SPIRITUALITY

  

ABSTRACT

                                  

Spirituality is being of the spirit. It is a devotion to the metaphysical matters and activities, which renew uplift, comfort, heal, and inspire us and the others with whom we interact. It is the development of True Divine being to the point that one’s spirit is raised to the Holy Spirit of God, the highest spiritual achievement ever possible. Spirituality is our unseen / hidden connection to God - to the totality of life and matter around us. We experience ourselves as separate bodies when both reason  ( metaphysics, physics) and mystical intuition show that we are inter-connected with all other matter in the universe as part of infinite eternal space (God). One should be willing to grow along spiritual lines not to become a Saint but claim spiritual progress.

ਮਾਥੇ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਹਥਿ ਮਾਲਾ ਬਾਨਾਂ ॥

ਲੋਗਨ ਰਾਮੁ ਖਿਲਉਨਾ ਜਾਨਾਂ ॥੧॥

   Maathhae Thilak Hathh Maalaa Baanaan .

                                                                  Logan Raam Khilona Jaanaan.                                                                                                             

Some apply ceremonial marks to their foreheads, hold rosaries in their hands, and wear religious robes. Some people think that God is a play-thing. -----Bhagat Kabir, Raag Bhairo, AGGS, Page, 1158-15

ਸੋ ਕਰਤਾ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਜਗੁ ॥ 

ਤਿਸੁ ਜੋਹਾਰੀ ਸੁਅਸਤਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ਅਭਗੁ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਆ ਟਿਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਤਗੁ ॥੧॥

so kartaa chintaa karay jin upaa-i-aa jag.Tis Johaaree Suasath This This Dheebaan Abhag . Naanak Sachae Naam Bin Kiaa Ttikaa Kiaa Tag

The Creator who formed the world, cares for it. Unto God I bow and offer my reverence; Its Royal Court is Eternal.  O Nanak, without the True Name, of what use is the frontal mark on the fore head, or the sacred thread?  -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 467

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Spirituality is preparing the body and mind, to receive God's inspiration and translating it into thinking, speech, and into actions leading to the development of virtuous habits forming good character. Being humble, loving and Compassionate is the Goal in Life leading to Spiritual Enlightenment, which is to unite the Conscious Mind with the Universal metaphysical, incomprehensible, unfathomable One Creator.

ਏਕੋ ਕਰਤਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਗੁ ਕੀਆ ॥

ਬਾਝੁ ਕਲਾ ਧਰਿ ਗਗਨੁ ਧਰੀਆ ॥

Ayko Karta Jin Jug Keeya, Bajh Kala Dhar Gagan Dharia.

There is only One Creator, who created the world. Without any pillars, It supports the earth and the sky.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1188-13

                                                                                                        

True spirituality is achieved by logically applying teachings incorporated in Sabd Guru that allow ego to vanish in the fire of Divine love and fear. Only a true Guru, who has achieved oneness with God, can give such true spiritual teachings. The purpose of developing our spirituality is to be free of spiritual ignorance, free of selfish or destructive behavioral patterns (renunciation/detachment) and free to return to our eternal home in God.

ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਾਚੇ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸਿਉ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥

ਅਸੰਖ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ਕਹਹਿ ਬੈਰਾਗ ਸੋ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ਜਿ ਖਸਮੈ ਭਾਵੈ ॥

Antar Joat Niranter Baani Saachay Sahib Seo Liv Layee, AsaNkh Bairaagee Kaheh Bairaag So Bairaagee Je Khasmai Bhaavai.

God's Light shines continually within the nucleus of one’s deepest self; one is lovingly attached to the Sabd, the Word of the True God. Countless detached renunciates talk of detachment and renunciation, but one alone is a true renunciate, who is pleasing to the Master.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 634-10

The original intentions of religions were to promote and teach true spirituality among all. But at present religions have become institutionalized to control their followers. But development of true spirituality does not require affiliation with any church or religion. God is the Holy Spirit and has no religion.

ਏਕੋ ਧਰਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੈ ਸਚੁ ਕੋਈ ॥

ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਜੁਗਿ ਜੁਗਿ ਸੋਈ ॥

Eko Dharam Drrirhai Such Koyee, Gurmat Poora Joug Joug Soyee.

There is only one religion of Righteousness; let everyone grasp this truth. Through the Guru's Teachings, one becomes perfect, all through the ages.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1188-15

The spirit is one part of the triad forming reality. The others are mentality, being of the mind, and sensuality, being of senses and body. These three together create reality. To achieve harmony a delicate balance must be maintained with contentment in the unity with the universe. Spirit is the non-physical aspect of existence. Mind is a bridge between spirit and body. Spirituality was the domain of religion but lately science too has developed an affinity towards it.  Liberation comes in living by the Sabd with understanding, inspiration, reflection, and devotion. 

ਸੋ ਬੂਝੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਏ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਭਇਆ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਤਾਰੇ ਤਾਰਣਹਾਰਾ ਹਉਮੈ ਦੂਜਾ ਪਰਹਰਿਆ ॥

So Boojhai Jis Aap Bujha-ay Gur Kai Sabad So Mukat Bhayia, Nānak ṯārė ṯāraṇhārā ha¬umai ḏūjā parhari¬ā.

He alone understands whom God inspires to understand. Through the Word of the Guru's Sabd, one is liberated.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Ram kali, AGGS, Page, 941-1

Modern “spirituality” seems to regard one’s faith as being more personal.  It is less dogmatic, more open to new ideas and a myriad influences.  It is more pluralistic than the faiths in established religions. Those speaking of “spirituality” rather than “religion” are apt to believe that there are many “spiritual paths” and that there is no objective truth as to the best path to follow. On the other hand there are many adherents of orthodox religions who consider spirituality to be an aspect of their religious experience.  They are more likely to contrast spirituality with secular “worldliness” than with the ritual expression of the religion. Others, of a more new age disposition hold that spirituality is not a religion per se but the active and vital connection to a force, power, or sense of the deep self. Some proponents of spirituality believe that the goal of “being spiritual” is to simultaneously improve one’s wisdom, will power and communion with God or universe. This necessitates the removal of illusion of feeling and thinking at the sensory aspect of a person. Guru Angad refers to it as humble selfless service of humanity, as a way to reach or please God to become acceptable for It’s Grace.

ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰੇ ਤਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਏ ਮਾਨੁ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਲਗਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਲਗਾ ਸੋ ਪਰਵਾਨੁ ॥

Aap Gavaa-ey Sayva Karay Ta Kich Paa-ay Maan, Nanak Jis No Lagaa Tis Milai Lagaa So Parwaan.

If one eliminates his self-conceit and then performs service, he shall be honored. O Nanak, if he merges with the one with whom he is attached, his attachment becomes acceptable.-----Guru Angad, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 474-10

Other spiritual proponents point out that spirituality is a two-stroke process. The upward stroke relates to inner growth and the downward stroke relates to manifesting improvements in the world, reality around us as a result of the inward change leading to serenity and looking at emotion and reason with the same voice.

The mind is a multidimensional aspect of “consciousness” most commonly thought of as being composed of the “subconscious” and “super conscious”. Thus, the mind may refer to the portions of the self other than the ego. Ego is the main obstruction in the way of spiritual growth. 

ਹਉਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਜਾਤਿ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥

ਹਉਮੈ ਏਈ ਬੰਧਨਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੋਨੀ ਪਾਹਿ ॥

ਹਉਮੈ ਕਿਥਹੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਕਿਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਇਹ ਜਾਇ ॥

ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀਰਘ ਰੋਗੁ ਹੈ ਦਾਰੂ ਭੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਤਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥

ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹੈ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਜਨਹੁ ਇਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਦੁਖ ਜਾਹਿ ॥

Haumai Eha Jaat Hai Haumai Karam Kamaa-eh, Ha¬umai  Ayee Bandhna Fir Fir Joni Pahi, Haumai Kithoh Oupjai Kit Sanjam Eh Jaa-ey, Haumai Deeragh Roag Hai Daaroo Bhi Iss Maa-eh, Kirpa Karay Jay Aapni Ta Gur Ka Sabad Kamaeh, Nanak Kahai Sunoh Janoh It Sanjam Dukh Jaa-eh.

This is the nature of ego, that people perform their actions in ego. Where does ego come from? How can it be removed? Ego is a chronic disease, but it contains its own cure as well. If God grants Its Grace, and one acts according to the Teachings of the Guru's Sabd, says Nanak that people’s troubles depart in this way.-----Guru Angad, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 466 

                               

However, traditional definition of the mind is limited by our lack of experience in utilizing the mind as an integral, involved segment of acknowledged experience. Laws of space and time do not bind the mind, although it is capable of having experience within space-time dimensions.  At its deeper levels, such as the subconscious level, the mind expands out into a gracious communion of cooperative venture with all consciousness. Therefore, the individual who learns the art of communicating with the mind enhances the ability to tap into universal knowledge that is both specifically life altering and of great importance universally.

The universal spirit is comprised of all of the living, self-aware forms of consciousness in existence within all realms of experience. The individual spirit is you, which recognizes at this given time as you are focused in on the singular signal or frequency that represents your current life. The ego is a portion of the mind, its physical face but its composition in its entirety encompasses literally unlimited realms of knowledge and creativity. Spiritually pertinent wisdom and knowledge reside within the mind, sitting in wait for the individual to stir into action and learn its language.

