An Analysis of Indian Spirituality in Modern Society: A Short Review

Exploring the Evolution of Spirituality in Indian and Global Contexts

Abstract

Spirituality is now generally thought to be native to anyone, whether they are religious or not. The concept has a long history. The word originated in Christianity. ‘The spiritual’ was originally contrasted with ‘fleshly’ which meant worldly or contrary to God's spirit. This contrast remained common until the European Middle Ages. ‘What is spirituality’ examines how the definition of spirituality has changed and looks at contemporary definitions. Spirituality today concerns what is holistic, involves a quest for meaning, is linked to ‘thriving’, and asks for a self-reflective existence as opposed to an unexamined life. Within this definition there are a number of religious spiritualties Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist.