I believe there is an important distinction to be made between religion and spirituality. Religion I take to be concerned with belief in the claims to salvation of one faith tradition or another-- an aspect of which is acceptance of some form of meta-physical or philosophical reality, including perhaps an idea of heaven or hell. Connected with this are religious teachings or dogma, ritual, prayers and so on. Spirituality I take to be concerned with those qualities of the human spirit-- such as love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, a sense of responsibility, a sense of harmony, which bring happiness to both self and others.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Namaste
Peace and Love
2007-02-27
00:57:35
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13 answers
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asked by
digilook
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Society & Culture
➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well stated. For example, if spirituality is the sum total of those qualities that make you a fine professional, religion is the college that trains you. And we all know that some colleges are better than others.
2007-02-27 01:35:06
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answer #1
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answered by RAFIU 4
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Thanks for asking such a great question!
There is only one religion, though there are a hundred versions of it.
- George Bernard Shaw
Although religion and spirituality are sometimes used interchangeably, they really indicate two different aspects of the human experience. You might say that spirituality is the mystical face of religion.
Spirituality is the wellspring of divinity that pulsates, dances, and flows as the source and essence of every soul. Spirituality relates more to your personal search, to finding greater meaning and purpose in your existence. Some elements of spirituality include:
Looking beyond outer appearances to the deeper significance and soul of everything
Love and respect for God
Love and respect for yourself
Love and respect for everybody
Religion is most often used to describe an organized group or culture that has generally been sparked by the fire of a spiritual or divine soul. Religions usually act with a mission and intention of presenting specific teachings and doctrines while nurturing and propagating a particular way of life.
Religion and spirituality can blend together beautifully!
Different religions can look quite unlike one another. Regardless of these different outer manifestations of worship, the kernel of religion is spirituality, and the essence of spirituality is God.
Spirituality is:
Beyond all religions yet containing all religions
Beyond all science yet containing all science
Beyond all philosophy yet containing all philosophy
2007-02-27 01:06:17
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answer #2
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answered by SpiritRoaming 7
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I think he hit the "religion" nail right on the head.
His "spirituality" response is still a bit narrow. Based on some of the other things that he has said, I think that this was probably a response given to a specific audience that would not comprehend and/or appreciate the much broader overview of spirituality that he has espoused on other occasions.
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2007-02-27 01:09:03
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I would say that religion is the wordplay which occurs in churches, whereas spirituality is the dynamic interplay between a person and that person's higher being. I think the Dalai Lama is overcomplicating it, although his definition of spirituality shows a wider ideal than mine which is definitely worth attaining.
2007-02-27 01:02:53
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answer #4
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answered by Dharma Nature 7
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I agree with this point of view very much. Another posted that religion and spirituality should go hand and hand. I would agree this would be nice but unfortunately it seems not to be the case all to often. Religion seems to bring people to a place of judgment against themselves and others, to exclusiveness rather than inclusiveness, and to over concern with controlling others.
2007-02-27 01:06:39
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answer #5
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answered by Zen Pirate 6
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i like this fact by way of fact some human beings carry to a faith without putting a lot theory into it, they declare it yet do no longer likely contain it into their lives. and that i agree, genuine and conscious spirituality is often chanced on by using perplexing stories or extreme interests. To a non secular individual, faith is often integrated into their spirituality, yet on a greater significant foundation, it turns right into a factor of who they're, they discover the actual meaning of religion and spirituality. What i do unlike approximately that's that it fuels the fire for some who think of that anybody who claims a faith could desire to no longer be a "actual reality seeker" or a individual with actual and functional stories. yet i do no longer think of this is the meaning of this fact, by way of fact in that individual same way, human beings usually carry to different varieties of spirituality, or atheism, with none actual theory or information positioned into that attitude the two.
2016-09-29 23:36:33
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answer #6
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answered by ? 4
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Once again, the Dalai Lama demonstrates that he truly is gifted with discernment and wisdom.
2007-02-27 05:59:05
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Dalai Lama is far more intune than intelligent than anyone in western religion
2007-02-27 01:01:11
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answer #8
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answered by Four Eyes 2
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Religion makes one accountable. Spirituality makes one whole.
2007-02-27 01:17:17
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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It is an excellent quote from a very spiritual man.
2007-02-27 01:07:13
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answer #10
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answered by Sparkle1 6
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