"Spiritual not religious" means...?

Question

I often meet people who say they are "spiritual but not religious." If you feel this way, what do you mean?

If you don't feel this way (and you are religious) how does that phrase make you feel?

Answer 1

Ok,

In the original meaning of things there shouldn't be any difference, the word religion comes from the Latin word religare which means to tie fast to unite, also the word Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means union or joining, see!, almost the same meaning. BUT

Now back to reality.....

is religion uniting people .... of course no!
is religion being used for political purposes ... you bet it is!

I studied all religions of the planet, and I consider myself "spiritual but not religious" in the sense that I don't go to church ( I can go to a friend's wedding no problem), I don't follow anybody or any book zealously, I question everything that comes on my way, I engage in some practices that Buddhist monks engage (meditation, silence, fasting, solitude in a far away places where I can not be reached, and studying how the human mind works) but I don't consider myself a Buddhist (no problem if people call me Buddhist or Taoist whatever), Buddha himself said "Do not believe anything question everything including what I am saying to you right now"... so questioning Buddha might make me a Buddhist or it might not.... I think I am following my own path, and I am so happy to do that!!

To sum up:

spiritual people look within
religious people look without (churches, priests, etc)

spiritual people question everything
religious people don't (faith is equaled to believing irrational things)

Spiritual people concentrate on the power of the human potential
Religious people concentrate on human weaknesses (we're all sinners! you know what I mean)

Truly spiritual people are already in "Heaven" (be happy now)
Religious people believe in the afterworld

Hope that helps

Much Peace!

Answer 2

If you look around you, everything you can sense has two things associated with it; one is your belief about it or perception of it, the other is the objective Truth about it. You are the source of the first; reality is the source of the other. Man spends his entire life in a world created by his perception or belief, and rarely even considers that his world is a world of illusion. The illusion is "subjective truth", and is different for each person. Everywhere subjective truth exists objective Truth also exists, but since Man believes he has Truth he will not search for evidence or proof to support his "Truth"; faith is enough. A Spiritual person is one for whom faith is not enough, and they will look for supporting evidence and proofs to support their "Truth". The "supernatural hocus-pocus" of which you speak is objective Truth, or Spirituality, and it is a Gift we all have but generally ignore or denigrate.

Answer 3

Being 'spiritual' has a much-broader scope that covers religious matters, or supernatural beings, or involving phenomena. While being 'religious' connotes a faithful devotion to some ultimate reality, or deity, or established observances/traditions.

Hope that helps.

Peace be with you.

Answer 4

It means they do not want to follow the dogma of religion but still feel there is a devine. Religion and God(s) (ess)are not synonymous. Religion is a practice invented by man.

Answer 5

I have developed simple nonsectarian, universal spiritual practices based on my experience and background with various religious and spiritual paths. For me, the purpose of any spiritual practice is to encourage self-reflection, internalizing this awareness, and to develop wonder, gratitude, and awareness of the interdependent forces of the Universe. I have taught these techniques to my children (ages 7 and 9) and we do them together. We also do a Sacred Meal where we think and are grateful for all of the things that have contributed to the food and drink we are about to consume (we do this by "presenting" the food to a picture of the Earth while chanting "Be One. Be Love. Be Peace."). We also have a family drum and chant circle to help express a connection with the interdependent forces of the Universe.

Here are the simple techniques that I have developed. For both chanting and silent meditation practice, your specific posture does not matter. If you are uncomfortable sitting on the floor, you can sit on a chair with feet flat on the floor.

Way of Oneness Chanting Practice

Being more musically inclined, I created a nonsectarian alternative to the combination of chanting a rhythmic phrase (or mantra) to a visual object (often a scroll, picture or statue). This is a more active form of meditation as compared to the silent form of meditation which is discussed below.

You are more than welcome to use this chanting practice if you think you may find it possibly useful. While there are many folks that seem to believe their particular mantra (which is a phrase which is repeated as a focusing device has "magical power", it really is the mindfulness that matters. The mantra is just one of the vehicles you can use to get there.

