The True Spirit of Spirituality
Vikram Hazra
Spirituality has become a maligned word today. For
some it is a new fix, or an escape, or a business
opportunity. The concept is crying for a serious
reappraisal. Spirituality, in its true meaning, is the
study of that source of inspiration deep within each
of us, which is responsible for every triumph of man.
The human being is made up of matter and spirit — a
continuum of matter and energy. Within us exist both
these worlds; a feeling, flowing, ebbing, expressive
and dynamic reservoir of energy, and a solid,
tangible, motile yet inexorably decaying body. This
body, which grows and evolves till its end,
nevertheless has started to perish from the moment of
birth, only to be consumed inevitably in the fire of
time. The spirit, however, is pure energy, which is
neither created nor destroyed.
If we base our entire existence on or around our body,
that is, the corporeal or material aspects of our
lives, then we tie ourselves to the perishable and
necessarily feel the ebb. Tying ourselves to spirit,
however, we soar, having experienced the limitless
expanse of pure consciousness at our core.
In ancient times, a new student to the gurukul would
be initiated into the process of learning with the
Brahmavakyam, the cardinal line, Aham Brahmasmi
(verily, I am Brahman). This would be the first thing
he learned, and it would thence be the goal of all his
study. Through all his education, development, worldly
responsibility and success, he would be expected to
keep this goal well in focus; and his life would be
considered a waste if he did not realize or strive to
realize this experience in his lifetime.
Spirituality, thus, would be the basis of all his
activity, and would flavor his every action and
interaction with wisdom, foresight, forbearance and
dispassion; thereby ensuring success in every
endeavor. It is this flavor of spirituality which we
wish to bring back into our everyday existence; the
driving force of human spirit that is the essence of
who we are.
Vikram Hazra
Spirituality has become a maligned word today. For
some it is a new fix, or an escape, or a business
opportunity. The concept is crying for a serious
reappraisal. Spirituality, in its true meaning, is the
study of that source of inspiration deep within each
of us, which is responsible for every triumph of man.
The human being is made up of matter and spirit — a
continuum of matter and energy. Within us exist both
these worlds; a feeling, flowing, ebbing, expressive
and dynamic reservoir of energy, and a solid,
tangible, motile yet inexorably decaying body. This
body, which grows and evolves till its end,
nevertheless has started to perish from the moment of
birth, only to be consumed inevitably in the fire of
time. The spirit, however, is pure energy, which is
neither created nor destroyed.
If we base our entire existence on or around our body,
that is, the corporeal or material aspects of our
lives, then we tie ourselves to the perishable and
necessarily feel the ebb. Tying ourselves to spirit,
however, we soar, having experienced the limitless
expanse of pure consciousness at our core.
In ancient times, a new student to the gurukul would
be initiated into the process of learning with the
Brahmavakyam, the cardinal line, Aham Brahmasmi
(verily, I am Brahman). This would be the first thing
he learned, and it would thence be the goal of all his
study. Through all his education, development, worldly
responsibility and success, he would be expected to
keep this goal well in focus; and his life would be
considered a waste if he did not realize or strive to
realize this experience in his lifetime.
Spirituality, thus, would be the basis of all his
activity, and would flavor his every action and
interaction with wisdom, foresight, forbearance and
dispassion; thereby ensuring success in every
endeavor. It is this flavor of spirituality which we
wish to bring back into our everyday existence; the
driving force of human spirit that is the essence of
who we are.
The writer is program director of the International
Art of Living Foundation.
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