Though religion and spirituality are interlinked, there are striking differences between the two. A religious person may not practice spirituality and a spiritual person may not be religious.
Religion is an organized institution based on the beliefs in a higher unseen controlling power with rules laid down by leaders which demand unquestioning obedience. Spirituality, on the other hand, permits us to find our own path and allows us to change it from time to time, depending on guidance from our conscience.
The Zoroastrian religion is basically one of spirituality. Zarathushtra gave a new dimension to religion, abolishing the old practice of animal sacrifice and magical rituals and providing moral character to the faith, thus helping people to experience inner peace and bliss.
As the priesthood became hereditary, priests took control, interpreting the scriptures to their advantage, introducing rituals and ceremonies to be performed exclusively by them, making the laity dependent on them.
Today a person who visits temples, churches or agiaries daily and prays is considered religious and worthy of receiving divine favors. Religion has little to do with how we live our lives. Prayers are instruments for fulfilling wishes and forgiving sins.
Prayers recited with a pure heart bring peace, tranquility and happiness to both the performer and the receiver. But simplicity, sincerity, purity and humility are the means to achieve spirituality. Prophets did not build extravagant churches and temples. They preached from the banks of rivers, hilltops and the shade of trees.
Spirituality is based on love. There are no expectations of reward or fear of punishment. When there is no desire for fruits and no fear of punishment there is no temptation, hankering or use of unfair practices. We must bear the consequences of our actions.
A spiritual person is focused on the present. Regret for the past and worrying about the future is futile. By not judging others, we will be happy. By forgiving all, we shall be happier.
PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com