spirtual without depending on these external factors. That’s the beauty of human mind
As Kabir says,
sadhu aisa chahiye, jaisa soop subhay
saar saar ko gahi rahe,thoth dei udaay…
again, reminds me of “Fire burns but this doesn’t mean we should blame fire. We should use it cautiously”
Religion is open for all….It is meant to drive spiritual thoughts.. But spirituality can be reached by many paths and religion provides a path and discipline to reach it. People are free to choose their path to spirituality , but at the asme time they should be willing to accept themselves. Understanding oneself and accepting it is the most important aspect of spirituality
But in todays environment people use Everything for any purpose as they please …more importantly to suit their desires …….
Its not just politicians, people also use religion (or knowledge of religion and its practices) to cover their shortcomings and dont want others to know about it. These are the worst of the lot.
Like “Management” is for the good of any Organization and its employees. But dont we see it being used for selfish motives and then the same people reflect on the glory of their management practices showing no moral obligations….
Your topic is good and keep it up.
@ Vinay very nice in details…. =)
For me, religion is the bowl that carries the spiritual nectar within it. Perhaps too many people have become obsessed with the bowl and forgotten about the juice inside.
I firmly believe everybody is inherently spiritual (whether they realise it or not) and religion should be used as a guiding light to help connect with the divinity within us all.
If a few religious leaders do lead people away from the truth, I firmly believe it to be the responsibility for those in true knowledge to stand up and fight such nonsense.
Ancient yogis were also warriors in the mind, we need more people today who will be prepared to fight for dharma (righteousness).
WOW Sanjib very nice example of BOWL AND NECTAR..
very true…peopl these days more bothered about the design and looks of bowl ..so they sometime forget to feel what is inside it or perhaps they never wished to drink nectar
….yes sprituality should be encouraged by guidelines of religion..but should not be given stress to which religion is there…as every religion has so many FANTASTIC ASPECTS..SO LIKE AKBAR WE SHOULD BELIEVE IN ONE RELIGION DEENE..ILAHI….universal love for all…
thank you so much for sharing your point of view…:)”
well said latha..
Its upto the person to keep politics away and focus only on what spirituality actually is all about. He/She should first be aware whether it is political or spiritual enlightment that he/she is being seeking.
Religion and spirituality are no more synonimous….?
Wow! again a very good discussons! I like whatever Vinay said. ha ha..I was going to say something like that ..but in simple words..but now since I see he said every possible things.., I don’t dare to talk anymore..but wanted to appreciate..Thanks Vinay and Sanjib!!
pranam! the feeling…the faith arises from within…just like the pearl…the glow comes from within… if one has reached the epicentre, then the title “religion” seems to be meaningless.
Beautifully put, Sanjib. The spirit is the nectar contained in the ‘religious bowl’.
Another simily comes to my mind; that of the ‘rasgulla’.
Religious dogmas and theories, practices and rituals without the underlying spirit of brotherhood, of love, compassion and tolerence is like the ‘gulla’ sans its ‘ras’.
Also, I dont believe that politicised religion has taken over the world. Although the media like to project more of that aspect of reality because it is more sensational, it is not so. I believe that man has evolved enought to recognise the ‘spiritual’ in him. Despite the mindlessnes of the’mindless’ some, the world is moving in the right direction and is now absolutely ready for the ‘great change’ that is going to manifest as per the mayan writings…
In today’s practical world, a religion became truly political
When there will be a practice of an universal religion called HUMANITY, it will make the life truly worthful to live in
human revoloution is most important…first lets bee a better human first by revoloution in our body,mind and soul…lets all make a vow for havin an immense courage,wisdom and compassion inside us. if v change ourselves ,our families,our neighbourhood,our city ….the day wont be far when we can change our country..according to me being spiritual is to connect with everyone in your environment. ur friends,parents,teachers,colleagues,elders,kids….everyone…if we all start connecting to the masses..our weakness,strenght,emotions and every abstract feeling around us….then v can actually be spiritual!!