Category: Spirituality

By “Varshad“

What does it mean to be spiritual?

what spiritual mean? This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there are countless answers, definitions, and opinions. Some people believe that spirituality is synonymous with religion, while others view it as a separate entity altogether. Ultimately, Spiritual is a personal and subjective experience that will differ from person to person. This article will explore what it means to be spiritual and how it can benefit our lives.

What spiritual mean?

At its core, spirituality is about the search for meaning and purpose in life. It’s about finding a deeper connection with oneself, others, and the world around us. Deepak Chopra said the difference between religious vs spiritual is religious is when you listen to what someone else says about God. Spiritual is when you experience God for yourself.

Spirituality can be practiced through a variety of methods, including meditation, prayer, yoga, mindfulness, and more. It’s not necessarily tied to any specific religion or belief system, although it can be influenced by them.

Spiritual mean to being spiritual involves an openness to the mysteries of life and an acceptance of the unknown. It’s about acknowledging that there is more to the world than we can see, touch, and measure. This can be challenging for those who value rationality and scientific inquiry, but spirituality is not necessarily incompatible with these things, in fact, many scientists, philosophers, and thinkers throughout history have explored the intersection between spirituality and science.

One of the key aspects of spirituality is the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully in the moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to one’s thoughts, feelings, and surrounding, and becoming more aware of the present moment. Mindfulness can be cultivated through meditation, but it can also be practiced in everyday life by simply paying attention to one’s experiences.

Another important aspect of spirituality is the cultivation of compassion and empathy. Spiritual people often have a deep sense of connection with others and a desire to help alleviate suffering in the world. This can manifest in many different ways, from volunteering and charitable work to simply being kind and empathetic towards others in daily life.

Meaning spiritual

Being spiritual also involves a sense of interconnectedness with the world around us. Spiritual people often feel a deep connection with nature and see themselves as a part of a larger, interconnected web of life. This can lead to a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and complexity of the world, as well as a desire to protect and preserve it.

Spirituality can have many benefits for our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. It can also improve cognitive function and increase feelings of well-being. Cultivating compassion and empathy can lead to stronger relationships and greater sense of purpose in life.

Spirituality can also help us cope with difficult times and find meaning in suffering. It can provide a sense of hope and comfort during times of loss and grief, and help us make sense of the world when things feel chaotic and uncertain.

Different forms of spirituality:

Spirituality can take many different forms and can be expressed through a wide range of practices and beliefs. Some of the most common forms of spirituality include:

Religious spirituality:

Religious spirituality involves connecting with a particular religious tradition, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or Buddhism. This can involve following specific religious practices, such as prayer, meditation, or attending religious services, as well as adhering to specific beliefs about the nature of the divine or the purpose of existence.

Mystical spirituality:

Mystical spirituality involves exploring the inner world of consciousness and seeking to connect with a higher power of consciousness through practices such as meditation, yoga, or other forms of contemplative practice. This form of spirituality is often associated with eastern traditions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, or Taoism, but can also be found in many western spiritual traditions.

Nature-based spirituality:

Nature-based spirituality involves connecting with the natural world and seeking to develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. This form of spirituality is often associated with indigenous traditions or with modern practices such as Wicca or neo-paganism.

Existential spirituality:

Existential spirituality involves exploring the nature of existence and grappling with questions about the meaning and purpose of life. This form of spirituality can be deeply personal and often involves confronting difficult emotions and experiences in order to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and understanding.

Benefits of spirituality in one’s life:

Spirituality can have many benefits for individuals who practice it. Here are some of the ways that spirituality can positively impact our lives.

1. Improved mental health:

one of the main benefits of spirituality is that it can improve our mental health. Studies have shown that spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and mindfulness can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. These practices can help us develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility.

2. Increased resilience:

spirituality can help us become more resilient in the face of adversity. When we have a strong sense of meaning and purpose in life. We are better able to cope with difficult situations and bounce back from setbacks. Spirituality can provide a source of hope and comfort during times of hardship and can help us find meaning in suffering.

3. Greater compassion and empathy:

spiritual practices like meditation, and mindfulness can help us cultivate greater compassion and empathy for others. When we become more aware of our own thoughts and emotions. We are better able to understand and relate to the experiences of others. This builds strong relationships and a greater sense of community.

4. Improved physical health:

spirituality can also have benefits for our physical health. Practices like meditation and yoga have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve immune function. Spiritual practices can also lead to healthier lifestyle choices, such as eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise.

