SPIRITUALITY BASED HEALING
PRAYER AND MAINSTREAM RELIGIONS - Many people find devotion, and prayer as a way to heal spiritual wounds, and seek refuge and sanctuiary in their beliefs.
BUDDHISM - Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in the fifth century B.C. in what is now Nepal and northern India. He came to be called "the Buddha," which means "awakened one," after he experienced a profound realization of the nature of life, death, and existence. In English, the Buddha was said to be enlightened, although in Sanskrit it is "bodhi," or "awakened." For the rest of his life, the Buddha traveled and taught. However, he didn't teach people what he had realized when he became enlightened. Instead, he taught people how to realize enlightenment for themselves. He taught that awakening comes through your own direct experience, not through beliefs and dogmas. Buddha taught that believing in gods was not useful for those seeking to realize enlightenment. The Buddha said that doctrines should not be accepted just because they are in scripture or taught by priests.Instead of teaching doctrines to be memorized and believed, the Buddha taught how to realize truth for yourself. The focus of Buddhism is on practice rather than belief. The foundation of Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths:
The truth of suffering ( "dukkha"
The truth of the cause of suffering ( "samudaya")
The truth of the end of suffering ( "nirhodha")
The truth of the path that frees us from suffering ( "magga")
The Range of Buddha’s Teachings
The Dalai Lama makes a threefold distinction for Buddhism:
Buddhist science of mind – how perception, thought and the emotions work from the point of view of subjective experience
Buddhist philosophy – ethics and logic, and Buddhism’s understanding of reality
Buddhist religion – belief in past and future lives, karma, rituals and prayer.
CHRISTIANITY - Christianity is the world’s largest religious tradition with 2.5 billion followers, about 30 per cent of the world’s population in 2020. It is also the largest religion in the UK — 46.2 per cent of the population of England and Wales are Christian, according to the 2021 census. Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who lived in the Middle East 2,000 years ago from 0-33CE. It has its origins in Judaism — Jesus and his early followers were Jewish. Christianity developed as a distinct religious movement gradually after Jesus’s death. After his death by crucifixion, the description of Jesus’s resurrection, his physical reappearance to some of his disciples, and ascension into heaven, are key elements in Christian belief. After the resurrection, the disciples proclaimed Jesus as the Anointed One, called the Messiah in the Jewish tradition and the Christ in Greek, and launched a public ministry on the Jewish festival of Pentecost, when the gifts of the Holy Spirit are said to have descended upon those gathered. The church — the community of those who believed the Christian message — began to spread beyond Jerusalem and it was then that the followers were first called Christians, followers of the Christ.
Christians believe the Bible to be divinely inspired, the word of God. However, interpretations of the text range from a literal interpretation of the Bible to more metaphorical or contextual interpretations. The Christian Bible is not a single book but a collection of writings of different formats including stories, poetry, songs, letters and historical writings. It is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament, which is shared with the Jewish tradition, and the New Testament. There are numerous translations of the Bible, and different traditions tend to favour some over others.
Christianity is a monotheistic faith — followers believe in one God — and the majority of Christian traditions teach that the one God is known in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. This doctrine, known as the Trinity, is expressed in the Nicene Creed, a widely accepted Christian statement of faith dating from the fourth century. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible, come to earth to fulfil God’s law and to teach love of God and love of your neighbour. Christians also believe that Jesus is God incarnate — that he was simultaneously fully human and fully divine. They hold that he was born of Mary and was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is believed to be God’s continual presence on earth and this is particularly emphasised in the Pentecostal traditions.
Christians believe in salvation through Jesus — that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of humankind and brought atonement (reconciliation with God). Humanity had been separated from God through sin, beginning with the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The nature of the Christian belief of life after death varies between traditions and individuals. One understanding is that that through Jesus’s death and resurrection, Christians too can be resurrected to a new life after the death of their physical body. Many believe that they will be judged by God and sent to heaven or hell, with the expectation that Christians will go to heaven as they have been granted forgiveness through Christ.
