By Bliss

Singapore is a multi-religious and multi-racial society. Religions have developed out of the needs of the people. They give us hope and make our lives meaningful, while also being closely tied to our race and culture.

For a long time, I was confused about the difference between spirituality and religiosity. However, after attending six lessons taught by Dr. Jeffrey Po, I finally understood the distinction between the two and happily chose Buddhism as my spiritual path.

Spirituality and religiosity, though often used interchangeably, are distinct in several important ways. While both relate to one’s connection with the divine or transcendent, they differ in their emphasis on individual versus collective practices, internal versus external focus, and inclusivity versus exclusivity.

Spirituality is deeply personal and inward-focused, prioritizing direct, individual experiences of the divine. It encourages self-discovery and inner peace through practices like meditation, mindfulness, or personal reflection. For example, a person may practice spirituality through journaling, prayer, or meditation, focusing on cultivating personal virtues such as compassion, kindness, and emotional intelligence. This emphasis on inner transformation allows for a flexible approach, where individuals can choose their own path to spiritual fulfillment.

Religiosity, in contrast, is more structured and communal. It revolves around external practices, rituals, and doctrines, which are often defined by religious institutions. These might include regular attendance at services, participation in rites such as baptism, or adherence to religious laws and teachings. Religiosity emphasizes conformity to a set of beliefs and the observance of prescribed practices as outward signs of devotion.

Another key difference lies in the focus on universal connection versus external conformity. Spirituality fosters a sense of interconnectedness, promoting the idea that all humans share a common spiritual experience, regardless of cultural or religious background. It views the divine as a unifying force and respects various paths to spiritual truth. In contrast, religiosity can be more exclusive, often defining a single, correct path to truth. This exclusivity can sometimes create divisions between religious groups, leading to a sense of “us versus them” rather than a shared human experience.

In conclusion, while both spirituality and religiosity involve a search for meaning and connection with the divine, they differ fundamentally in their approach. Spirituality is flexible, personal, and inward-focused, while religiosity is structured, communal, and externally visible through rituals and laws.

As the Buddha taught: To misinterpret Reality is to Suffer.

Master Sheng Yen highlighted that our own minds, with their constant fluctuations of thoughts and emotions, are often the Source of Sufferings. Liberation starts with learning to observe and manage these mental states.

Must we wait for death to be free? No. Liberation is possible and attainable now, through mindful awareness, non-attachments, and the release of our ego and defilements. The next time a thought arises – whether fear, craving, or anger –pause. Look inward – observe it like a passing cloud. Letting it go is where liberation begins. The choice is ours.