I too am looking into this aspect. I have had what may be called "spiritual" experiences. I have also read Sam Harris book on being spiritual without religion.
the basics is that religion deals with the aspect of being spiritual but has too much dogma that was invented for more control than freedom to find "one's self"
science, by its nature, can't pin point it and so lacks the ability (for now) to find the "spiritual" side of life.
From what i have experienced, spirituality is the perception of you being a part of everything else. It is the sense of being in the here and now instead of past and present. You can start to understand that you are more than just your wants and needs. One has the power to let go of things that are not important and understand the actions that are beneficial at the moment they are needed. Ultimatly you find a deep sense of happiness and peace.
Now that said most only get to that state for a short amount of time by various means ie: zen meditation, drugs, near death experinces, religious rituals).
The safest way to do it is usually through zen type meditation but as it is the safest way it is also the slowest.
I hope this helps. I may receive some dirty water from my atheist brothers and sisters on this subject but if I am nothing else I am at least a defiant free thinker.
the basics is that religion deals with the aspect of being spiritual but has too much dogma that was invented for more control than freedom to find "one's self"
science, by its nature, can't pin point it and so lacks the ability (for now) to find the "spiritual" side of life.
From what i have experienced, spirituality is the perception of you being a part of everything else. It is the sense of being in the here and now instead of past and present. You can start to understand that you are more than just your wants and needs. One has the power to let go of things that are not important and understand the actions that are beneficial at the moment they are needed. Ultimatly you find a deep sense of happiness and peace.
Now that said most only get to that state for a short amount of time by various means ie: zen meditation, drugs, near death experinces, religious rituals).
The safest way to do it is usually through zen type meditation but as it is the safest way it is also the slowest.
I hope this helps. I may receive some dirty water from my atheist brothers and sisters on this subject but if I am nothing else I am at least a defiant free thinker.