Christian worship includes both individual and collective practices. Individual practices include prayer, Bible study and, in some traditions, fasting. Collective worship includes attending church services, usually on a Sunday — the Sabbath day in most Christian traditions. Services include prayer, song, the reading of scripture, and a teaching or sermon by the priest/minister/pastor. They may include the Eucharist — the communion service when bread and wine is eaten and drunk together
HINDUISM - Hinduism is the world's oldest extant religion, and with more than a billion followers, it is also the world's third largest religion. Hinduism is a conglomeration of religious, philosophical, and cultural ideals and practices that originated in India thousands of years before the birth of Christ. Hinduism remains the dominant faith practiced in India and Nepal today. Unlike other religions, Hindus view their faith as an all-encompassing way of life with a complex system that comprises beliefs and traditions, an advanced system of ethics, meaningful rituals, philosophy, and theology. Hinduism is characterized by belief in reincarnation, called Samsara; one absolute being with multiple manifestations and related deities; the law of cause and effect, called Karma; a call to follow the path of righteousness by engaging in spiritual practices (yogas) and prayers (bhakti); and the desire for liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Hinduism's origins cannot be traced to any one individual. The earliest of the Hindu scriptures, the Rig Veda, was composed well before 6500 B.C., and the roots of the faith can be traced as far back as 10,000 B.C. The word "Hinduism" is not to be found anywhere in the scriptures, and the term "Hindu" was introduced by foreigners referring to people living across the River Indus or Sindhu, in the north of India, around which the Vedic religion is believed to have originated.
At its core, Hinduism teaches four Purusarthas, or goals of human life:
Dharma (ethics and duties)
Artha (work and prosperity)
Kama (passion and desires)
Moksha (liberation from the cycle of samsara)
Of these beliefs, Dharma is most important in day-to-day life because it is what will lead to Moksha and the end.
The basic scriptures of Hinduism, which are collectively referred to as Shastras, are essentially a collection of spiritual laws discovered by different saints and sages at different points in its long history. Two types of sacred writings comprise the Hindu scriptures: Shruti (heard) and Smriti (memorized). They were passed on from generation to generation orally for centuries before they were written down, mostly in the Sanskrit language. The major and most popular Hindu texts include the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Adherents to Hinduism believe that there is only one supreme Absolute, called Brahman. However, Hinduism does not advocate the worship of any one particular deity. The gods and goddesses of Hinduism number in the thousands or even millions, all representing the many aspects of Brahman. Therefore, this faith is characterized by the multiplicity of deities. The most fundamental of Hindu deities is the divine trinity of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). Hindus also worship spirits, trees, animals, and planets.
The Hindu calendar is lunisolar, based on the cycles of the sun and moon. Like the Gregorian calendar, there are 12 months in the Hindu year, and a number of festivals and holidays are associated with the faith throughout the year. Many of these holy days celebrate the many Hindu deities, such as Maha Shivaratri, which honors Shiva and the triumph of wisdom over ignorance. Other festivals celebrate aspects of life that are important to Hindus, such as family bonds. One of the most auspicious events is Raksha Bandhan, when brothers and sisters celebrate their relationship as siblings. Being a Hindu means practicing the tenets of the religion, following the Purusarthas, and conducting one's life in accordance with the faith's philosophies through compassion, honesty, prayer, and self-restraint.
ISLAM - The word “Islam” is derived from the Arabic root “S-L-M,” which means peace, purity, submission, and obedience. In a religious context, it means submission to the will of Allah (God). Followers of Islam are called Muslims. At the heart of Islam are fundamental beliefs that shape the faith and practices of Muslims:
Monotheism (Tawhid): The belief in one, unique, incomparable God who is the sole creator and sustainer of the universe. Allah has no partners or equals. Angels (Malaika): Spiritual beings who obey God’s commands. Angels play various roles, including delivering messages to prophets. Prophets (Anbiya): Messengers chosen by God to guide humanity. Muslims believe in prophets like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all), recognizing Muhammad as the final prophet.
Holy Books (Kutub): Scriptures revealed to prophets, including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the Quran, which is considered the final and unaltered word of God. Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Din): The belief that all individuals will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds, leading to eternal reward or punishment. Divine Decree (Al-Qadar): The belief in God’s predestination, acknowledging that God is all-knowing and has ordained everything that happens.
Born in Mecca around 570 CE, Muhammad is considered the last prophet in Islam. Orphaned at a young age, he was known for his honesty and integrity, earning the titles “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy) and “As-Sadiq” (the truthful). At the age of 40, he received his first revelation from God (Allah) through the Angel Gabriel. His teachings and life example, known as the Sunnah, are recorded in the Hadith literature and serve as a model for Muslims.The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years. It consists of 114 chapters (surahs) and addresses guidance, morality, wisdom, and law. The Quran remains in its original Arabic language, and memorization of its text is a common and revered practice among Muslims.
The Five Pillars of Islam
Shahada (Faith Declaration): Professing that “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” This affirmation is the entry into Islam. If we imagine Islam as a house, shahada is the key to the house’s door. By saying and believing in Shahada, you become a Muslim.
Salah (Prayer): Performing five daily prayers facing the holy city of Mecca. Prayer fosters discipline, spirituality, and closeness to God.
