12 August 2013 - QA 2

Gurudev, is possible for me to be spiritual in spite of not being religious? Is Dharma necessary?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: See, spirituality is a part of religion. Spirituality unites everyone. It is an experience from within. It is the essence of all religions.
If you say that I will be both spiritual and irreligious also, then that is not possible. Religion has its own place and significance in our life and in society. Spirituality too has its own place. This is what we must all understand. It unites everyone’s hearts together.
Customs, traditions and rituals are a vital part of Dharma (here meaning religion). This is also important for a healthy society. But the art of joining the hearts together, the souls together is in spirituality. That is also important.