Is Spirituality Different from Religion?

Spirituality is often associated with religion, and these days, these terms are used interchangeably. However, this is not the way it is; instead, spirituality is diametrically opposite to religion. However, to differentiate between them, first, we should understand what both these phenomena are.

Religion vs. Spirituality

Religion is an institutionalized system where you can practice a set of taught religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices that lead you to God. The best example of religion is Abrahamic religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These are all highly organized and follow a set of dos and don’ts, instructing people on what and how they should worship God. Such an organized approach also creates exclusivity, where believers and non-believers are always made to stand against each other. In addition, religion focuses more on believing rather than experiencing.

On the other hand, spirituality implies establishing a connection with a higher power that may or may not have a form. You can create a physical form of the power you want to worship or just don’t if you don’t want to. You don’t have to worship any higher power, and in fact, you don’t have to worship at all to find your true purpose in life and feel connected to nature, other human beings, and other sacred beings.

The Blurred Line between Spirituality and Religion

Despite the fundamental differences between spirituality and religion, the lines often get blurred because spirituality is quite subjective in nature, and even individuals from religious backgrounds find their own ways of being spiritual. And always keep in mind, no matter what any religious figure or book preaches, nothing is absolute, and this is especially true with spirituality. I’ve personally come across many individuals who are not religious but have a better understanding of spirituality than the religious ones.

Secondly, spirituality always breaks from rules, codes of conduct, houses of worship, and rituals. This is more about referring to self and internalizing the feeling of the divine. You would not need any book to understand what’s good for you and others once you’ve had a spiritual experience. It generates a blessing for every sentient being on the planet without someone having to teach you how to do it, as it is said in Hinduism:

“May everyone be truly happy. May everyone be free from ailments.
May all be calm, and may none remain sad.”