5. Increased sense of purpose:

spirituality can provide us with a greater sense of purpose and direction in life. When we connect with something larger than ourselves, whether it be a higher power or a sense of interconnectedness with the world, we are better able to understand our place in the world and find meaning in our experiences.

6. Greater mind-body awareness:

spirituality can help us become more aware of the connection between our minds and bodies. When we practice mindfulness and meditation, we become more attuned to physical sensations in our bodies and the ways in which our thoughts and emotions can affect our physical health. This can lead to greater self-care and a more holistic approach to health and wellness.

7. Improved relationships:

spirituality can help us develop more meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others. When we cultivate greater compassion and empathy, we are better able to communicate and connect with others. We may also be more forgiving and understanding in our relationships, leading to greater harmony and less conflict.

Challenges faced while practicing spirituality:

While spirituality can be a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for many people, there are also potential drawbacks or challenges that individuals may face as they explore their own spirituality. Here are a few of the potential drawbacks of spirituality:

1. Can be a source of conflict:

Spiritual beliefs can be deeply personal and can vary widely from person to person. This can sometimes lead to conflicts or disagreements between individuals who hold different beliefs or who interpret spirituality in different ways. In extreme cases, religious or spiritual differences can even lead to violence or war.

2. Can be a source of guilt or shame:

Many spiritual traditions have strict rules or expectations that individuals are expected to follow. This can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt or shame if individuals feel that they are not living up to these expectations. In some cases, this can even lead to psychological harm or abuse, such as in cases of religious indoctrination or cults.

3. Can be used as a tool for control

Unfortunately, some individuals or organizations may use spirituality as a tool for control or manipulation. This can take many different forms, such as using fear or guilt to keep individuals in line, or encouraging blind obedience to religious or spiritual leaders. In extreme cases, this can even lead to physical or emotional abuse.

4. Can be used as an excuse for inaction

Sometimes, individuals may use their spiritual beliefs as an excuse for inaction or complacency. For example, if someone believes that everything happens for a reason or that there is a divine plan at work, they may be less likely to take action to address social or environmental problems.

5. Can be a source of intolerance

While spirituality can encourage empathy and compassion for others, it can also sometimes lead to intolerance or discrimination. This can occur when individuals or groups believe that their own spiritual beliefs are superior to others or when they use their spiritual beliefs to justify discriminatory actions or policies.

What is a Spiritual Awakening?

Briefly stated, here are Deepak Chopra’s 7 stages of spiritual growth: Stage 1 is innocence, where we are born with strong spiritual knowledge and we feel safe. This sense starts to fade as we are taught to fit in. Stage 2 is when we are taught about fear and ego as we realize we are at the mercy of others. Stage 3 is our attempts to control our fears by working and becoming successful. This is where most of us are. But we have a choice. Some of us sense there is more to life and seek to discover what it is.

In stage 4 we think there is more and we feel generous. We start giving to others. But are we giving to feel good about ourselves and gain recognition or from a level of love and compassion that is less ego-driven? This is another choice.

Stage 5 and we long for enlightenment. We look for deeper meanings in life. We study, we read, and we learn. At stage 6 our minds fully awaken as we realize we are just actors witnessing the roles we choose to play. We don’t fear death as it seems just another role to play. Our choice now is to control the ego as there is still some of that around. The goal here is to recognize the ego but don’t let it influence us. And finally the 7^th stage – our hearts awaken and there is no separation. There is no sense of I or me, and a recognition that we are all one with the world and all creation. Our spiritual practice is pure joy.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, spirituality is a complex and multifaceted concept that can have both positive and negative impacts on individuals as a whole. While spirituality can provide a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection for many people, it can also lead to conflicts, guilt or shame, control, inaction, and intolerance. It is important for individuals to explore their own spirituality in a way that is authentic, compassionate, and respectful to others, and to be aware of potential drawbacks or challenges that they may encounter along the way. By approaching spirituality with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow, individuals can find greater fulfillment and happiness in their lives.

Links:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01525/full

https://positivepsychology.com/science-of-spirituality/

Author: Eleana Rondón

Prayer :

Prayer is one of the oldest human practices and is still present. Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Hindu or spiritual person, prayer can be a powerful way to connect with your higher self and get closer to yourself.

In this article, we will explore why prayer is important and answer common questions like why do we need to pray, how we should pray, and what to do if praying is not working.

Understand why prayer is important

Prayer is a way to connect with God, yourself, and the universe. It means communicating with your higher self. Prayer helps you to discover your true nature.

