Spirituality,
a term for the journey from being to becoming has been derived from the word
spiritual, which in turn, is derived from the word spirit. In Indian terms it
is the Adhyatmikta from Adhyatmic and basically
from the Atmik. It signifies in general to remain active as per the
call of the soul [आत्मा]. The soul [आत्मा]
represents the existence of the Supreme [परमात्मा] in
each and every living being. Therefore, it is a clarion call for righteous acts
[शुभकर्म], which is in reality the path of
the Dharma [धर्म] to
make finally life of an individual worthy and meaningful on one hand and on the
other, to head towards the proper conduction of the system up to the global and
universal level. It is for this reason that in the Atharvaveda it
appears that this world is upheld by the Dharma [धर्म], “Prithiviim
Dharmanaa Dhritaam.”
Hence, spirituality is not just an
idea. Neither it is an imaginary, nor, a small article, nor it is limited in
its scope, and nor a subject of narrow thinking. It is also not confined to a particular
region or a religion, or to any religious custom, ritual or tradition.
Contrary to it, spirituality, due to
its emphasis on making righteous acts the basis of day-to-day practices and
taking Shubh Karman [शुभकर्म]
as the foremost and necessary duty of life, emerges as an enormous subject of
continuous practice. Further, due to its all-inclusive scope and comprehensive
and all-welfaristic approach, it surfaces as an inevitable and universal
essentiality to pave the way to rise and prosperity of one and all. In this
regard, to quote a Vedic prayer seeking universal happiness, peace and
prosperity of all is fairly appropriate here:
“May all
be happy! May all remain free from disabilities! May all see auspicious things!
May none suffer sorrows!”
Thus, importance of spirituality in
life could be comprehended from the basic spirit in the root of the word
itself, from its all-embracing and macroscopic approach, and more from its
insistence on making virtuous acts an essential part of general individual
behaviour.
II
The Shrimadbhagavad-Gita [श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता], a distinctive Vedic-Hindu
treatise, beautifully explains the importance and role of Karma [कर्म] in life. The Gita [गीता], while declaring Karma [कर्म] to be natural, stresses on making it upright. Further,
the Gita [गीता]
urges for self-less or desireless action [निष्कामकर्म], an action performed without any expectation of fruit, or
result and also without attachment, and keeping firmly in mind the welfare of
each and everyone, and for this to be ready always even to make the highest
sacrifice.
This is the way to rise individually
in all manners and to accord growth or prosperity to a nation that is made of
individuals. The Karmas [कर्म]
of individuals are entirely responsible for the development of a society, a
country, or a nation. If they are filled with spirituality as explained above
in brief while having the message of the Gita [गीता] as the nucleus, and if they make the approach of welfare
of one and all the foremost of their practices and show readiness to sacrifice,
the rise of the nation is certain. Such is the worth of spirituality.
In this regard, the utmost need is
to understand the meaning and objective of spirituality, and its significance
in life of an individual as well as a nation. Further, it is to be comprehended
that spirituality brings one to overcome the state of narrow-mindedness,
self-interest and all kinds of false vanities. Spirituality leads one to
realize his inner strength. It inspires him to self-purification and to
dedicate himself to the cause of humanity –welfare of each and everyone, and
thus to make life meaningful. The followings Shloka [श्लोक] from the Shrimadbhagavad-Gita [श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता:5:15] is worth mentioning
here:
“Nirmaanamohaa
Jitasangadoshaa
Adhyaatmanityaa
Vinivrittakaamaah/
Dwandvairvimuktaah
Sukhaduhkhasangyer
Gachchhantyamuudhaah
Padamavyayam Tat//”
[One who is free from illusion,
false prestige, and false association, who understands the eternal, who is done
with material lust and is freed from the duality of happiness and distress, and
who knows how to surrender unto the Supreme, attains to that eternal kingdom]
Thus, spirituality is a vital
subject of life. It has undoubtedly its own importance in the growth of a
nation on the basis of righteous acts of individuals. Spirituality is not
momentary or a subject of particular occasions. It is rather all-timely, and
its role in the rise or progress of a country cannot be
minimized. Spirituality is not a matter of superficial preaching, but a
habit and a school of thought to keep the mind awakened and progressive and
peace-seeking in approach.