Zakat (Almsgiving): Giving a fixed portion of one’s wealth (usually 2.5%) to the needy, promoting economic justice and reducing inequality.
Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan): Abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, cultivating self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate.
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if physically and financially able, symbolizing unity and equality before God.
JAINISM - is one of the world’s oldest religions, originated in India over 2,500 years ago. Known for its profound emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa), ethical self-discipline, and spiritual liberation, Jainism promotes a way of life dedicated to reducing harm and attaining inner purity. This ancient Indian tradition follows the teachings of a lineage of 24 Tirthankaras, or spiritual teachers, who each attained enlightenment and paved the path toward liberation. The last and most revered of these Tirthankaras is Mahavira, who lived around 600 BCE and is considered the primary reformer of Jainism as it is practiced today.At the heart of Jainism are its core principles, often referred to as the Three Jewels: Right Belief, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. These principles guide the followers of the Jain tradition on their path towards spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
Within these Three Jewels are five core ethical principles which guide the Jain Way of Life:
Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Perhaps the most well-known tenet of Jainism is the principle of non-violence. Jains know that all living beings experience pain and therefore adhere to a strict code of non-harm. This extends not only to human life but also to animals and even microscopic organisms. Ahimsa is not just an action but a state of mind, requiring Jains to cultivate compassion and harmlessness in every aspect of their lives.
Truthfulness (Satya): Jains emphasize the importance of truth in thought, word, and deed. Practicing honesty and avoiding falsehoods are essential components of leading a righteous life according to Jain principles.
Non-Stealing (Asteya): Jainism advocates for the practice of non-stealing, which extends beyond material possessions to include not stealing of others' time, talents, and resources. Jains aim to cultivate a sense of contentment and to reduce the human passion of greed.
Chastity (Brahmacharya): In the context of Jainism, chastity is not limited to celibacy but extends to the responsible and ethical use of one's sexual energy. This principle emphasizes the importance of self-control and moderation in all aspects of life. Jain monks and nuns are celibate, while Jain householders marry one partner for life.
Non-Possessiveness (Aparigraha): Aparigraha encourages Jains to detach themselves from material possessions and avoid excessive accumulation. By practicing non-attachment, individuals reduce the negative impact of greed and foster a mindset of simplicity and contentment.
These ethical principles are not mere guidelines but form the foundation of Jain morality, guiding the actions and decisions of its followers in their daily lives. The literary heritage of Jainism is vast and diverse, encompassing sacred texts, philosophical treatises, and works of art. Jain literature is written in various languages, including Prakrit and Sanskrit. Some of the key texts that form the basis of Jain teachings include:
Agamas: The Agamas are the canonical scriptures of Jainism, consisting of the teachings attributed to Mahavira. These texts provide guidance on various aspects of religious practice, including rituals, ethical conduct, and meditation.
Tattvartha Sutra: Also known as the Tattvarthadhigamasutra, this foundational text was composed by the Jain philosopher Umasvati. It expounds on the fundamental principles of Jainism, elucidating the nature of reality, the soul, and the path to liberation.
Kalpasutra: The Kalpasutra is a biographical account of Lord Mahavira's life and teachings. It also contains narratives about the lives of other Tirthankaras and details about the monastic code for Jain monks and nuns.
Jain Epics: Jainism has its own set of epics, such as the Harivamsa Purana and the Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra, which recount the stories of ancient heroes and heroines, including Tirthankaras and other special figures. Commentaries and Philosophical Works: Jain scholars have produced a wealth of commentaries and philosophical treatises that explore and elaborate on the intricacies of Jain philosophy. Works by eminent philosophers like Kundakunda and Siddhasena Divakara have significantly shaped Jain thought.
JUDAISM - is the religion of the Jewish people, and is based on the teachings found in the Torah, the Jewish holy book. Jews believe in a single, omnipotent, all-powerful, all-knowing God, who created, sustains, and oversees every aspect of existence. In Jewish thought, God—who is called a number of different names throughout Jewish literature—created the world for your benefit, meaning and pleasure: the greatest pleasure being a relationship with Him. The Torah is considered the manual—by way of its lengthy narrative sections, as well as its commandments and laws—that teaches you how to develop and deepen that relationship. According to Jewish tradition, Judaism’s founder is the biblical character Abraham, who is first mentioned in the book of Genesis. Rabbinical tradition teaches that Abraham rejected the pagan beliefs of his time (middle bronze age, or about 3800 years ago) and embraced the idea of a single, omnipotent, all-powerful deity, which is today considered the foundation of Jewish, as well as other ethical monotheistic beliefs (like Christianity and Islam). Abraham was a prophet, and his conversations with God—and God’s promises to him—are recorded in the book of Genesis, chapters. Abraham was married three times—and had at least eight children—although the special pact, or covenant, that God made with him was passed down exclusively through his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob, and not any of his other descendants.
