Biology
versus spirituality
The word ‘spirit’, derived from
ancient Latin, meant ‘breath’ (i.e. as in the (imagined) ‘breath of God’).
The equivalent ancient Greek word was pneuma
(Sanskrit: prana),
also meaning breath/air. Both were taken as synonymous with the ancient Latin
word anima; meaning: that which animates, i.e. gives life. So, if one is breathing, hence
animated (i.e. living), one is spiritual. Animating the inanimate is the true
spiritual act. Any other biological or
non-biological function on which one might choose to superimpose the word
‘spirit’ (or spirituality), such as prayer to or adoration of one’s chosen
God, is not spirituality but merely pleasing (hence a placebo) diversion from
basic biological function (unless one is a priest). In short, the belief (and which is
always virtual because generated by one’s Bio-Nav (i.e. brain)) of ‘spirit’ (or ‘ghost’ or ‘soul’/psyche,
or fairies or elves or angels) is Spiritism (not spirituality). Spiritism serves
as placebo designed
to make the grind of life and, in particular, the horror of death as
permanent extinction more bearable. In short, it is biological (i.e.
hardware) function that is spiritual rather than service to an imagined source
(or software) of life. Fake spirituality, as defined and propagated by
priests, shamans and other fantasists, serves as pleasing wish fulfilment that
bridges unpleasant or sorrowful biological gaps. Indulging or immersing in fake spirituality
is a placebo, but for
the many the sine qua non of survival. Indulging in fake spirituality, such
as prayer, adoration, religious worship of all hues, shamanism, meditation,
Yoga and the like, is a popular pastime that offers an escape from the difficulties
and hardships of true spiritual activity (to wit, one’s cross). In India in
particular, fake spirituality is big business. |