Can spirituality and practical life coexist ?

Question

Can a person be spiritual and at the same time lead a normal practical life or spirituality is detached from practical life?

Answer 1

In the present materialistic world where wanton desires rule the roost... it is extremely difficult to maintain your spiritual equipoise... yet, not impossible! As per Bhagavad Gita... the most sacred scripture given to mankind by Lord Krishna one who travels the spiritual path while remaining in the family is the highest form of yoga.

In the earlier times it was a standard practice to leave the precincts of the house in search of spiritual masters residing in deep forlorn jungles (forests). Wisdom was never available in the cities... and Hermitages existed in the deep confines of the forests. Why? For the simple reason that remaining aloof from the society... these spiritual masters had nothing but to seek the Wisdom of God!

In the present... even spirituality is sold. It is available in the mega cities at a price. Definitely... it is not true spirituality. Spirituality is gaining enlightenment (kaivalya jnana) in this very life. For gaining enlightenment... one needs to overcome all the five senses and the mind. While remaining in Grihastha ashram (family life)... establishing control over the five senses is extremely difficult.

One also needs to practice absolute celibacy for a minimum period of 12 years. This is contrary to the established norms of family life. When I went in search of God at 13 years of age... I was least aware what I was indulging in. When I completed my graduation... got married... had children... I was still pursuing my search of God as the prime goal of life.

Eventually after 25 years of yoga meditation... I finally realized God in 1993 at 37 years of age. How many times I had to eat hell for breakfast... how many times I contemplated suicide... how disheartened I sometimes felt... all cannot be expressed here. My determination was... I shall come face-to-face with God in this very life... come whatever may! I succeeded in that! More on personal experience of God - http://www.godrealized.org/story_of_my_personal_experience.html

Answer 2

Good question. I think there is always going to be a tension between leading a spiritual life and an earthly life at the same time. The world is always pulling us down to worry about things like taxes, hydro bills, car repairs, that guy at work who keeps shouting into his phone all day. The spiritual life meanwhile is calling us to rise above money, sex, vanity, avarice and all the other things that can shift the focus away from God. It can be a real tightrope walk to try to hold both worlds at the same time. I think the answer is to try to create love in everything you do. Love is where the spiritual and the earthly intersect - I have to love my neighbour, my spouse, my children, and my co-workers, in other words all of the earthly realities that I come into contact with. The love comes from the spiritual side of things and flows out into the worldy interactions that I have every day. You need the practical things to have a target that your spirit acts on. I only came to see things this way by meditating on the mystery of Christ's incarnation. I kept trying to figure out why God had to become human, and then at some point I realized that Christ took on human form to unite creation (the world) with the spirit (God) and thus give birth to pure love.

Answer 3

Yes, I do believe not only it can be coexist , it is also really recommended to be so. Because integrating spiritual practice in practical life can make one become happier with life. He still works in the society but with sense of detachment for materialistic gain. His sense of happiness doesn't not derive from having reputation or having a lot of money but joy in services and sense of peace while working. And he also can be a role model for others and can be very impactful in the way of life for others.

Answer 4

Spirituality is the most practical way of living. It helps you work as an ambitious person would, but without the burning ambition of that person. Spirituality helps you live your life with optimum energy. Spirituality is a blissful liberated state in which you are totally unconditioned and hence your performance in your life will be at its best and will equip you as nothing else to cope with life's demands.

Answer 5

A B: A very, well thought out question ! In the realm of Christianity, a person is "called" or drawn out of this world's system to both, be and make a difference. This does not imply to be indifferent but to lead a life worthy of his or her calling into the Christian faith. In general, a christian will be one, who leads a normal - practical life like most people but comes across as being different than others in the way he or she makes a good difference in society by their actions or conduct. This difference (not indifference) is attributed to his or her spiritual relationship with God i.e. "spirituality".

Lisa's answer sums it up very well.

Answer 6

I was told once that life is the place we practice spirituality. In times of struggle, or in everyday dealings with other people, this is the test.Anyone can be spiritual on a mountain top.

Answer 7

Well your question got confusing for me , but I think yes, not that I have made it work consistently.
But I think it is working for me.
I am not unhappy, and what I believe in my spirit is not only allowed, but encouraged.

I believe what I believe, and I do what I will do, as I like.

However, can a person really live a practical, and spiritual life?

I think I just answered that,

Of course we can, but it takes practice and spirituality.

Answer 8

Yes spirituality and practical life co-exist.Spirituality is knowing your inner self and standing and treading on the path of truth firmly. There may be slight problems while following the path of truthbut if one is determined one can stand firmly on Truth. And when one follows this principle in one's daily life, you automatically get cleansed and i would say become more humane. The qualities of love. tolerance, compassion awaken in you. I have been following the Sahajyoga meditation techniques for the last 15 years and have felt the inner joy and connection with the Supreme Power of Love and compassion. In case you are interested, you may visit the website www.sahayoga.org for further details.

Answer 9

They should co-exist! That is our goal while living in this life. It is not easy to live this dual life but it can be done. This is what the ancient masters have been teaching us. Spirituality teaches us how to live a fruitful practical (physical) life. Hope you can get the right master to teach you this.

Answer 10

Yes they can and do coexist. I'm spiritual and I live a practical life. I work, I do family things, I help others, I get frustrated, I get angry..but I'm still spiritual. I'm still human even tho i'm spiritual. Or better yet..i'm spiritual even tho i'm still human!