The Essence of Spiritual Life: A Path to True Human Existence

When we talk about the use of a spiritual life, it's essential to understand that a life devoid of spirituality is essentially devoid of meaning and purpose. A non-spiritual existence, in comparison, is more akin to mere existence rather than true life. Spirituality is not just useful but vital; it is the essence of human existence. This article explores the importance of spiritual life and its role in our journey towards enlightenment.

Defining Spiritual Life

Spiritual life goes beyond the physical body and the mere mind. It is a journey to self-discovery and the realization of the true self—beyond the ego and the limitations of what we perceive ourselves to be. Spiritual life aims to liberate us from ignorance and guide us towards enlightenment.

The Value of Spiritual Life

Without spiritual life, humans merely function as animals. As the ancient Indian text, Hitopadesa, states, 'Both animals and men share the activities of eating, sleeping, mating, and defending. But the special property of humans is that they are able to engage in spiritual life. Therefore, without spiritual life, humans are on the level of animals.'

Rejection and Misunderstanding

Spirituality has often been misrepresented or misunderstood. The following dialogue captures a common reaction to the term 'spiritual':

"Oh…. You’re ‘spiritual’. I'd rather you were religious. That I can understand. But spiritual... Sounds like post-modern neo-hippy crap and an excuse to doss at home with too many incense sticks…" - Liston Sativa.

While this may be a stereotypical view, it highlights the need to clarify the true nature of spirituality. However, it's important to emphasize that the essence of spirituality is about growth, a journey towards greater awareness and understanding, rather than an excuse to remain stagnant.

Growth through Spiritual Life

The secret of life is growth, and the spiritual life is the means by which we achieve this growth. It is a path that transforms us, moving us from a place of self-centered ignorance to a state of enlightenment and understanding.

The Present Moment Experience

The experience of spirituality can vary greatly depending on one's level of consciousness. The present moment experience, a key aspect of spiritual life, differs based on the state of one's mind:

When Mind-conscious: The present moment is often about achieving a sense of well-being or getting rid of worries. It can involve activities that make us feel good or distract us from our anxieties. Beyond the Mind: When the consciousness goes beyond the mind, the present moment becomes a completely different state of being. This state is described as a non-human experience, where the individual's inner experience is not human. Things around them operate differently, and the individual experiences a profound sense of wonder and mystery.

In this state, there is often no sense of a 'me' doing anything. The body seems to function independently, putting on a show as if it were a normal human. Even mundane actions, such as stubbing a toe, are experienced without the sense of a 'me' doing it. This profound shift in consciousness is often referred to as an Ego Death, a stage in the spiritual journey where the ego is no longer perceived as the true self.

Conclusion

The use of spiritual life is not just about adding value to our lives, but it is a fundamental requirement for true human existence. It is a journey towards enlightenment, liberation from the ignorance of the ego, and the realization of the true self. As the ancient saying goes, 'He who is not busy being born is busy dying.' Truly living a spiritual life is about unceasing growth and transformation.