Is There a Difference Between Religion and Spirituality?

In this unabashedly materialistic world, man’s quest for spiritual enlightenment, truth and real happiness sometimes seem incongruous and even impractical. But at the same time, the appeal of spiritualism as a solution for modern day maladies has fueled many an individual’s spiritual quest.

Spiritual happiness is a deep contentment and joy that exists beneath all the superficial waves of life. It is a faith and gratitude that never leaves you, growing with you throughout the ups and downs of life. The study of spirituality goes deeply into the heart of every matter and extends far beyond the physical world of matter. Spirituality connects you with the supremely powerful and divine force that's present in this world. Whether you're looking for worldly success, inner peace, or divine enlightenment, spiritual knowledge provides you an effective road map, a successful plan for successful living.

Perhaps the best way to approach your spiritual quest is to compare and contrast it with the all-pervasive materialistic approach.

The materialistic perspective to life relies primarily on factual evidence provided by the five senses — what can literally be seen, heard, tasted, touched, or smelled. This approach depends on external factors to decide how and what to think and feel about them. A materialistic person sets right whatever may be wrong or out of place in his or her world by effecting changes in the external environment.

In contrast, the spiritual way is to see beyond mere outer appearances and the five senses to an intuitive understanding of the causes behind physical or mental problems. A spiritual person first looks inward and may change and uplift their world by first transforming and improving his or her own vision.