Spirituality

Spirituality is difficult to define but when it is expressed in terms of qualities like humility, selflessness and moral courage one cannot but be drawn towards it. Spirituality is all about how a human being behaves with others, what sort of life he lives, what is his attitude towards life, and so on. It is intangible, yet it is distinct and clear. A very significant fact about a spiritual man is that he cannot help being what he is. If he is good, honest, and simple, it is not for the sake of any recognition he is expecting from anybody but because it is his nature. Similarly, he cannot change his nature because of threat or temptation. Under no circumstances will he be different from what he is.
Throughout history and in all countries there have been such men and women who have set example for others through the life they lived. And they were all religious people. There seems to be something in religion, which brings out the best in man. This is why religion is often described as a science of being and becoming, a science of growth. A people may be poor materially but if the average men and women are hardworking, sincere, honest, intelligent, and devoted to noble thoughts and ideals, they are bound to prosper. A people’s wealth is in its men and women. One great man or woman is not enough; it only raises hopes for others; it only shows that others also can grow to the heights he or she has attained. More than material prosperity, it is desirable that the people should try to realize the best in human nature.
Certainly, there cannot be mere physical and intellectual growth, it must also be moral growth, that is, growth of character. Everywhere it is persons of character whose influence is felt most and which is also most lasting. A physical or intellectual giant does impress us, but it is the person of character whom we respect most. We look at him / her and tell ourselves that this is the person we would like to follow. The kind of character he / she developes is a model for people of every age and every country try to shape themselves. It is as if he / she is the answer we were looking for to the question of how best we may grow to our own satisfaction and to the satisfaction of others as well. If we look closely, we will find that the person owes his / her success to that science of growth – religion. Religion inspired and guided, and took him / her to the unknown heights. This is what gives religion its strength, the aura associated with it.
Spirituality is what a person can be, given the will and the opportunities. It is his / her being that is interesting, and because what he / she is reflects itself in what he / she does, his / her whole life becomes a model for others to follow, a model of practical spirituality. He / she is the example of what spirituality is, and what its meaning and justification. Religion is the science, spirituality is its achievement. Spirituality is the richness, acquired through years of struggle, which gives man a power, a dignity, which nothing else – no wealth, no scholarship, no office can give.
The concept of Nam is central to Sikh spiritual evolution and psyche. The word 'Nam' means the practice of remembrance. It is a word used to describe the spiritual manifestations of God i.e. His Holy Spirit. So the remembrance of God is the essence of Sikhism and is called Nam Simran. Nam Simran alone can bring true peace of mind. The obstacles to Nam Simran are worldly thoughts, sleep, and occult powers.
In Sikhism the sole repository of spiritual authority is Sri Guru Granth Sahib. In the event of any disputes, a conclave is summoned to meet at the Akal Takht Sahib-The Throne of the Timeless. Resolutions passed at the Akal Takht have spiritual sanction, with a unanimous resolution being termed as Gurmatta, the "decision of the Guru".