Judaism’s holy book is the Torah, also called the “Five Books of Moses,” and consists of the biblical books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The name, “Torah,” means “instructions,” and it’s often referred to as “Torat Chaim,” or “Instructions for Living.” In addition to the narrative sections that describe the birth and development of the Jewish nation, the Torah also contains the 613 commandments, which are the tools—or instructions—to live a meaningful, spiritual, balanced, and Jewish life. The Torah is also the first five books of the Tanach (תנ׳ך), which is a Hebrew acronym for the Torah, Prophets, and Writings; otherwise known as the 24 books of the Jewish Bible.
The Torah is also called the “Written Law,” and was originally transmitted together with an oral companion called the “Oral Law”, which contains an in-depth explanation of the Torah’s many details and intricacies, as well as the ethical, philosophical, and mystical ideas embedded within the text of the written law. The oral law was arranged, organized, and published as various works including:
The Mishna: the basic principles of the Oral Law
The Gemara: a discussion of the ideas contained in the Mishna (also known as the Talmud)
Various collections of Midrashim, or ethical, philosophical, legal, and mystical insights presented as a running commentary that follows the order of verses as written in the Torah and later books of the Bible
Numerous collections of mystical and kabalistic teachings
Legal codes, as well as later collections of rabbinical commentaries and writings
SIKHISM - Sikhs believe that human beings spend their time in a cycle of birth, life, and rebirth. They share this belief with followers of other Indian religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The quality of each particular life depends on the law of Karma. Karma sets the quality of a life according to how well or badly a person behaved in their previous life. The only way out of this cycle, which all faiths regard as painful, is to achieve a total knowledge of and union with God. Sikh spirituality is centred round this need to understand and experience God, and eventually become one with God. To do this a person must switch the focus of their attention from themselves to God. They get this state, which is called mukti (liberation), through the grace of God. That means it's something God does to human beings, and not something that human beings can earn. However, God shows people through holy books, and by the examples of saints, the best ways to get close to him. Truth is the highest of all virtues, but higher still is truthful living. Sikhs believe that God can't be understood properly by human beings, but he can be experienced through love, worship, and contemplation. Sikhs look for God both inside themselves and in the world around them. They do this to help themselves achieve liberation and union with God.
When a Sikh wants to see God, they look both at the created world and into their own heart and soul. Their aim is to see the divine order that God has given to everything, and through it to understand the nature of God. Most human beings can’t see the true reality of God because they are blinded by their own self-centred pride (Sikhs call it haumain) and concern for physical things. Sikhs believe that God is inside every person, no matter how wicked they appear, and so everyone is capable of change. Just as fragrance is in the flower, and reflection is in the mirror, in just the same way, God is within you.
Sikhs believe that God’s message can be found in several ways outside ourselves.
The message is written in the whole of creation; look at it with open eyes and see the truth of God, for creation is the visible message of God
Sikhs believe that most of us misunderstand the universe. We think that it exists on its own, when it really exists because God wills it to exist, and is a portrait of God’s own nature
The message has been shown to us by the Gurus in their lives and in their words
The message is set down in the teachings of scripture
Sikhs don't think it pleases God if people pay no attention to others and simply devote themselves slavishly to religion. Sikhism doesn’t ask people to turn away from ordinary life to get closer to God. In fact, it demands that they use ordinary life as a way to get closer to God. A Sikh serves God by serving (seva) other people every day. By devoting their lives to service, they get rid of their own ego and pride. Many Sikhs carry out chores in the Gurdwara as their service to the community. These range from working in the kitchen to cleaning the floor. The Langar, or free food kitchen, is a community act of service. Sikhs regard caring for the poor or sick as an important duty of service. The three duties that a Sikh must carry out can be summed up in three words; Pray, Work, Give.
Nam japna: Keeping God in mind at all times.
Kirt Karna: Earning an honest living. Since God is truth, a Sikh seeks to live honestly. This doesn't just mean avoiding crime; Sikhs avoid gambling, begging, or working in the alcohol or tobacco industries.
Vand Chhakna: (Literally, sharing one's earnings with others) Giving to charity and caring for others.
Sikhs try to avoid the five vices that make people self-centred and build barriers against God in their lives.
Lust
Covetousness and greed
Attachment to things of this world
Anger
Pride
If a person can overcome these vices they are on the road to liberation.