Writer-At-Large – Beyond Belief: Does the Modern World Still Need Religion?

I

We will all agree that we are all unique and have a great potential to be of extraordinary value to the world. For realizing our potential, we must cultivate the mind, so that we can discover the abilities, the energy and the power within us.

We might have a lot of potential, but unless we explore and develop our strengths, the latent potential within us will not mean much. We must leave room for reflection and discovery if we want to transform ourselves to our best selves.

For us to become our best version, we need some tools. Let us explore to see if religion can be one such tool.

II

The principles of any religion can be helpful to organize and train our minds and intellect. The religious scripts can be used to rest our often restless minds. Our minds are turbulent most times because we humans, with our advanced brains that ponder existential questions, suffer with trying to understand the meaning of life.

In this essence, religion can be used to help explain some of the larger themes of the world that are beyond our human comprehension. Religion can help us understand our true place in this world. I’m not talking about dogma based religion. I’m talking about spiritual education – the kind of education that will help us turn inward and reflect the deeper answers of our existence.

When we start living life with a few principles, we start to gain mastery over our life. When we master outer things using science, we gain a lot of knowledge. But, it might not necessarily give us long lasting happiness.

Using religion, we can achieve true mastery over our lives because spiritual education helps us to look inward and to reflect on our true potential. Just like how science might help us answer questions like, “What is this world made up of?”, spirituality will help us explore and ponder upon questions like, “Who am I?”

III

Of course, here are the disclaimers. The original root of the word Religion means to bind or tie. Religion is a set of shared beliefs which can be helpful if everyone is working towards a greater positive cause for humanity. But it can be dangerous if we don’t understand the principles that are being taught and what they actually mean to us individually. And the phenomenon of group think in any setting, especially when being led by people who have ulterior motives is very detrimental to the progress of society.

So, there is a need for us to really understand what religion is, what its definition means to us individually. Because when we understand that, it can become a great tool for self-discipline and a compass that gives our life meaning and direction.

IV

I personally use religion in a practical way to help enhance my personal productivity and the quality of my life. I keep thinking, why not treat my home like a temple rather than only a place where I come back to after visiting a temple where I am at my best behavior? Why can’t I adopt the same well behaved self in my home too?

I use the crutches of daily rituals to enhance my meditative practice so that they can help train my mind to do deeper inner reflection. After all, the western personal productivity gurus, be it Stephen Covey or anybody, are only asking us to ponder on the way we live and strive to reach for our highest potential.

In essence, religion can be a compass for our lives that teaches us to do better with ourselves and have love and compassion for others. Thank you.

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All Religions Explained In 10 minutes By Redeemed Zoomer

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The Indian American Life