Is Spirituality Real?

Before we can answer this question – “Is spirituality real?” – we need to first define what we mean by spirituality. In this article, I use the word “spirit” to mean that which is intangible, immaterial, not perceivable by the five physical senses of eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body. However, this is not to say that the spirit cannot see, hear or touch, or sense anything. What it really means is that the spirit sees, hears and senses without the need of any of these five physical organs. Our spirituality would, therefore, be our experiences in spirit.

Therefore, for spirituality to be real or true, the existence of spirit must be independent of our physical body. In other words, spirit must be able to continue to exist even after physical death. Is there any evidence to suggest that this is indeed the case?

 

Bear in mind that the current scientific belief is that our consciousness is the by-product of biochemical processes in our brain or body. Based on this thinking, there is no possibility of existence after the body dies. However, I should remind you that this is a rather recent belief. There is no evidence to suggest that this belief is factual or true. It simply is a belief.

In fact, for thousands of years, people of all different cultures have believed in the existence of spirit, in afterlife and in spirituality. Were they wrong in their beliefs?

Some scientific studies on near death experiences (NDEs) and past lives, as well as out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and psychic phenomena (psi) may offer us some clues. Scientists at the Department of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) in University of Virginia have been studying such phenomena for more than 50 years.

Below are two videos of some of these scientists sharing their work with the public.

 

Near Death Experience (NDE)

And if you are interested in near death experience, this personal account by a neurosurgeon might be of interest to you (below):

Here is another personal account of NDE by Anita Moorjani. She is the author of the book entitled “Dying to be me!”

 

Nearing Death Awareness (NDA)

Nearing death awareness (NDA) is a term used to describe a dying person’s awareness of impending death. This may include things such as seeing and talking to “someone” who has passed away, talking about undertaking a journey or trip, a knowledge that one is going to die, and other similarly inexplicable phenomena.

Meditation-related Spiritual Experiences

Experienced and expert meditators have also described spiritual experiences that are similar to those described above, such as out-of-body experiences (OBEs), levitation and spiritual healing.