Dalai Lama on spirituality and religion
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. While ritual and prayer, along with questions of nirvana and salvation are directly connected with religious faith, these inner qualities need not be, however. There is thus no reason why the individual should not develop them, even to a high degree, without recourse to any religious or metaphysical belief system. This is why I sometimes say religion is something we can perhaps do without. What we cannot do without are these basic spiritual qualities.
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama
...I consider myself to be a spiritual person, yet not necessarily a religious person. Not that I haven't had my religious moments in life -- I was raised Episcopalian, which is very similar to Catholicism (but without the "Hail Mary's" and confession). Still, my "religion" (if you can call it that) is kind of a hodgepodge of different religions and beliefs. I think that this is true for many of us.
I don't think that spirituality is intrinsic to religion, nor do I think that religion is intrinsic to spirituality. One can complement the other, but neither are dependent upon the other.
It's interesting that you posted this, because last night I was thinking about "good" and "evil". (I hope that this is related to your post!) Anyway, I was wondering about the definition of "good", and of "evil". I was wondering whether these terms can be defined outside of religion and "morality". Can "good" (and "evil") just be something that we know, inside, or does it have to be taught? Does "good" (or "evil") have to be a religious and/or moral value?
I would go on and on about this, but unfortunately (or fortunately for you guys) :) my attention is being drawn and Richard keeps demanding it right now.
hugs to you, Scarlet.
Plays well with others
I guess that what I'm wondering is can we define the terms "good" and "evil" independently of religion and morality?
As for spirituality, it seems to be a feeling, mostly, from deep inside, whereas religion seems, to me, to be something that I was "taught".
Plays well with others
yes, spirituality...