We live in a country, which prides itself on its spiritual heritage. Experiments with ways of connecting with ‘God’ have culminated in various approaches originating from India, as pathways of connecting or being one with ‘God’.

Several Yogis, Buddha, Mahaveer, Guru Nanak and others shared their wisdom, gained from their experiments with truth and self-realisation.

However, over the years, the aspect of realising the God within us, or the ‘kingdom of heaven within’ has been pushed aside or forgotten.

We have now given God a human profile. Someone who can be bribed; who would get angry if we don’t give some offering; who can be vengeful in case we don’t behave properly; someone to be feared or one who can be manipulated etc.

But the truth, as spoken by the spiritual masters over the millennia, has repeatedly reinforced that God is really within us and our life’s purpose is around discovering and experiencing this God.

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This poem looks at the current state of affairs and the way of breaking out of this self-imposed, restrictive definition of God; by going on a journey of self-discovery. A self-discovery, that would enable a connection with one’s essence and inspire a life of service.

What does it mean to be spiritual?

Visiting places of worship,

Offering gifts and bribes to God,

Hoping for blessings from the one above?

Keeping a fast for personal gain,

Praying selfishly to address some area of pain.

Following everyday, some ritual,

Is that what it means to be spiritual?

The essence of being spiritual is reverence;

Reverence towards all of creation,

Be it nature, machines or human.

Be they Hindu, Muslim or Christian!

It includes-

Mindfulness and respect in each action.

Whether at home, at work or with people;

Giving yourself fully to a life of service,

With love and serene passion.

Cultivating love, reverence and mindfulness?

Living a life of service beyond self?

Easier said than done,

A mere knowledge of this serves none.

Lifetimes of conditioning, based on fear and survival;

Shifting mindsets from God-fearing to God-loving,

Need to be addressed, in order to access

Our essence and a spiritual revival.

It requires a commitment to go on a journey,

Possibly the most thrilling one undertaken;

Playing the inner game…addressing your truth,

Courageously embracing …the journey within!

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