We all belong to some religion or the other. Every form you fill has a separate column asking you about which religion you belong to. Most politicians work their way to power based on caste politics. From matrimonial columns to many caste based organizations, you can find religion everywhere. Every religion swears to unite people while ironically, it is sometimes religion which is the cause for conflicts too!

When I inadvertently pick up story books meant for children, I sometimes feel that I can actually get the real meaning of each of these fables now. They are more than stories. They have underlying spiritual meaning which as children, we may not have understood.

Let me give you an example. I read a story 'God Provides' in which a king made every possible effort to stop a poor man who used to sing happily every evening biting cheese in between. Jealous of his happiness, the King changed rules of employment, forbid the poor man from entering the forest so that he would not be able to collect dry twigs for selling etc. and so be unhappy!

But it so happened that this man found some means or the other to earn his bread daily... and eat his cheese too while humming his songs merrily! The King had to relent in the end and made him his minister. This is to say 'God Provides'. For children, the story is quite amusing but when I read it now, I feel that this story is more about keeping your faith in the Almighty, to persevere in life amidst obstacles and to move on...

Spirituality is about leading a 'saatvic' (pure) life, taking care of entertaining right and positive thoughts and actions throughout the day. Your outer conditions improve when your inner world is beautiful. Thus, a spiritual person enjoys heaven here on earth --- blissful life of peace, abundance and happiness!

Spirituality can make your life easy

I know a woman who is extremely religious and knows each and every nuance attached with any kind of prayer performed during festivals. However, since she is only religious rather than being spiritual, she is too attached with the terrace of her house. She won't let anyone enter there, not even her neighbours and takes total control of people and the place when any ritual has to be performed there. Had she been spiritual, she would be more giving, accommodating and loving towards everyone.

Spirituality teaches you to share, be non-judgmental and let others enjoy their own space of freedom. Spirituality is about meditatively reaching out to the Almighty and being connected with Him all through the day!

A spiritual person does not see himself separate from others and so readily forgives others.

Spirituality teaches you to be and let be

There is no fear where there is spirituality. You become more aware of everything around you. As such, a spiritual being is immersed in his work with concentration, practices honesty, stays away from needless arguments and is peaceful. He is not egocentric and performs his work only as a medium of God. For instance, a surgeon puts his skill to the best of his ability while operating on his patient. But, how fast the patient will recoup is in God's hands. According to a spiritual person, he is not the doer. He is only doing what comes his way, to the best of his abilities.

Spirituality makes you a more balanced person

A spiritual person can see magic everywhere! His source of happiness are the little things of life. He sees beauty in nature, in the lovely flower, in the laughter of a child and is always filled with gratitude for everything. His source of happiness also lies in the core of his being! This means, he is not happy because of material things and outer achievements. He is always happy! Does he need any reason for it?It becomes his habit to keep smiling and lead a happy life. Well, during times of sorrow, he keeps equanimity and balance of mind. He believes in 'This too shall pass' philosophy and has an innate patience that sees him through difficult times. May be, this resilience comes from his unfettering faith in the Almighty.

A spiritual person is never angry!

You say that you do not get angry and it is the incident that made you angry. But the point is, there was a seed of anger in you. The flint got fiery when an outside force acted as a buffer!

A spiritual person, however, is always in control. He has underlying principles of living his life well. He follows unwritten rules which he unconsciously follows not because he is answerable to anyone, but because he feels that he is answerable to God. He is always connected to a Higher source of energy and so you will see him forever enthusiastic and bubbling with zest and energy to do better and serve better. His love and zeal will show in his impeccable and passionate work.

Outside factors cannot make a spiritual person lose control. Just like he manages himself, he is adept at managing people. He is assertive but will never be found yelling at others. Every word he speaks comes after proper deliberation. Nothing is left to chance for such a person.

James Allen has rightly said, ''Circumstances do not make a man; they reveal him to himself.'' A spiritual person can be religious too! You can be spiritual yet religious. What is the harm in continuing with your age old customs, family traditions and practices?

Well, the point is that if a religious person is not spiritual, then he does not learn the right ways of leading a happy life. He becomes busy in outside exertion without learning to lead an unattached, balanced, compassionate and peaceful life filled with love for himself and for others. Spirituality is not about your beliefs. It is more about how you live your life and how you feel every moment.

Prayer is not just about reciting and finishing your daily 'mantras' and reaching office. A simple prayer sitting in silence and connecting to a higher energy saying a heartfelt 'Thank you' may be enough too. You have to enhance your thoughts, be in gratitude, spread love, help, care and share with those around you. What better prayer can you offer?