Spirituality vs Religion

Both teach us that there is more to the Universe than we can see and more to our life than the physical body but their approach differs. Religion serves you a set of beliefs and people as intermediaries between you and the Source. Spirituality encourages a person to define and connect to the Source as they feel it in their heart and mind. There can be spirituality without religion, religion without spirituality, and religion and spirituality together. They both agree that there are non-physical elements, to the universe and to our existence, that we can choose to connect to, in order to be fulfilled in life. It all depends on what you want, on what is aligned with who you are, and on how you approach it.

Religion:

1. Asks you to believe
2. Has dogmas
3. Wants obedience
4. Speaks of sin and hell
5. Wants to comfort people
6. Is external
7. Is the form
8. Wants to convert you
9. Is an institution
   
   

Spirituality:

1. Asks you to look
2. Has wisdom teachings
3. Wants experimentation
4. Speaks of karma
5. Wants to liberate you
6. Is internal
7. Is the essence
8. Wants to inspire you
9. Is a journey
   
   

These 9 points demonstrate the differences between spirituality and religion. I encourage you to read them again and again until they sink in. This is not to reproach anyone but to clarify how spirituality and religion are distinct from each other.

Shame and guilt are often pushed on people in religion. Whereas, spirituality encourages self-honesty and awareness. Religion requests that you sacrifice present attachments for a promised future. Whereas, spirituality requests that you let go of present attachments for a better present. Spirituality is at the root of every religious movement but, with time, these movements get distorted to become a social institution with dogmas, moral rules, rituals. No longer private and intimate. Religion says there is one path. Spirituality says each one of us has a unique path. The distinction between religion and spirituality is not so much about your beliefs but about how you live and what your attitude is.

GOD HAS NO RELIGION.

Gandhi

Even though I grew up in a semi-religious household, I have always felt spiritual. And with time, I have become a deeply spiritual person, growing and exploring life through anything that resonates with my authentic self. I read a great deal, I research on diverse subjects (such as quantum physics), I meditate, I pray, I dance, I repeat mantras, and more. Spirituality ignites me, guides me, gives me meaning and purpose, helps me develop myself to attain my highger self.

I hope this article brought some clarity on the differences and similarities between spirituality and religion.