Prayer is important because it brings clarity and peace to your life by connecting you with God. Daily prayer makes us experience relaxation, happiness, and positive thinking.

 That helps us achieve our goals because we have become stronger spiritually.

Why do we need to pray?

Prayer is a practice that allows you to focus on what is meaningful in your life while helping you get through tough times.

When you pray, you connect with the highest part of yourself, a part of the universal consciousness. In other words, it means talking to your spirit guide, the part within you that knows everything about you and the universe.

When we pray for something, our mind goes into a relaxed state where we become more aware of our thoughts and feelings. It allows us to see things clearly and make better decisions.

Prayer for protection

If you feel an uncomfortable sense that something unexplainable is wrong and you feel off it could be negative energy sent from someone else to bother you. To protect yourself you imagine yourself inside of an invisible shell like an egg filled with light and you imagine or pray that everything negative sent to you by someone else bounces off your shell and returns to them 5 times more.

How should we pray?

Prayer does not have to be complicated. It can simply be saying thank you for what you have in your life or asking for guidance to handle a situation. You can even pray silently by just thinking about these things!

What matters is to focus on what you are saying and do it from the heart. Act as if whatever you pray for is done and has happened. Believe it, and be grateful to the universe for its help in making it so. Say thank you.

Prayer for a Friend

If you have a friend who is sick or going through hard times you can close your eyes and imagine the issues of your friend leaving them, think as if it is done and they are well and give thanks to the universe for helping your friend. As they say, believe it is done.

Who is God?

“I said, ‘You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you.” (Psalms 82:6).

This earthly experience is actually a co-creation exercise. We are creating our lives along with our creator together. So we are not praying to a Santa Clause figure, and this is very important. We have the power, not something or someone else, to make the world we want. This play we are in is very good at hiding that from us.

God is you. You have all the power and potential of God within you because God is the source of all energy, matter, life, and consciousness.

God has given us this power by creating us in his image with a mind that can think for itself. We use our minds to create things on Earth. We can do the same in heaven and beyond if we choose to do so.

Society taught us to believe that there is something out there called “God” who has more power than anyone else. Truth is you can find God within yourself: As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul.

If God is inside, why do we have to pray? Prayer is like a channel: we need it to connect with that inner power.

How does prayer work? Here is why prayer is powerful

Everything is constantly in motion and vibrating

 at the atomic and subatomic levels

Here is something interesting: everything in the universe is of matter and energy. The matter is composed of atoms and molecules. Energy makes atoms and molecules constantly revolve around themselves, vibrating and creating life.

That is the musica universalis or music of the spheres that Pythagoras spoke about. He called it “music” because movement is coessential to sound.

But what does this have to do with prayer, you may ask?

Well, the ancient sages understood the power of sounds to create. That is why they came up with mantras or words of power.

In this sense, a specific sound, word, or combination of words can influence the mind, the body, and the spirit. They can activate certain parts of the brain or aspects of the consciousness.

Prayers work similarly to mantras because they also employ the power of words. That is why Christian mystics had spiritual trances and mystical experiences while praying.

In other words, praying can put you in a condition where you are more likely to connect with higher states of consciousness.

It can reach the point of affecting three-dimensional matter. For instance, there is anecdotal evidence of Christian mystics levitating during prayer.

However, if you want this to happen, you must be focused and immersed in prayer.

Why praying is not working

Praying can work or not: it all depends on you. There are many reasons why prayers may not seem to work. Here are some of them

Lack of faith or doubt

One of the main reasons prayer may not work is the lack of faith or doubt.

In many religions, faith is an essential aspect of prayer, as your belief in a higher power makes your prayers effective. If one has doubts or lacks faith, their prayers may not be as effective as they could be.

But why?

When we say faith, it does not mean blindly hoping something will happen. It means knowing something will happen.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word “faith” this way;

“to believe that (someone or something) deserves to be trusted

His parents have always had faith in him.

We had faith in her ability to succeed.”

A child has faith his parents will be back by dinner because they always do. You have faith in your friend helping you because he never lets you down, etc.

Faith is a force. You create it in yourself when you experience the divine. The more you have mystical experiences, the more faith in God you will have.

And when you apply this force to your prayers, your words become more powerful.

Free will

In many religions, there is a belief that humans have free will, which means they can make choices and decisions that can impact their lives.

Sometimes people make choices that may not align with their prayers, leading to an outcome different from what they hoped.