By altering the patterned performance of the conscious mind, the ego is gradually introduced to unfamiliar neurological messages that reside within. Thus the stance of the individual shifts in its relationship to space and time. Perceptions heighten, alternate flows of powerful and pertinent knowledge and creativity ensue, and the mind elevates to a new level of intellectual, intuitive functioning.

The Guru, faith, Truth, and the capital of God’s name are necessary for spiritual growth. Without Guru there is no spiritual Divine knowledge. Without faith there is no meditation. Without Truth there is no credit and without capital there is no balance. The best act is Philanthropy; desire to help mankind, without which human birth is accursed. Alms, gifts, penance and sacrifices are not at par with Philanthropy. This lead to spiritual exaltation and Guru Angad in Raag Majh refers to it;

ਅਖੀ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਵੇਖਣਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਕੰਨਾ ਸੁਨਣਾ ॥

ਪੈਰਾ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਚਲਣਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਹਥਾ ਕਰਣਾ ॥

ਜੀਭੈ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਇਉ ਜੀਵਤ ਮਰਣਾ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਿ ਕੈ ਤਉ ਖਸਮੈ ਮਿਲਣਾ ॥

Akhi Baajoh VaykhNa ViN Kana SunNa,Paira Baajoh Chalna ViN Htha KarNa,Jeebhai Baajoh BolNa Eyo Jeevat MarNa, Nanak Hukam PachaaN Kai Taou Khasmai MilNa.

To receive God’s grace, one needs the power to see without eyes, to hear without ears, to walk without feet, to work without hands, to speak without tongue -- to be dead while alive. Nanak, he who accepts the will of God shall be united with It.-----Guru Angad, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 139

Spiritual exaltation leads to the learning of greater penance than patience. There is no greater happiness than contentment, no greater evil than greed, no greater virtue than mercy, and no more potent weapon than forgiveness.

ਦਿਸੈ ਸੁਣੀਐ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਸਾਉ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥

ਰੁਹਲਾ ਟੁੰਡਾ ਅੰਧੁਲਾ ਕਿਉ ਗਲਿ ਲਗੈ ਧਾਇ ॥

ਭੈ ਕੇ ਚਰਣ ਕਰ ਭਾਵ ਕੇ ਲੋਇਣ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥

ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹੈ ਸਿਆਣੀਏ ਇਵ ਕੰਤ ਮਿਲਾਵਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥

Ḏisai suṇī▫ai jāṇī▫ai sā▫o na pā▫i▫ā jā▫e.Ruhlā tundā anḏẖulā ki▫o gal lagai ḏẖā▫e.Bẖai ke cẖaraṇ kar bẖāv ke lo▫iṇ suraṯ kare▫i.Nānak kahai si▫āṇī▫e iv kanṯ milāvā ho▫e. 

God is seen, heard and known, but Its subtle essence is not obtained. How can the lame, armless and blind person run to embrace the God? Let the Fear of God be your feet, and let Its Love be your hands; let Its Understanding be your eyes. Says Nanak, in this way, O wise soul-bride, you shall be united with your Husband God. 

ਪਉੜੀ

Pauri

ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਤੂੰ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਤੁਧੁ ਦੂਜਾ ਖੇਲੁ ਰਚਾਇਆ ॥

ਹਉਮੈ ਗਰਬੁ ਉਪਾਇ ਕੈ ਲੋਭੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜੰਤਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥

ਜਿਉ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਉ ਰਖੁ ਤੂ ਸਭ ਕਰੇ ਤੇਰਾ ਕਰਾਇਆ ॥

ਇਕਨਾ ਬਖਸਹਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਲੈਹਿ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਤੁਧੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥

ਇਕਿ ਖੜੇ ਕਰਹਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਚਾਕਰੀ ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਭਾਇਆ ॥

ਹੋਰੁ ਕਾਰ ਵੇਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਇਕਿ ਸਚੀ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥

ਪੁਤੁ ਕਲਤੁ ਕੁਟੰਬੁ ਹੈ ਇਕਿ ਅਲਿਪਤੁ ਰਹੇ ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਇਆ ॥

ਓਹਿ ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਬਾਹਰਹੁ  ਨਿਰਮਲੇ ਸਚੈ ਨਾਇ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥੩॥

Saḏā saḏā ṯūʼn ek hai ṯuḏẖ ḏūjā kẖel racẖā▫i▫ā.Ha▫umai garab upā▫e kai lobẖ anṯar janṯā pā▫i▫ā.Ji▫o bẖāvai ṯi▫o rakẖ ṯū sabẖ kare ṯerā karā▫i▫ā.Iknā bakẖsahi mel laihi gurmaṯī ṯuḏẖai lā▫i▫ā. Ik kẖaṛe karahi ṯerī cẖākrī viṇ nāvai hor na bẖā▫i▫ā.Hor kār vekār hai ik sacẖī kārai lā▫i▫ā.Puṯ kalaṯ kutamb hai ik alipaṯ rahe jo ṯuḏẖ bẖā▫i▫ā.Ohi anḏrahu bāhrahu nirmale sacẖai nā▫e samā▫i▫ā. 

