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Does spiritualism exists beyond the physical world?

Spiritualism, the vastness of its meaning is exhibited by the word itself. Spiritualism refers to any doctrine that asserts the separate existence of god or a distinctive approach to any religion or prayer. From time immemorial there have been humans who have firmly believed in the existence of a supernatural or spiritual world that co-exists, runs parallel to, or in some other way is outside the boundaries of the physical, natural world. Is there something more beyond this materialistic world, something connected with faith, soul and spiritualism? This is indeed one among the many controversial questions ever to be discussed. Many people believe that there is an external force guiding this universe, the force that is responsible for the existence of this world but on contrary, there are some people to whomthe whole idea of god and spirituality is originally the product of hallucinations. Those inclined towards Spiritualism develop a deep devotion towards every aspect of life, away from individuality, not merely ego centered but focused on the well being of every creature. Spiritual practices like meditation, prayer and contemplation are intended to foster an individuals inner sight; such practices often lead to an experience of connections with a larger reality, yielding a more comprehensive self with human community, nature, and cosmos or with the divine realm. So, we can say that spiritualism enriches our life by fabricating a positive aura around us. Some people may misinterpret religion and spirituality as synonyms but we should not overlook how religion separates man from man and divides people into groups; whereas spiritualism helps us see the integrated whole. Physicality and spiritualism are two inextricably interrelated spheres of life. Although materialism remains dominant in our lives and is vital to our survival, spiritualism also plays an equally important role. It opens our insight, vitalizes our inner wisdom and sets positive vibes around us. The dualism between the body and soul is very clearly evident in the physical world. The body is the subservient student whereas the soul is the master; however both are indispensable from each other. The body has its rights and its demands upon us. It controls all our physical behaviors. However, what is the worth of the body without the soul? It is a mere corpse, no matter how powerfully or beautifully it is constructed. It simply becomes lifeless or like a carcass if the soul departs from it. The body's beauty and worth can only be realized in partnership with the soul. Even when we pray the physical aspects are the way we stand, bow and deliver our prayers but the spiritual part remains. We are in communion with god. The humility, devotion, sincerity and faith that we demonstrate covers up the spiritual aspect. It entails our recognition of gods greatness and divinity that inspires us with a sense of reverence and awe. Even gods existence cannot be proved. But if god wills he can simply appear and prove his existence, cannot he? But if he did so there would be no need of faith in this world. The Bible states, The heavens declare the glory of God; the vastness of the universe, the sky and the beauty of nature, proclaim the work of his hands. If these were not enough there is also evidence of God in our own hearts. Ecclesiastes tells us, He has also set eternity in the hearts of men.

Deep within us somewhere is the recognition that there must be something beyond this life and someone beyond this world. We can deny this knowledge intellectually, but Gods presence in us and all around us is still obvious. For example, if the Earth were significantly closer or farther away from the sun, it would not be capable of supporting much of the life it currently does. If the elements in our atmosphere were even a few percentage points different, nearly every living thing on earth would die wouldn't it? Every effect must have a cause. This universe and everything in it is an effect. There must be something that caused everything to come into existence. Ultimately, there must be something un-caused in order to cause everything else to come into existence. That un-caused cause is God. In some cultures, different superstitious beliefs and practices have flourished in the name of religion due to blind faith and misuse of the term spirituality. Yet one cannot fault the spiritual truths of religion just because a few misinterpreted them. The spiritual life is never an escape from reality. On the contrary, the spiritual life is the conscious and spontaneous acceptance of reality in its totality. For a spiritual seeker the idea of an escape from reality is completely absurd. To an unaspiring man the undying pleasure might be the only reality but to an aspiring man a divine experience is the only reality. Its absolutely up to you to decide who you want to be. To me spiritualism does exists beyond this physical world but those who have understood life beyond god, beyond faith and spiritualism may not think so.

-Samikshya Siwakoti A1 GP2

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