The Precious Stone

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a very unique and precious stone in a small river. The next day she met another traveller who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her pack to share her food.

The hungry traveler saw the special stone in the wise woman's bag, appreciated it, and asked the wise woman to give it to him. The wise woman did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good luck. He knew the stone was worth enough to live peacefully for the rest of his life. But a few days later he came back, searching for the wise woman. When he found her, he returned the stone and said:

I have been thinking. I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back to you in the hope that you can give me something much more precious. If you can, give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone.

The True Meaning of Spirituality

What really is spiritually? Is it preaching the word of God, yet practicing something totally different? Is it going to church and temple every day, yet having an "impure" mind / heart? Is it quoting from religious text, yet having the gall to pass judgement on others? Is it about proclaiming that one's religion is superior to another?
Well, if we agreed with any of the above, we indeed do not know the true meaning of spiritually.

Spirituality is a way of life. It is more about "being" rather than "doing". It is being loving and caring; going the extra mile to assist someone. It is giving hope to others in times of distress. It is about putting others before you (yet not neglecting the self). It is helping to build others' faith and positive outlook. It is about self -realization and living from your inner core; your divinity. It is serving, respecting and loving God's creations. It is living a life of gratitude and faith.

It is disappointing that so many of us today claim to be pious, yet fail to demonstrate any of the above traits or behaviors. We preach from the holy text, and consider ourselves God's personal messengers. We believe ourselves to be mighty enough to condemn and cast judgement on others. God does not judge. Why then, should humans?

I do not believe that hell is some place you go after you die, based on your "karma"; your wrongdoings. As my mother always said, "heaven and hell are right here on earth." And the truly spiritual person strives to make earth a heaven for the self and others by living a life that God will praise!

God is a loving God. He forgives, He builds, He inspires. Yes, He tests us at times but these trials never go in vain. He wants us to be the best we can and has bestowed upon us the power of choice.
We have the choice to live spiritually. But friends. it does not start from visiting temples and churches. These are good practices, but being spiritual starts from the heart. Can you declare that you have a clean and pure heart? I am in the process of cleaning mines!

Focus on what you are here to give, not receive. Be humble, forgiving, grateful, trustworthy, and make the world a better place. Give freely, live lovingly, joyfully and peacefully. Think positively, see the good in everyone, live life to the max, remember God, practice the philosophy of the holy scriptures and only then can you profess spirituality! Friends, I would like to suggest that we focus more on being spiritual than on following man-made religion. You decide what works for you and what will lead you to self-realization. I'm on your side!