Self DevelopmentIn the context of spirituality

and a practical approach

Study of Religions

Since we are all born in a religion we will take this class more on an

EXPLORATORY approach

What is a ReligionRe legare – Re connect

Reconnect indicated – lost connection

Lost connection of what?

Why to reconnect

Is there a human need to seek God? Fear of the UnknownCuriosity of the UnknownMastery of the Unknown

Scientific Research

Key Question

Is Religion an evolutionary idea?

(Evolution of thought to suit the era)

State of Religions“What we need on this furiously religious planet... is a realistic view of religious conflict,” Rao said. “What we are seeing is not only an acceleration of interreligious contact but also interreligious conflict. We need a new way of thinking to ensure the continuity of our species.”

Seshagiri Rao, former chief editor of the University of South Carolina’s Encyclopedia of Hinduism project

Major ReligionsHinduism

Islamism

Christianity

Judaism

Countless sub religions

Can any body of knowledge, belief system and set of practices become a religion?

Major SimilaritiesHistorical

Deterioration, Self destruction and Reformation

God is one & God is love

Drawing interpersonal attitudes from attitude to God

Moral codes for the human beings

Preserve and Protecting lifeCharity

Genius in a wider reach and hence offer

Ritualistic and Contemplative methods

Ritualistic SidePhysical

Daily Ritual of Worship

All events are governed by an associated activity with the god of one’s choice

Belief system is given

Dos and Don’ts

Mantras, Choirs, Psalms, Kirtans, Bajans etc

Contemplative Side

Introspection

Meditation

Experiential

Proper attitudes and faith develop gradually

Use of quiet prayer with acceptance of what comes

Monastery and Ashram

Key QuestionsWhy do almost all religions profess two ways to approaching God?

Which one would you prefer if you had a full understanding of both?

Is it God or Truth?What are we seeking ultimately?

Are all the differences Semantic?

Is the search and association external or Internal?

What are we seeking?

There was a preacher who fell in the ocean and he couldn't swim. When a boat came by, the captain yelled, "Do you need help, sir?" The preacher calmly said "No, God will save me." A little later, another boat came by and a fisherman asked, "Hey, do you need help?" The preacher replied again, "No God will save me." Eventually the preacher drowned & went to heaven. The preacher asked God, "Why didn't you save me?" God replied, "Fool, I sent you two boats!"

What is Spirituality?

Art and Science of Remembrance

Of what? Universal Truth, Realization of Potential and The absolute condition of the Soul or inner Self

“As you think so you become” – Basis of Raja Yoga

Becoming which can you be in a state of equilibrium ( Absolute Condition)

So Become that by doing Meditation

http://www.sahajmarg.org/video/why-spirituality

Religion vs Spirituality

Religion

God is outside

Ritualistic

Cultural

Current state is divisive

Spirituality

God is inside

Contemplative

Individual

Unifying

Key Questions1. How many of you are religious? 2. How many of you are spiritual? 3. How many of you think there is no God or

higher power? 4. How many of you believe there is a God of the

Religions Defined

5. How may of you believe there is a higher power, can not be explained by any one Indefinable

6. How many of you believe there is a dynamic relationship with our Creator and the creation? Law of Nature vs Human will and determination Alignment vs Deviation Reward and Consequence

7. How many of you think meditation is a means to become spiritual?

ClosingRecap

Next week

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