1. Self Development In the context of spirituality and a practical approach Study of Religions

2. Since we are all born in a religion we will take this class more on an Since we are all born in a religion we will take this class more on an EXPLORATORY approach

3. What is a Religion Re legare – Re connect Reconnect indicated – lost connection Lost connection of what? Why to reconnect Why to reconnect Is there a human need to seek God? Fear of the Unknown Curiosity of the Unknown Mastery of the Unknown Scientific Research

4. Key Question Is Religion an evolutionary idea? (Evolution of thought to suit the era)

5. State of Religions “What we need on this furiously religious planet... is a realistic view of religious conflict,” Rao said. “What we are seeing is not only an acceleration of interreligious contact but also interreligious conflict. We need a new way of thinking to ensure the continuity of our species.” Seshagiri Rao, former chief editor of the University of South Carolina’s Encyclopedia of Hinduism project

6. Major Religions HinduismIslamismChristianityJudaism Countless sub religions Can any body of knowledge, belief system and set of practices become a religion?

7. Major Similarities Historical Deterioration, Self destruction and Reformation God is one & God is love Drawing interpersonal attitudes from attitude to God Moral codes for the human beings Preserve and Protecting life Charity Genius in a wider reach and hence offer Ritualistic and Contemplative methods

8. Ritualistic Side Physical Daily Ritual of Worship All events are governed by an associated activity with the god of one’s choice Belief system is given Dos and Don’ts Mantras, Choirs, Psalms, Kirtans, Bajans etc

9. Contemplative Side IntrospectionMeditationExperiential Proper attitudes and faith develop gradually Use of quiet prayer with acceptance of what comes Monastery and Ashram

10. Key Questions Why do almost all religions profess two ways to approaching God? Which one would you prefer if you had a full understanding of both?

11. Is it God or Truth? What are we seeking ultimately? Are all the differences Semantic? Is the search and association external or Internal?

12. What are we seeking? There was a preacher who fell in the ocean and he couldn't swim. When a boat came by, the captain yelled, "Do you need help, sir?" The preacher calmly said "No, God will save me." A little later, another boat came by and a fisherman asked, "Hey, do you need help?" The preacher replied again, "No God will save me." Eventually the preacher drowned & went to heaven. The preacher asked God, "Why didn't you save me?" God replied, "Fool, I sent you two boats!"

13. What is Spirituality? Art and Science of Remembrance Of what? Universal Truth, Realization of Potential and The absolute condition of the Soul or inner Self “As you think so you become” – Basis of Raja Yoga Becoming which can you be in a state of equilibrium ( Absolute Condition) So Become that by doing Meditation http://www.sahajmarg.org/video/why- spirituality http://www.sahajmarg.org/video/why- spirituality

14. Religion vs Spirituality Religion God is outside RitualisticCultural Current state is divisive Spirituality God is inside ContemplativeIndividualUnifying

15. Key Questions 1.How many of you are religious? 2.How many of you are spiritual? 3.How many of you think there is no God or higher power? 4.How many of you believe there is a God of the Religions  Defined 5.How may of you believe there is a higher power, can not be explained by any one  Indefinable 6.How many of you believe there is a dynamic relationship with our Creator and the creation?  Law of Nature vs Human will and determination  Alignment vs Deviation  Reward and Consequence 7.How many of you think meditation is a means to become spiritual?

16. Closing Recap Next week Survey Results