VIVEKANANDA INSTITUTE OF VALUES (VIVA) - An experimental newsletter

 “Man is to become divine, realising the divine more and more from day to day in an endless progress.”

Swami Vivekananda

(How to: Design with the logo and basically make it look attractive)

Looking Inwards (What spirituality means to us)

What is the real meaning of spirituality? Is it ghosts and spirits and paranormal phenomena? Is it the search for God, the Soul, or the ultimate Truth behind our existence? Is it opposed to religion or is it its deepest kernel? Is it a buzzword to be quickly adopted and equally quickly abandoned, when the going gets tough? To us, spirituality can be a way of life and religion can offer a path for the seeker. Book reading or listening to satsanghs alone won’t do; we need to choose a lofty ideal and adhere consistently to a set of values we carefully choose, to reach that ideal. This will pave the way, step by step, to our true nature – Sat, Chit, Ananda – our spiritual destination. It appears that most of our contributors this month agree with the idea- let’s see what spirituality means to them.

The Editorial Team

What is spirituality to me by Ms. Neelam Sood from Gurugram

(How to: Include photos within an article? Here it seems I have to download on google photos and then paste? I don't seem to have any option for a text box either? Regular features of MS word seem to be missing like format paint?)

Spirituality is synonymous with universality; all streams of religion ultimately converge into the vast ocean of spirituality. Religion serves as a code of conduct, guiding us toward the discovery of our universal self.

Upon birth, we are given a name that becomes our identity. As we grow, we navigate a spectrum of emotions. When circumstances align with our desires, we feel happy, content, and fulfilled. Conversely, during challenging times, we experience sadness, hurt, and a sense of incompleteness. The cycle of birth and death surrounds us, and it is during these emotional roller coasters that we embark on a journey of self-exploration.

This voyage compels us to delve into the realities of our surroundings and recognize that everyone experiences highs and lows, just like we do. A profound urge emerges within us to seek what lies beyond the self. This self-inquiry helps unravel the mysteries of the intricate interplay among mind, body, and emotional experiences.

As we deepen our understanding, we begin to perceive the universality of all existence—the interplay of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space, orchestrated by a supreme power. This realization transcends the boundaries of discrimination, allowing us to see the oneness inherent in all creation.

We come to understand that all creation is birthed in bliss, lives in bliss, and ultimately merges back into the supreme bliss. This, indeed, is the essence of spirituality.

Religion and Spirituality by Dr. Hema Raghavan from Delhi

Spirituality is often misunderstood as being synonymous with religion. They are similar and yet different. They are similar to the extent we seek guidance from them to understand the mysteries of the human universe and our own existence. Central to both is the recognition of a superior power that is greater than any individual and anything in the perceptible sensory world. The outer world despite being action-oriented does not provide answers to our eternal quest which   is beyond mundane actions.  The difference is while religion directs our quest through rituals and practices, spirituality is self- exploratory. It is a record of one’s journey to explore the why’s and what’s of existence- why am I here and what should I do when I don’t know why I am here.  It involves methods for self-discovery, inner peace, and connection with a higher power. It is a continuous learning about the complexities of life and learning to reflect upon and cope with them.

Unlike Religion which gives ready-made manual to follow, spirituality is on a self-made mode. Spirituality focusses more on gaining wisdom by connecting with the world around, exploring universal themes on love, compassion, truth, life after death etc. and learning individually through personal experiences on trial- and- error basis. While religion is revered wisdom, spirituality is experiential wisdom. The outer world despite being action-oriented does not provide answers to our eternal quest for meaning and purpose of life. In this respect, Spirituality is inclusive, flexible and accepts diverse perspectives and insights unfettered by rigid dogmas or exclusive beliefs. The best way to define Spirituality is to recognize the difference between Spirituality and Religion. 

(How to: This article in our newsletter had a table alongside it. How to draw a table or chart etc.?)

ASK SWAMI SHANTATMANANDA 

A reader writes: Are values always noble? Who decides whether a value is higher or not?

Swami Shantatmananda replies: 

Values are used under various circumstances and meanings. For instance, we can ascribe values to things as well. At the existential level, people can choose their own standards of how one wishes to live. If one chooses to live an ethical or moral life, it is one set of values. So as such there is nothing noble about values. However, there can be higher levels of values and it is not difficult to discern what is a higher value or a lower one. Seeking and living by spiritual values that aim for the highest truth of life (realization of who we actually are) is a higher value. We can move from a lower aspect of living to recognizing and realizing a spiritual dimension of life.

A Sanctuary for the Spiritual Seeker by Saswati Ghosh from New Delhi

Tapovan’s* calm, beneath the sky,

Where Tehri Dam’s waters lie,

Two Maharajs**, with their wisdom deep,

Awoke the truths we long to keep.
The world outside fades to a hum,
As we sit with them, our hearts undone.

From childhood, the Gita spoke its part,
But life moves fast, pulls us apart.
How do we live these ancient ways?
In busy life's unending maze?
Yet here, in silence, we truly hear,
The ancient wisdom, pure and clear.

Maharaj’s voice, like a gentle stream,
Brings life to Thakur's*** timeless dream.
He speaks of work without the claim,
Of letting go of praise or blame.

How do we live this truth, we ask?
In daily life, behind the mask?
He smiles and says, "Just do your part,
With love and faith within your heart."

In every moment, give your best,
And leave to God the final rest.
Renounce the fruit, but not the deed,
Let grace fulfill your every need.
Detach from the outcomes, yet still do,
With faith and heart forever true.

The lessons stir, emotions rise,
Tears well up in grateful eyes.
We feel the weight of all we bear,
Yet in their words, there’s light and care.

As we prepare to return once more,
To life’s fast pace and daily chore,
We carry with us peace so deep,
The Gita’s truths for us to keep.

For what we’ve learned will light our way,
From Tapovan’s calm, through every day.

*Sarada Tapovan, Spiritual Retreat Center

** Reference is to senior monks Revered Swami Shantatmananda Maharaj and revered Swami Nirvikalpananda Maharaj

***Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa