Universal Spirituality
is not an easy topic to clearly define. Defining Universal Spirituality
is on an equal par with attempting to define the nature of God. For
every person to whom you asked this question, you would receive and
answer varying only by small degree to a large margin of perception.
Many authorities have attempted to define this question, however, with
the unfathomable differences in beliefs, religions, traditions, values
and cultures worldwide, the results are always controversial.
To attempt to
define University Spirituality, let us break down the two parts to the
equation. “Universal” is basically something that is applicable
to all. Something having the characteristics of being universal can
be a theme, principle, law or practice that applies not only to everyone,
but everywhere as well. Let’s take a look at an example of some
things that are universal to everyone. Food, Water and Air are basic
substances that are a universal necessity for the survival of the human
body. Light is also essential for us as well as the plants that grow
and nourish us. Darkness is also a constant in the universal cycle of
the Earth’s rotation, however, darkness is certainly not necessary
for us. How about a universal language of communication? How about universal
knowledge? Though varying by degree and understanding, we all need basic
knowledge to live and survive. How about love? Without love we slowly
begin to wilt like the flower without sun, however, it is not critical
for purposes of immediate survival.
Now that
we have a general understanding of what constitutes “Universal,”
let’s examine the second part. “Spirituality” is the
fact or quality of being spiritual. Being spiritual pertains to the
spirit. Considering the fact that spirit, in its true essence, is invisible
and intangible, carries different meanings for different people. The
meaning each person perceives of spirit is unique to the individual
and on a whole unimportant.
What is most important is that humanity reaches and agrees upon a common
definition of what constitutes spirit and since we are talking about
humans, the definition must apply to humans. The definition is that
all human beings are spiritual beings. In other words, a basic understanding
of what constitutes “being spiritual” is an important first
step in answering the question. How each individual expresses his or
her individual spirituality is the next step, however, at this point
in our discussion, is unimportant. Understanding that humans are spiritual
beings is believed by the majority these days, however, belief and knowing
that you are is a different story. For example, reading an informative
article that you are a spiritual being may provide that spark within
your consciousness leading you to conclude that “yes, I am a spiritual
being.” Such confirmation is good, however, it is usually short
lived. We have been highly conditioned to not accept things unless we
have valid proof and even then many remain skeptical. Spirituality,
like God, is for most, the great unsolved and inexperienced mystery.
Proof comes in the shift and eventual transformation of believing that
your state of perceptual awareness and most important, your identity
continues during periods of consciousness other than your normal waking
state of reality. Most people, at this stage of evolution, are concerned
with the survival of their identity in some form following the loss
of the physical body. There are many people who have received proof
this continuity without having to go through the change known as death.
There are a few people who have had Out-Of-Body Experiences (OBE’s)
and with the advances in modern medicine and life-support machines,
a considerable number more have had what is referred to as the Near-Death-Experience
or (NDE). These experiences, while puzzling to the individual, greatly
assist in dispelling the great amount of fear associated with the possible
loss of identity. What does all this mean? It is one of the first steps
in understanding that we are all spiritual beings. In other words, how
do we, as individuals, fit in with the answer to the question of Universal
Spirituality. This fits right in as the second half of our question,
like a glove in fact. A universal theme, something that is common to
all, is accepting the fact that we are all spiritual beings. This is
the most important first step in answering the question of what is Universal
Spirituality. Let’s take it a step further by elaborating on theme,
principle, law and practice.