Spirituality East and West

Historically, eastern and western traditions have held different aspects of spirituality. Eastern approaches have often emphasized Oneness, undifferentiated unity consciousness. This is the nondual perspective, where opposites are unified and integrated. Light and dark, masculine and feminine, conscious and unconscious, Shakti and Shiva–all duality is transcended, and we return to a state of blissful merging with Spirit. 

Eastern spirituality is very impersonal. Using practices such as Hatha Yoga to still the body and meditation to still the mind, it aims to liberate us from the illusion of a separate, individual self and return us to the formless ocean of pure mind. The ego ceases to be as we merge into the All.

“Who are you? Who are you really?” Ramana Maharshi would ask his disciples to answer this question again and again, until only the truest answer remained. We may start with answers like, “I am James. I am a man. I am a psychologist…” Eventually our answers may sound like, “I am Peace. I am Joy. I am Light….” Our consciousness expands, incorporating fuller visions of divinity.

Western approaches have historically been much more personal. God is presented as a Divine Personality who we are related to as Their children. They know us intimately, even down to the number of hairs on our head. Old religion would teach us to fear their judgment and retribution; more recently, Western religion has realized and preached that God is nothing but perfect Love, so He doesn’t condemn and punish (only humans do all that).

Spirituality in the West often focused on concepts such as our ascension into the light, getting closer to God by avoiding darkness and living a good life of kindness, charity and service to others. All the great achievements of Western civilisation, such as healthcare, justice systems and democratic government, have arisen from the Christian faith.

Contemplation, spiritual study and enquiry have been cornerstones of Western spiritual practice, held in the devotional practices of liturgy and worship. Rituals such as mass and communion, and personal, prayerful conversations with Prime Creator, have provided the scaffolding for many souls to find their way to spiritual awareness.

The modern age has allowed us to explore all the spiritual traditions of the world, from Shamanic practices to biofeedback. Some incredible souls have developed combinations of these various streams, integrating East, West and everything in between. Consider David Hawkins’ Devotional Nonduality, and Ken Wilber’s Integral Philosophy, as examples.

Whatever path you are drawn to, our spiritual journey is the ultimate, most important quest. Godspeed on your path.