If you want to know the relation between meditation and spirituality then you must first have to understand what spirituality is.

What is spirituality?

There are numerous definitions of ‘Spirituality’ or ‘Spiritualism’ online and offline.  Most people believe that spirituality is related to God – the Almighty or something divine in any religion. Some say it’s the belief system where there remains no God or no religion but a practice of being pure in oneself. Some others are there who believe that spirituality is a way to make ourselves free from bondage of all our superstitions and biases.  Considering these thoughts, it’s obvious that it’s not possible to give a general definition of spirituality.

But I say in a very simple manner that whatever definition it may have, spirituality is a very elementary thing of utmost necessity to reach the pure state of mind. It’s actually our life style with particular thought processes and activities to remain pure with healthy mind and body. If you want to live a very happy, peaceful and prosperous life, which is actually every human’s wish on this earth, you must attain spirituality. 

Who does not? But how?

Well, here you go.

Let’s first divide spirituality in two types – Religious Spirituality and Non-religious Spirituality.

What is religious spirituality?

As many of you believe that gods, goddesses, mosques, churches and rituals are the way to gain spirituality, this concept is of religious spirituality.

It's a faith system of people based on their respective religions. To know the higher self or beyond, people follow rituals according to their religious beliefs. For this same purpose they do different rituals and different styles of prayers according to their religion.

For example, the Hindu worship many gods and goddesses time to time and meditate with Mantras in the name of those gods and goddesses. They go to temples and believe in idol worship even for meditation.

The people with Islamic faith go to mosques and pray in the name of Allah and do rituals as instructed in Quran.

The people in Christianity go to churches and pray following the instructions of Bible.

Similarly, people of other religions follow the rituals according to their respective religious scriptures.

So, now you understand very clearly that to attain Spirituality if you decide to follow the numerous instructions that are written in your scriptures then you would be going through Religious Spirituality and you would probably be able to call yourself "Religiously Spiritual” after really gaining it.

What is Non-religious Spirituality?

It's very simple to understand. The phrase "Non-religious" clearly interprets that this faith system is not related to any specific religion, religious faith and religious rituals. You will be able to attain Spirituality without believing any religion but, of course, believing in a power or something that comes from the energy of the universe surrounding you.

Now, you by yourself can be able to decide how you would want to go.

Well, which one is better – the religious one or the non-religious one?

It entirely depends on you how you would like to go. I suggest to have faith in only one thing and never criticize other’s faith.

As for me, I prefer the latter because I find too many rituals, too many gods and goddesses are difficult to be followed for such a very simple and great thing like Spirituality that leads to a peaceful and happy life. Actually, I have been practicing Non-religious Spirituality for many years.   

How is then Meditation related to Spirituality? 

Well, to attain spirituality whether it’s religious or non-religious you must have to go through meditation. There is no other way to attain spirituality than regular meditation. I shall tell you in my next blog what meditation is, its benefits and how to do it in the simplest way to control your mind for a stress-free life.  Till then stay calm and focused.