The healing touch of true spirituality

Jan 22, 2010, 12.00am IST
Rashmi Singla.

The message of the Bible is – be virtuous and you will attain the kingdom of heaven. But can being good alone help us live happily when we step into the ever-demanding world of today with its numerous stresses and strains?


Despite our best efforts when we do not get a congenial environment, such as the right job to prove our worth, people in whose company we feel good, we become unhappy. This calls for an ability to be positive from within, even when our surroundings might be negative.

It is easy to float through life when everything is going according to our wishes. It is tough to remain positive in a negative environment where lawlessness seems to have taken the place of law, and honest citizens have to constantly deal with crooks. To be positive at such times needs great effort and a strong will. How can this be achieved? By making spirituality an integral part of our daily lives.

Spirituality helps clear away negativity as we struggle with adverse circumstances. Spirituality means converting negative thoughts to positive ones. It calms the mind and heart and connects us with the Almighty – the supreme power – who charges us with love and blessings. This can only happen if we realise we are all part of Brahmn . It becomes easier to deal with the world if we realise this truth, as it helps us deal with everything from a spiritual perspective.

When we suffer a setback, a spiritually awakened outlook can be of great help in getting us back on our feet. It can help us release our emotional suffering by building a positive attitude, buffering our self-esteem, and by inspiring us to explore and use our abilities to the fullest.

The practice of spirituality entails constantly turning our minds towards that which is true and pure. We realise that we are all going to face negative circumstances and we will be able to overcome hindrances only if we have built our inner reserves of positivity. Being spiritual helps us recognise our limitations while simultaneously focusing on our strengths.

The best way to root out negativity is to focus on positivity. One way of doing this is to stop the poison of worldly afflictions from seeping into our hearts and minds, like Lord Shiva who stores the poison he has imbibed in his throat and does not let it enter his bloodstream.

An attitude of acceptance, that whatever is happening is with the will of God, helps restore our equilibrium. Only complete surrender to God can foster inner strength. If we could detach our consciousness from maya and focus it upon God, the Divine will bestow His grace on us. Maya’s attraction is an illusion that keeps us from knowing the truth.

Meditation is one way in which we can cultivate spirituality in our lives. True meditation means correcting our thoughts. Good thoughts are like a treasure that never allows us to feel drained and can provide valuable solace in trying times. Listening to spiritual discourses, meditating, turning our gaze inwards should be accompanied by being a positive influence in the world by helping others and rendering service with humility.


As the veil of clouds lifts, the moon appears bright and luminous in a dark night sky. Our lives, too, can become serene and joyful when the healing touch of true spirituality clears away the clouds of ignorance from our hearts and minds.