Philosophers Stone

Kanyakumari is a famous destination of spiritual tourism. Thousands of people visit this place every day.

History, geography and the culture of this place is very conducive for spirituality.

Spirituality is grossly misinterpreted and misused from the very beginning of human history.

Every body has their own interpretation of it.

Here is my attempt to express my version of spirituality.

Any discussion on spirituality should start with a proper and scientific definition of the term.

It is highly subjective so the spirituality has many definitions

Even though its a subjective topic, many universities are including spirituality in their curricula now a days.

Below are some of the definitions of spirituality:

1. Spirituality is the search for transcendent meaning can be expressed in religious practice or expressed exclusively in relationship to nature, music, the arts, a set of philosophical beliefs, or relationships with friends and family (Astrow et al. 2001)

2. Spirituality is the praxis and process of personal transformation, either in accordance with traditional religious ideals, or increasingly, oriented on subjective experience and psychological growth independently of any specific religious context. (Wikipedia)

3. Spirituality is that which gives meaning to ones life and draws one to transcend oneself. Spirituality is a broader concept than religion, although that is one expression of spirituality. Otherexpressions include prayer, meditation, interactions with others or nature, and relationship with God or a higher power. ( Burkhardt 1989)

Vivekananda Rock Memorial : Swami Vivekananda said to have meditated on this rock for three days from 25 December 1892.

A grant stone sculpture of Thiruvalluvar the author of Thirukkural. The height of this statue is 133 feet, denoting 133 chapters of Thirukkural.

Spirituality means something different to everyone. For some, its all about participating in organized religion: For others, its more personal: Some people get in touch with their spiritual side through private prayer, yoga, meditation, quiet reflection, or even long walks. Some others enter into spiritual or divine trance with art, literature or music etc.

Cognitive psychologists says, while the brain processes sensory stimulation we look for patterns and then seek out meanings in those patterns. Once we believe in something, we try to explain away any thing that conflicts that belief.

Mind use different methods to process information in line with its belief systems and attitudes. deletion, distortion and generalization of the information are some among them.

In laymans words: We tend to see what we want to see, we remember what we want to remember and we do what we think right.

The concepts about spirituality is evolving with human history. Now people see clear difference between spirituality and religion. Many people started proclaiming they are spiritual but not religious.

And I am one among them.

At times we have to come out of our believe systems and realize the boundaries cross over to each other at many points.

I consider this as a spiritual experience, because I could recharge myself with the energy available here.

Could you see the alchemy ? Grass becoming golden - I experience spirituality here!

Permutations and combinations of lights and shades here are numerous - and well beyond human interpretations - I experience spirituality here also!

Golden lining is there in every person light of Spirituality some times make it glow

O ! dear eyes, Its your luck that the divine grace is flowing into you

Moon and Sun are seen like spots here - Still if I believe I is bigger - is it not foolishness?

I carve the idols out of stones with my heart and head

Mere stones will be uplifted to Godliness with my touchMere stones will be uplifted to Godliness with the magic of my hands.

I give them my shape and names... and then

I build houses to dwell my Gods -. But...

The TIME is more powerful than these Gods. It will bring back and line up these idols in a museums after one thousand years of solitude. Some people could experience Spirituality in this cycle - Not poor me!

Following the footsteps of predecessors is easy, but I feel its not always worth it!

Here I feel the free and abundant flow of spirituality!

Some times symbols and colours of spirituality may not actually represent it!

Culture and values can be transferred through human touch and I could experience spirituality in such situations!

Love and togetherness bless us with eternal supply of spiritual energy...

Material possessions are not criteria to experience happiness and the flow of spirituality.

Its one hand who created us, so we are equal. I think, at times philosophy also provide spiritual bliss!

One of the greatest symbols of Spirituality is lotus. It stands in mud and lies in water but, neither mud not water can make it wet, It is unaffected by its surroundings.

Thank you