Spirituality Fosters Humanity

Spirituality is derived from the word spiritual.

- Dr. Ravindra Kumar

Spiritual originates from spirit-soul. Among the three –spirituality, spiritual and spirit – soul, the second, i.e., spiritual relates to accurate or righteous knowledge or Satyajnana. It is therefore connected to the last one, i.e., spirit. It leads one to self-realisation. This subject has been beautifully defined in the third verse –Shloka of Chapter Eight of the Shrimad-bhagavad-Gita. In this Shloka, the Lord says, Aksharam Brahma Paramam Svabhaavo’dhyaatmamuchyate”, i.e., “The Supreme indestructible entity is called Brahman; one’s own self is called adhyatma.”

Spirituality, the first one of the trio, is a noun which envelops the broad aspect of self-realisation and self-development. What is self-realisation? It is perfectly clear from the words of the Yogeshwara, the quoted couplet of the Srimad Bhagavad-Gita. It is to recognize and acknowledge the infinite capabilities and divinity of soul. It is to have identification with soul’s eternity. Endorsing this fact, the great Greek philosopher Socrates says “I know you won’t believe me, but the highest form of human excellence is to question oneself...”