Ninth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to propose that spirituality forms the basis of a healthy and happy living. The paper elucidates the ‘Notion of Self’ as explained in the Bhagavad Gita as a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The epic text teaches this through identifying our real self, renouncing the fruits of our actions, practicing detachment, helping ourselves to push out of the clutches of materialism. Thus, happiness and optimism is a sure outcome if one takes to spirituality. It is the eternal nature of soul to be knowledgeable, eternal and blissful (sat-chit-ananda). The first section discusses the importance of soul over body. The body is material whereas the soul is eternal. Understanding the distinction between the two is the commencement of our spiritual journey. The entanglement in gratification of senses of the body is the basis for all miseries in life. The second section deals with the Law of Karma. Karma means activity and Law of Karma regulates the reactions of those activities. The Bhagavad Gita gives remarkable insight about ‘renunciation in action’. Faith in the law creates balance in one’s life (equanimity of mind), and infuses optimism and hope. It protects one from committing heinous sins and stirs positivity in thought and deed. The third section enumerates how spirituality and philanthropy are companions in the process. Finally, the concluding section reiterates the link between happiness and spirituality, providing pragmatic insights. It’s only when one knows the self, one can strengthen it.