Forever and ever, You are the only One; You set the play of duality in motion. You created egotism and arrogant pride, and You placed greed within our beings. Keep me as it pleases Your Will; everyone acts as You cause them to act. Some are forgiven, and merge with You; through the Guru's Teachings, we are joined to You. Some stand and serve You; without the Name, nothing else pleases them. Any other task would be worthless to them-You have enjoined them to Your True Service. In the midst of children, spouse and relations, some still remain detached; they are pleasing to Your Will. Inwardly and outwardly, they are pure, and they are absorbed in the True Name. -----Guru Angad, Raag Majh Ki Vaar AGGS, Page, 139

ਏਕੋ ਕਰਤਾ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥

ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਮੇਲਾਵਾ ਹੋਇ ॥

Ayko Kartaa Avar Na Ko-ay,Gur Sabdee Maylaavaa Ho-ay.

Through the Word of the Guru's Sabd, comes Union with God. There is only One Creator; there is no other at all.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1174-8

ਏਕੋ ਕਰਤਾ ਆਪੇ ਆਪ ॥

ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਭਗਤ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਪਰਤਾਪ ॥

Ayko Kartaa Aapay Aap, Har Kay Bhagat Jaaneh Partaap.

The One and Only Creator Itself by Itself, and Its devotees know Its Glorious Grandeur.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Malar, AGGS, Page, 1271-6

ਕਾਰਣ ਕਰਣ ਕਰੀਮ ॥

ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਰਹੀਮ ॥

Karann Karnn Kreem, Kirpa Dhaar Raheem.

God is the Cause of causes, Its Generosity showers Its Grace and Mercy upon us.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Ram kali, AGGS, Page, 885-8, 9

Any spiritual advantage gained by doing good deeds is lost if one becomes proud of the deeds performed or expects a reward in return;

ਅਹੰਬੁਧਿ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਵਨੇ ॥

ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਬਾਲੂ ਨੀਰਿ ਬਹਾਵਨੇ ॥

AhaN-buDh Karam Kamaavanay, Garih Baaloo Neer Bahaavanay.

Good deeds done in the pride of ego are swept away, like the house of sand by water.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 211-3

Conclusion:

Prayer, Meditation, Remembrance of the Word of God, Contentment, and acceptance of the Will of God are the paths to spirituality.  It can also be attained by Morality, Selflessness, Integrity, Honor, and Dignity.  Others acquire it through Trustworthiness, Restraint, and Deferred gratification of desires. As spiritual awakening begins, motivations inevitably shift from the egocentrism toward the desire to serve others. This kind of service is seen as absolutely necessary if the spiritual awakening and development are to continue. Ultimately, spiritual growth requires a life of service. Spirituality is not granted, it is earned through individual honest and hard work by following the teachings delineated in Sabd Guru and cleaning the inner filth though service to the Guru.

ਅੰਤਰਿ ਮੈਲੁ ਜੇ ਤੀਰਥ ਨਾਵੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਨ ਜਾਨਾਂ ॥

ਲੋਕ ਪਤੀਣੇ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਹੋਵੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਰਾਮੁ ਅਯਾਨਾ ॥

ਪੂਜਹੁ ਰਾਮੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੀ ਦੇਵਾ ॥

ਸਾਚਾ ਨਾਵਣੁ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

ਜਲ ਕੈ ਮਜਨਿ ਜੇ ਗਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਨਿਤ ਨਿਤ ਮੇਂਡੁਕ ਨਾਵਹਿ ॥

ਜੈਸੇ ਮੇਂਡੁਕ ਤੈਸੇ ਓਇ ਨਰ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੋਨੀ ਆਵਹਿ ॥੨॥
Anṯar mail jė ṯirath nāvai ṯis baikunṯẖ na jānāʼn, Lok paṯīṇė kacẖẖū na hovai nāhī rām ėānā

Pūjahu rām ek hī ḏevā.Sācẖā nāvaṇ gur kī sevā.  rahā▫o.Jal kai majan je gaṯ hovai niṯ niṯ meʼnduk nāvėh.Jaise meʼnduk ṯaise o▫e nar fir fir jonī āvahi. 

With filth within the heart, even if one bathes at sacred places of pilgrimage, still, he shall not go to heaven. Nothing is gained by trying to please others - God cannot be fooled. Worship the One Divine God. The true cleansing bath is service to the Guru. Pause. If salvation can be obtained by bathing in water, then what about the frog, which is always bathing in water? As is the frog, so is that mortal; he is reincarnated, repeatedly.  ----Kabir, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 484-14