For example, you may ask God to give you money, but you are doing the things that make you poor. The universe may show you many opportunities to make more money, but you ignore or reject them. In that way, we can be our own worst enemies by sabotaging the ideas that we say we want. Do we really, really want them? People can be afraid of both failure and success.

You are asking for things that are not what you need

There is a law of cause and effect, and everything happens for a reason, even if we do not understand it.

Remember, we are souls living a human experience. Our purpose here is to learn. If we have to experience an unpleasant situation, it is a learning experience for our souls.

Some experiences are ugly and painful but necessary, and we do not realize it. We need to see the bigger picture.

For example, if someone has a disease like cancer, there is a chance they will get better. If that happens, you can see how this experience made them stronger.

If they do not get better and need to pass away, we may not see it, but that learning deeply impregnated his soul. It will help that person be strong and wise in his next life (click here to read our article on reincarnation).

That does not mean you should not pray. The positive energy you send will help that person who is sick. But understand that everything happens for a reason.

Conclusions | How should we pray?

We must understand we do not know the experiences our souls have to undergo to become wiser. Instead of asking God to give us what we want, we should ask for wisdom, patience, and strength to continue our paths.

So, how should we pray? We need to reframe why we are praying. Instead of praying to get material things, we should do it to connect with God.

Prayer vs. meditation.

Also, if you have difficulty seeing the bigger picture, you may want to complement praying with meditation. Praying is to talk to God while meditating is listening to God

 (click here to read our article about meditation).

Here is a beautiful example of how we should pray:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

 courage to change the things I can,

and wisdom to know the difference.”

What should I do if prayer does not work?

As we have seen in this article, prayer does work, but not because of supernatural phenomena. Instead, it needs some simple things from us: a silent mind, deep concentration imaging what we wish to happen, and a faithful heart with the understanding that we are not praying to anything outside of us but to the creator that is already inside of us and thanking Him as if the results have already happened. Strive to develop these things.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33).

Author: Eleana Rondón

Have you ever experienced déjà vu or felt a strong connection to someone you’ve just met? These are just a few examples of what people often attribute to reincarnation – the idea that our souls can be reborn into new bodies after death.

What is reincarnation?

What does reincarnation? Reincarnation is the idea that the soul, or consciousness, survives physical death and is reborn into a new body. The concept has been a part of many spiritual and philosophical traditions throughout history, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and various indigenous belief systems. In recent years, reincarnation has also gained popularity in the West, with many people claiming to have memories of past lives or engaging in spiritual practices aimed at uncovering their previous incarnations.

Evidence for reincarnation

While people dismiss the concept of reincarnation as superstition or fantasy, many believe there is evidence to support its existence. For example, there have been numerous cases of people who claim to remember past lives and can provide detailed information they could not know through ordinary means.

Shanti Devi: A famous case

One of the most famous cases of past life memory is that of Shanti Devi, an Indian girl who claimed to remember a past life as a woman named Lugdi Devi. She could provide detailed information about Lugdi’s life, including her husband’s name and profession, the layout of her home, and the names of family members. Several respected scholars and officials investigated and verified Shanti Devi’s claims. One of them was Mahatma Gandhi.

James Leininger: Another compelling case

Another well-known case is that of James Leininger, an American boy who claimed to remember being a World War II fighter pilot named James Huston Jr. He provided detailed information about Huston’s life, including the names of crew members, the type of plane he flew, and the location of his aircraft carrier. Several researchers investigated and verified James’ claims. One of them was Jim Tucker, a psychiatrist at the University of Virginia who studied hundreds of cases of past life memories in children.

The Dalai Lama: A unique case

In Tibetan Buddhism, the concept of reincarnation plays a central role in the selection of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people.

The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is believed to be the 14th reincarnation of the original Dalai Lama, who lived in the 14th century.

According to tradition, when the Dalai Lama dies, his soul is reborn into a new body, and a search is conducted to find the child who is the new reincarnation. This process involves many tests and rituals designed to identify the child who possesses the spiritual qualities of the previous Dalai Lama. Somehow, the child can identify which items belonged to the previous Dalai Lama. This can be seen in the popular movie “Little Buddha” with Keanu Reeves.

There is another well-known book to the movie from the famous actress Shirley MacLaine called “Out on a Limb,” recounting her experiences.

Past life regression therapy

Past life regression therapy is a technique to help individuals explore their past lives to gain insight, clarity, and healing in their present life.

