Defining Spirituality (and does it go away once you really define it.)

I like definitions.

In many debates and disagreements the actual point of contention is a definition, not an ideological difference.

So whenever I get into an intellectual discussion I try to get a definition of all the points I can.

It doesn't really matter who's definitions you use, as long everyone is using the same one!

So I was so happy to see that Deepak Chopra starts off his blog entry with a definition:

Only Spirituality Can Solve The Problems Of The World
Deepak Chopra, February 24, 2010 10:22 AM

"Before addressing the importance of spirituality in modern times, we should first define it. Spirituality is the experience of that domain of awareness where we experience our universality. This domain of awareness is a core consciousness that is beyond our mind, intellect, and ego. In religious traditions this core consciousness is referred to as the soul which is part of a collective soul or collective consciousness, which in turn is part of a more universal domain of consciousness referred to in religions as God."

I literally stopped reading after these few sentences and started writing this post! Why? Because even using Dr. Chopra's own definition I think we can take all of the supernatural out of "spirituality". And if we do that, is there really anything left to it?

His definition seems to state that spirituality is some sort of supernatural universality, collectiveness, togetherness. And if that is really how most people define spirituality I don't see the reason for the supernatural aspect to it.

Simply put, we ARE all similar. We do all live in the same place (earth). We do all have similar thoughts, dreams and desires. There is a deep seated desire that everyone be good and have a good life together.

We have similar thoughts and dreams because were are the same species & there is really very little amount of variation in our instincts. And since we evolved from social herd animals there are lots of low level instincts for herd survival and well being.

Is this feeling of "connection" really what theists call "spirituality", a "soul", or "god"?

I feel connected with all other life on this planet because I am. To quite a few significant digits I am identical to all other life on this planet, there are many more similarities than there are differences. This similarity does not end with our construction. The ecosystem of the earth affects and is affected by every living thing. We do not need some fluffy "spiritual" connection, we are physically connected!

I don't see how adding some "sacred source" of this connection deepens it or validates it more that science and understanding has.

The only thing it adds is a superlative that Dr. Chopra terms "higher consciousness". And since everyone is already "conscious" the only thing that religion brings to the party is the "higher" part. This "higher" is just really an assumption that however you personally experienced this oneness is better or more valid than everyone else's consciousness.

He contradicts himself even in this little essay:

"Higher consciousness, spontaneously leads to moral and ethical behavior. However, because spiritual knowledge is powerful, the custodians of organized religion have frequently ended up with destructive behaviors -- power mongering, cronyism, control, corruption, and influence peddling."

So higher consciousness spontaneously leads to good behavior except in the cases that it doesn't?

Let me tell you it's not just the "custodians" that have destructive behaviors. When you ignore facts and start making decisions on whatever your interpret the "will of god" to be you have jumped off the rails of morality as well as reality. Defining something as the "will of god" automatically makes it moral, regardless of actual social benefit or justice. It's a nice trick if you can stomach the lie.

To me religion is mostly used by people that are too lazy to work out a moral code of their own. This manifests in two ways: People don't want to spend the time to figure out what is "right". And people want whatever moral decisions they do make to be validated as "right". Religion does this in the most unimaginative method possible, invent an ultimate power and source. As if that were not enough this "god" gets defined as infallible as well. Yup, I think they got all their bases covered... ;)