Spirituality Simplified

Spirituality Simplified

Spirituality isn’t a ritual or a philosophy—it’s a journey inward. In this reflection, I explore ancient wisdom, the challenges of tradition, and how simple questions can lead to profound clarity

Ancient Wisdom

Ancient scriptures like Bhagavad Geetā, Upanishads, Purāṇas, etc. hold timeless wisdom which has guided mankind since ages.

From exploring true identity to the nature of the creation and its source, from worldly living to the path of renunciation, the scriptures offer profound insights at every level of human existence.

They are not merely historical or mythological accounts; they serve as spiritual roadmaps for those who seek deeper understanding and are willing to go beyond the surface.

Traditional Spiritual Practices

For those drawn to the path of self-realization, the scriptures prescribe various practices—spanning physical, mental, intellectual, and action-oriented disciplines.

Bhagavad Geetā describes the 3 popular practices of 

• Karma Yoga: Path of selfless action; serving others without attachment to results
• Sāmkhya Yoga (Jñāna Yoga): Path of knowledge and inner inquiry
• Bhakti Yoga: Path of love, devotion and surrender to the Divine

Pātāñjali Yoga Sutras describe Ashtāṅga Yoga, an eightfold path comprising:

1. Yama – Ethical restraints (e.g., non-violence, truthfulness)
2. Niyama – Personal observances (e.g., contentment, discipline)
3. Āsana – Physical postures to stabilize body and mind
4. Prāṇāyāma – Breath control to influence energy and calm the mind
5. Pratyāhāra – Withdrawal of senses, turning inward
6. Dhāraṇā – Concentration on a single point
7. Dhyāna – Sustained meditation
8. Samādhi – Absorption into the object of meditation; union with the Self

There’s also Haṭha Yoga, Advaita Vedānta as taught by Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, and many other disciplines—each pointing toward the same ultimate Truth.

Challenge with Traditional Practices

While these scriptures and practices are powerful, they may not necessarily be practical or accessible in modern day context.

• Most texts are in Sanskrit—a language few people now speak or understand. The sheer volume and depth of these teachings can feel overwhelming.

• Many paths stress surrender to a Guru—but modern times have witnessed many false teachers, eroding trust in genuine guides.

• Even with a sincere Guru, ritualistic practices can become burdensome or confusing to someone living a busy worldly life.

• This confusion often leads people to limit spirituality to external Bhakti—rituals, offerings, and prayer—hoping God will remove their suffering.

But Bhakti is not about rituals. It is about surrender. Without true surrender, suffering doesn’t dissolve—it deepens.

The Journey Inward

I am not prescribing any method or ritual for spirituality.

Spirituality is deeply personal and sacred - what works for one, may not work for another.

What I am attempting to do, is share glimpses from my journey and highlight my learnings and experiences which may resonate with some.

I started my spiritual journey with Bhakti - the way it is popularly preached everywhere. Following rituals, worshiping the deity, etc.

This is not wrong, but this is just the start. One should not assume that this is the end.

The purpose of following rituals is to distract the mind from external thoughts and focus it on the Divine (or more clearly bring it from multiple thoughts to singular thought).

However, merely following rituals was not giving me peace. 

I had questions, which needed answers. And that led me to Jñāna Yoga and Advaita Vedānta - which are the path of knowledge. Here I found a lot of answers. Answers that brought clarity about life, about self and about the world. 

But the seed of Bhakti, which was sown, was also sprouting in to a sapling at the same time.

Over time, I found a balance between Jñāna & Bhakti. 

Jñāna gave me clarity and discernment (Viveka Buddhi)

Bhakti kept the ego in check and the heart open

This mixed approach helped me grow faster and farther in my spiritual journey. 

I do not claim to know everything, but deep within I know, that while Truth is in sight, the journey has been possible only due to Divine grace.

What Does Spirituality Truly Mean?

The English word “Spirituality” often feels abstract or mystical.

Largely because, the origin word “Spirit” feels mystical or other-worldly.
And so “Spiritual” sounds like being mystical.
Therefore, “Spirituality” is often assumed to be living as a mystic, away from normal life.

But in Sanskrit, spirituality is called Adhyātma.

Adhyātma is made of 2 words - Adhyayan & Ātma

Adhyayan means to study or to gain knowledge of
Ātma means Self

Therefore,

Adhyātma = Adhyayan + Ātma = Study of Self 

And this Self is not just some unseen spirit.
It includes the body, mind, intellect, ego, and pure consciousness – everything that makes you you.

Spirituality Begins with Questions

Spirituality isn’t about complicated philosophy.

It starts with just three simple but powerful questions:

1. Who am I? (Question of existence)
2. What am I? (Question of essence)
3. Why am I? (Question of purpose)

The quest for answers to above questions is the journey of Spirituality. 

These questions help you look inwards instead of worrying about the world outside.

Every time you pause and look within, instead of reacting to the world outside, you're being spiritual.

For example, 

Imagine you had an argument with a close friend.

Now instead of asking: why did they behave like this? 

Try asking:

Why do I feel hurt? 

What expectation of mine was not met?

How can I overcome this feeling of hurt?

That shift in perspective—from outward blame to inward awareness—is the essence of spirituality.

And the more you make this a habit, the more spiritual you become.

In conclusion

In today’s times, with so much comfort around us, so much competition amongst us, and so much confusion within us, Spirituality is the only guide which will keep us on the right path.

Spirituality is the study of Self, not as a ritual, but as an honest enquiry into who you truly are.

There is no perfect method that works universally. We all are unique and hence our paths will be different. Though they may merge at certain points. 

• Scriptures can offer a foundation—but we must build the understanding ourselves.
• Gurus can offer guidance—but we must take the steps.
• Rituals can bring discipline—but only self-inquiry brings transformation.

A word of caution: I am not suggesting we abandon scriptures or rituals. They are valuable. But we must also grow beyond them—understanding what serves us now, and what leads us higher.

Because ultimately, the Truth is not in books, places, or people.
It is within.
And it is waiting to be discovered.