During a past life regression session, a trained therapist guides the individual into deep relaxation and uses visualization techniques to access memories and experiences from their past lives. The individual may see, hear, or feel things from their past lives and gain insight and understanding about their current life situation.

The famous book “Many Lives, Many Masters” by the psychiatrist Brian Weiss describes some cases of past life regression therapy.

What does the Bible say about reincarnation?

In addition to these compelling cases, some also point to certain passages in the Bible that suggest the possibility of reincarnation. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, it says that John the Baptist was the reincarnation of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet.

Most Catholics don’t see any connection here. They think this passage is symbolic and does not refer to reincarnation.

However, let’s see what Gnostic scriptures say about this.

Gnostic scriptures are a collection of religious texts written by various groups of Gnostics. A sect of early Christians, during the first few centuries of the Common Era. They believed they had access to secret knowledge, called gnosis, unavailable to the mainstream Christian community.

The Gnostic texts are considered a part of the larger corpus of ancient Christian literature. But they were not included in the final canon of the Christian Bible.

One of these texts is the Pistis Sophia, a dialogue between Jesus and his disciples. Here, Jesus reveals secret teachings about the nature of the universe and the soul’s journey toward spiritual liberation.

Among its many ideas, the text touches upon reincarnation, specifically the reincarnation of the biblical prophet Elijah.

According to the Pistis Sophia, Elijah reincarnated several times to fulfill his divine mission. The text describes a series of encounters between Jesus and his disciples. During which Jesus reveals that John the Baptist is the reincarnation of Elijah. Considering this passage and other Gnostic scriptures, we can have another perspective on what the Bible says about reincarnation.

Theories of reincarnation

While skeptics may argue that cases of reincarnation can explained by coincidence or fraud, many believe that they provide compelling evidence for the existence of reincarnation. Some theories suggest that a soul is a form of energy that transfers from one body to another and that memories from past lives may store in the soul and accessed in future lives.

The belief in reincarnation has been a part of many different cultures and religions throughout history. Some of the most well-known traditions that believe in reincarnation include:

• Buddhism
• Hinduism
• Jainism
• Sikhism
• Gnosticism
• Taoism
• Ancient Egyptians
• Ancient Greeks
• Native American religions
• Pythagoreanism
• Shintoism
• Theosophy
• Celts (some evidence suggests they believed in reincarnation)
• Some mystical sects in Judaism and Islam (like Kabbalists, some Sufi sects, etc.)
• The Inca and many other indigenous cultures in South America.
• Some Christian mystics

Why prayer is important | Hindu prayers to be free from reincarnation

In Hinduism, moksha is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, which means liberation from the cycle of birth and death. While one prayer cannot guarantee moksha, several mantras or Hindu prayers can help to attain this ultimate goal, according to traditional beliefs.

Mantras are essentially sound vibrations that have a profound effect on the human psyche. Hindu traditions explain that when a mantra is repeated with intention and focus, it creates a vibrational energy that can help to purify the mind, body, and soul and to connect the individual with the divine.

Prayer for strength

In the context of moksha, mantras are particularly significant because they can help to overcome the obstacles for spiritual progress.

One of the most well-known mantras for moksha is the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra. This powerful mantra is a dedication to Lord Shiva, one of the primary deities in Hinduism. In Hindu beliefs, it helps to attain moksha by purifying the mind, body, and soul.

Another popular mantra for moksha is the “Gayatri Mantra,” dedicated to the Sun God. The traditional belief explains that this mantra helps to purify the soul and attain enlightenment.

In addition to these mantras, many other mantras help to attain moksha, such as the “Om Mani Padme Hum” mantra in Buddhism and the “Hare Krishna” mantra in the Hare Krishna movement.

Who is God?

You are a divine being with a spark of God within you. That means you have the potential for unlimited growth, creativity, and wisdom. Your purpose in life is to discover and realize this divine aspect of yourself.

But this is not just about you: it is about all of us. According to some esoteric teachings, God chooses to manifest himself in different forms and experiences to gain greater self-knowledge and wisdom. Each soul is a unique expression of God, contributing to the overall growth and evolution of the universe.

As you progress on your spiritual journey, you become increasingly aware of your interconnectedness with all other beings. You begin to see that your path is connected to everything.

This is a complex and controversial idea, and not everyone agrees with it. But if it resonates with you, it can be a powerful motivation for growth and self-discovery. You are not just a small, insignificant being. You are a part of something much larger and more magnificent than you can imagine.

So keep exploring your divine nature, keep growing, and keep learning.