Does Spirituality Require Belief?

[Sunstone]

Is it necessary to believe in something, such as a god, in order to be spiritual? That is, does spirituality require belief? Why or why not?

For the purposes of this thread, let's define "spirituality" as "the extent and manner in which a person deals with or copes with their psychological self." A person who was relatively skillful at dealing with their psychological self would thus be considered relatively spiritual.

"Psychological self" here means the self, the "I", the ego, the consciousness, or whatever you want to call those things that we identify as being us. For instance, I might think of myself as being the thoughts that run through my head. Or I might think of myself as being my awareness or consciousness. Or I might think of myself as being to some extent, or in some fashion, a particular clothing style that I identify myself with -- e.g. "That's my look." or "That's me." Or perhaps I think of myself as being in some way the things I legally own. What I think of as "me" is potentially all but unlimited. The manner and extent to which I deal with or cope with the fact of my having a psychological self constitutes my spirituality.

 

[psychoslice]

For me spirituality is way beyond words or beliefs, its something that we can only experience from within, it is never found outside of us, not in scriptures or any second-hand words. This is the fault of most religions, they all believe they have the truth and that we all need to believe in their so called truth, when in fact they have nothing to offer but lies. Religion destroys the truth, once we organize the truth we kill it, it is made worthless, just by believing in it, we are the truth, we don't need to believe in something that we are already.

 

[Sees]

I think spirituality is more dependent on day to day perception and openness than firm beliefs.

 

[psychoslice]

I think spirituality is more dependent on day to day perception and openness than firm beliefs.

Gee, you always say the right words.

 

[Yoshua]

Is it necessary to believe in something, such as a god, in order to be spiritual? That is, does spirituality require belief? Why or why not?

For the purposes of this thread, let's define "spirituality" as "the extent and manner in which a person deals with or copes with their psychological self." A person who was relatively skillful at dealing with their psychological self would thus be considered relatively spiritual.

"Psychological self" here means the self, the "I", the ego, the consciousness, or whatever you want to call those things that we identify as being us. For instance, I might think of myself as being the thoughts that run through my head. Or I might think of myself as being my awareness or consciousness. Or I might think of myself as being to some extent, or in some fashion, a particular clothing style that I identify myself with -- e.g. "That's my look." or "That's me." Or perhaps I think of myself as being in some way the things I legally own. What I think of as "me" is potentially all but unlimited. The manner and extent to which I deal with or cope with the fact of my having a psychological self constitutes my spirituality.

Spirituality without a belief is like an egg that has nothing inside, its shell is only what we can see, there is no yolk (drained already). A hollow egg--empty inside.
Therefore, spirituality is having a belief in a deity or anything that is spiritual in nature.

Thanks

 

[Kirran]

I think we naturally all have some beliefs. One can be spiritual regardless of what those beliefs are - I don't think there are any specific beliefs which you need. But maybe there are some beliefs that would prevent you from being spiritual. I don't know about that though.

 

[psychoslice]

I think we naturally all have some beliefs. One can be spiritual regardless of what those beliefs are - I don't think there are any specific beliefs which you need. But maybe there are some beliefs that would prevent you from being spiritual. I don't know about that though.

For me, true spirituality is dropping all beliefs.

 

[wizanda]

Spirituality to me is about giving up the self, as we find in all religions globally....That 0neness (Zero-ness) is the ultimate goal.

Where as religions teach to have beliefs; find my own spirituality tries to have everything evidence based.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

For me, true spirituality is dropping all beliefs.

That's sort of how I see it, a spaciousness of mind, an openness, not clinging to tired assumptions and opinions. Also seeking truth rather than comfort.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

But maybe there are some beliefs that would prevent you from being spiritual.

I suspect a lot of religious beliefs fall into that category.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

Spirituality to me is about giving up the self...

I'm not sure about "giving up" the self, maybe more like transcending it, or not being limited by it.

 

[psychoslice]

That's sort of how I see it, a spaciousness of mind, an openness, not clinging to tired assumptions and opinions. Also seeking truth rather than comfort.

Yes we are certainly spiritually kindred.

 

[wizanda]

I'm not sure about "giving up" the self, maybe more like transcending it, or not being limited by it.

Good point, suppose could have put it is about being selfless....

Yet then on second thoughts, going to a sacred mountain or the beach, to be one with the sea, can be seen as spiritual journeys, yet then have nothing to do with helping anyone else.

So suppose it should be, that spirituality is about understanding ourselves within the Oneness of all.

 

[Kirran]

For me, true spirituality is dropping all beliefs.

I can certainly understand where you come from on that one.

But I think that to articulate anything of this nature requires one to work via beliefs.

 

[Madhuri]

I don't think that being spiritual relies on having established beliefs, as I see spirituality as a means of finding truths in a more real sense than simple belief. However, sometimes to pursue spirituality one will believe that there is more to what we can perceive materially.

 

[BSM1]

I'm not sure about "giving up" the self, maybe more like transcending it, or not being limited by it.

Or becoming the self?

 

[Rick O'Shez]

Or becoming the self?

There seem to be various permutations - some people talk about finding their "true self". Maybe the common theme is a willingness to look at experience in new ways, to question assumptions.

 

[Aupmanyav]

My view is not formed on beliefs.

 

[Kirran]

There seem to be various permutations - some people talk about finding their "true self". Maybe the common theme is a willingness to look at experience in new ways, to question assumptions.

I think when Buddha put forth the anatta doctrine, he meant the individual self, as the term atman/atta was commonly used at the time, but this doesn't necessitate any contradiction with the atman as spoken of in Advaita and co.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Is it necessary to believe in something, such as a god, in order to be spiritual? That is, does spirituality require belief? Why or why not?

For the purposes of this thread, let's define "spirituality" as "the extent and manner in which a person deals with or copes with their psychological self." A person who was relatively skillful at dealing with their psychological self would thus be considered relatively spiritual.

"Psychological self" here means the self, the "I", the ego, the consciousness, or whatever you want to call those things that we identify as being us. For instance, I might think of myself as being the thoughts that run through my head. Or I might think of myself as being my awareness or consciousness. Or I might think of myself as being to some extent, or in some fashion, a particular clothing style that I identify myself with -- e.g. "That's my look." or "That's me." Or perhaps I think of myself as being in some way the things I legally own. What I think of as "me" is potentially all but unlimited. The manner and extent to which I deal with or cope with the fact of my having a psychological self constitutes my spirituality.

Belief is something you say "this is true" not just with actions "also" with mind, intent, and motivation. It could involve deities, but that is not belief in and of itself.

Yes. You meed belief to be spiritual or practicing helping the psychological self, as per your definition.

"Why" do what you do spiritually, if you didnt have intent or motivation in your practice? Why practice if you dont believe in (and trust) your practice? What makes your practice important without your beliefs/values in it?

Beliefs are a must.

Without it we are just praying just because. We give offerings because maybe its cool. If you dont believe (have trust in your practice/spirituality) they mean nothing.