There is a considerable debate about the science of spirituality and the beliefs of religion. There is also an intense argument about the relevance of different religious faiths and beliefs to our evolution. Then, there is the third term which has a distinctly different meaning from that of religion and spirituality, and that term is Dharma. These terms are often bundled together as being synonyms, but are they?
There is a near total consensus on one ideology – the concept of emancipation of MAN from his suffering. We all know suffering isn’t it? But we do not know what it means to be without suffering. That is where all philosophies enter our life to make us understand the fundamental nature of reality and existence and also about Ourselves and the Universe. Thought history, there has always been an attempt to merge all philosophies into one great philosophy, to merge spirituality into a scientific format and thereby have a religion that does not divide but evolves mankind.
Spirituality deals with the living spirit and understanding its virtues. It also leads us towards aligning our lives in order to awaken our virtues to their fullest potential. It translates into the Laws of spirituality. A spiritual person can subsequently be united with the supreme energy. Religion, on the other hand, refers to a supreme law or entity which inspires us to live our lives in accordance to a universal code of conduct so as to make us eligible to meet or connect with the supreme source. There is a fine line dividing the two. Both represent duality which bifurcates Man from the Source.
Modern thinkers have sought to bring some modern thoughts to the debate. This new age concept states that space is not empty but is filled with vibrations and forces. All things that we see as physical are clusters of vibrations. These are held by, created by and formed out of a cosmic universal field. And this field is best described as mind/consciousness/intelligence which some might call God. The universe is not random, there is an underlying purpose. All is interconnected and all is part of this universal consciousness.
Rather than debate on religion, spirituality or science, it would be prudent to explore the process that makes it possible to progress or evolve. The first step is to begin understanding ourselves and the things around us, and thereby to know the nature of things. That in itself is the definition of Dharma. Dharma is the unchanging quality and/or nature in all things and phenomenon! This offers a paradigm shift in our approach towards our evolution
Dharma – The nature of things!
“The Basic nature of a thing is always constant; but it is also it’s nature that allows it to manifest in many ways”
Dharma is not only knowledge but also an experience derived from the knowledge. And the way to acquire such experiential knowledge is to enhance our potentials of knowing. This approach takes us away from debates and arguments. Let us enhance our potentials of knowing first, then we will ourselves know what is the ultimate reality. Debates and arguments happen when individuals, who themselves are devoid of the ‘higher potentials of knowing’, try to interpret knowledge which is beyond their limited comprehension or experience.
Dharma, as a science, refers to two words Veda and Aagama. Let it be very clear that these words do not mean written scriptures or holy texts. Their esoteric meaning can assist us in the practice of Dharma. Vedas refer to ‘Shruti’ or the process of hearing and understanding knowledge and wisdom. This connects to the phenomenon wherein those who have experienced the ultimate reality pass on the wisdom to their disciples who can ‘hear’ this divine knowledge, or it also refers to listening to the universal vibrations by developing one’s own power of hearing.
Aagama is the arrival (agman) of knowledge from within. As one practices self purification, the faculties of knowing and understanding are also purified. In their pure state, the process of knowing becomes effortless, an innate nature.
Ved-aagama is the way to experience Dharma – the nature of things. Only then we can experience things as they are, without judgements or distortions. We can know who we are, we can know our purpose and our place in the universe. We can know the universe itself and whatever is beyond it. That should be our objective, our only objective! Of course, the ways to enhance our virtues and potentials to develop our ‘knowing potentials’ can be different as long as they deliver. This is the way of universal dharma which can lead us to universal peace and harmony.