I recommend "Be One. Be Love. Be Peace." as the chanting and meditation mantra which is appropriate for nonsectarian, universal spirituality in the Way of Oneness. This phrase is a reframing and translation of the Hindu term "satchitananda" (which means pure being, pure consciousness, and pure bliss) and is another way of referring to the interdependent forces of the Universe or the universal divine (or Brahman or God or Goddess or Dharmakaya or whatever label you prefer).

I use two forms: "Be One. Be Peace." for those who prefer a four syllable "mantra" or more often I recommend "Be One. Be Love. Be Peace." for those who prefer the pace of a six syllable "mantra". As in drumming, people who like to chant are attracted to the rhythm and they find it an easy way to center themselves and become mindful.

The specific chanting practice method that I find helpful in the vein of the Way of Oneness (the realization of interdependence) is to chant "Be One. Be Love. Be Peace" in a position of reverence (palms together in front of chest with fingers pointing upward - a traditional gesture of respect) to a picture or photograph of the planet Earth which is a wonderful visual representation of the interdependent forces of the Universe. Just chant this phrase loudly or softly in a comfortable pace until you are satisfied.

Silent Meditation Practice in the Way of Oneness

Meditation is simply learning to live in the moment, when nothing distracts you and when you are not tied to the past or anxious about the future. In meditation you become peacefully aware of your real self. The more you use it, the more aware you become. When you learn to live life for each moment, to enjoy and appreciate life to the fullest at that moment, you suddenly become impervious to the myraid
of doubts and fears that you've lived with all your life.

There are a couple of simple techniques for silent meditation as well. You do not have to sit on the floor. You can sit with erect back on a chair. Many people say try for 15 minutes twice a day. I say start with a simpler goal - 5 minutes twice per day. The benefits include stress management and relaxation benefits which help the body, increased mindfulness and focus, and increased energy. The mindfulness can be a benefit to your spiritual life, but meditation also has "non-spiritual" benefits. Here are two easy techniques:

Breathing meditation - 1) Check posture. 2) Close your eyes and relax. 3) Focus on your breath entering and leaving your body. 4) Count breaths mentally one to four. Repeat. 5) Don't fight a wandering mind, but calmly direct it back to task. 6) Sit for a minute afterwards.

"Mantra" technique (choose a personal "calm" word or phrase that you will repeat in your meditation – I use the nonsectarian "Be One. Be Love. Be Peace.") - 1) and 2) as above in the Breathing meditation. 3) Listen to your breathing and let it relax you with each breath. 4) Once you are relaxed, mentally "hear" your "calm" word or phrase in your mind. Let it repeat in your mind. 5) Don't fight a wandering mind, but calmly direct it back to task. 6) Sit for a minute afterwards.

Conclusion

That is all there is to these very simple but beneficial silent
meditation and chanting techniques. Many people think that
something "mystical" should happen during meditation or chanting. Most often "nothing" happens and "nothing" should be expected.

I hope these are helpful!

Be One. Be Love. Be Peace.

Namaste,

Dave

Answer 6

lets not separete the two, spiritual and religious mean quiet the same as far as I'm concerned...now on the other hand...
Jesus, He is just alright with me<><
come on... palm readers and those who talk to the dead claim to be SPIRITUAL...helloooooo!

Answer 7

I committed to god long before I ever came ,He chose me and I said yes to do his work ,I am spiritual I have many gifts,I have a purpose and it is not to condemn or judge who is right or wrong it is to unite and heal. love and light

Answer 8

this means they believe but do not attend church or belong to an organized religion
as to how it makes me feel, well i know that GOD has reasons for everything...for allowing us free will and the whole nine yards. as long as one believes and is capable of true sorrow for their sins, they can be saved.
additionally, just because i do not understand or recognize GOD'S reasoning does not particularly equate to anything.
understand that !

Answer 9

Nicodemus was religious,but on his way to hell until he found Jesus.John chapter three.

Answer 10

"Spiritual" has becom one of those cover-all explanations. It allows someone to think of themselves as deep, or concerned, while not identifying with a religion. In my book spiritually only comes from God.