Religious Convenience - A Path to Personalized Spirituality

A Brief Introduction to My Spiritual Journey

My name carries the weight of a religious identity: I am a Jain by both last name and tradition. Like many who inherit a religious label, I initially associated my identity with my family’s faith, following practices out of custom rather than conviction. But over time, as my interest in mindfulness grew, I found myself exploring Buddhism—a path that deeply resonated with me due to its emphasis on balance in life.

This personal exploration into the Buddhist concept of balance led me to develop a philosophy I like to call “Religious Convenience.” This term represents my way of reintroducing religion into modern life without feeling overwhelmed by its demands. It’s an approach that emphasizes personalization, making religion flexible enough to fit within the realities of our daily lives, and it's an invitation to reflect on how we approach spiritual practices in a way that’s both manageable and meaningful.

What is Religious Convenience?

At its core, Religious Convenience refers to the idea that we can engage with religious practices at a level of convenience that feels natural and sustainable to us. It’s about identifying the rigor and depth with which you want to practice your religion, and taking small, incremental steps to become more spiritual or religious over time.

When I talk about convenience, I’m not referring to how easily accessible religious services or offerings might be. Instead, I’m referring to how strictly or loosely you adhere to the practices, rituals, and lifestyle associated with your faith. Religions, at their essence, are not one-size-fits-all. Many traditions, while maintaining core principles, allow flexibility, recognizing that people will engage at different levels based on their circumstances.

Rigorousness and Flexibility in Religious Practice

Across most religions, you can observe varying degrees of rigor. On one hand, you have the life of the monk or priest, which involves strict vows, disciplines, and a lifestyle focused solely on spiritual advancement. On the other, you have the general public, whose religious life might include prayers, ethical conduct, and community participation, but without the same level of intense commitment.

For example:

• Monks in many traditions, including Jainism, Buddhism, and Christianity, often take vows of celibacy, live ascetic lives, and dedicate themselves wholly to spiritual pursuits.
• Lay followers, however, are generally free to marry, have families, and pursue material well-being while incorporating religious practices into their everyday lives.

The difference in duties between monks and laypeople is stark, but most religions provide room for these varying levels of engagement. This flexibility is essential, allowing individuals to participate in ways that align with their personal capacities, needs, and understanding.

In fact, some religious traditions formally recognize this gradation. Jainism, for instance, distinguishes between the duties of a monk (Sadhu/Sadhvi) and a lay follower (Shravak/Shravika). Similarly, in Buddhism, there are clear distinctions between the life of a monastic and the spiritual journey of a householder.

The Buddhist Concept of Balance and the Middle Way

It was Buddhism that first introduced me to the idea of balance as a core spiritual principle. The Middle Way, taught by the Buddha, advises avoiding extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. Instead, the Buddha advocated a path of moderation, which integrates spiritual discipline with a balanced, ethical, and mindful approach to life.

The Middle Way is not just a philosophical ideal; it’s a practical method of living. It acknowledges that life is full of complexities and that true spiritual progress happens when we avoid the traps of over-indulgence on one side and harsh self-denial on the other. Whether it’s in the context of meditation, ethical behavior, or daily habits, the Middle Way encourages finding a sustainable rhythm that nurtures both body and mind.

In essence, the Middle Way aligns closely with the concept of Religious Convenience. Both are about striking a balance—engaging with your spirituality in a way that is neither too extreme nor too lax, and making continuous progress, no matter how small.

Exploring Other Traditions: The Bahá'í Faith

If the concept of religious flexibility interests you, you might also find inspiration in the Bahá'í Faith, which I learned about during a visit to the Lotus Temple in Delhi, India. The Bahá'í Faith doesn’t have clergy, monks, or nuns, and it doesn’t promote ascetic practices. Instead, it emphasizes a personal relationship with the Divine and a life of service to humanity. This focus on inclusivity and individual responsibility for spiritual growth echoes the principles of balance and moderation found in Buddhism.

Conclusion: Finding Your Path

The ultimate lesson I’ve drawn from Buddhism, Jainism, and my own explorations is that spiritual progress is best made by avoiding extremes and by cultivating a balance that fits into your daily life. Religious Convenience is about:

• Avoiding the extremes of indulgence and self-denial.
• Identifying your own level of religious commitment, without guilt or pressure.
• Taking small, gradual steps towards living a principled, mindful, and ethical life.

There’s no one right way to practice religion, and there’s no rush to reach any particular level of spiritual attainment. What matters is your personal journey and how you make space for spirituality in a way that enriches your life without overwhelming it.

ENDNOTES (I): Duties of monks and lay followers in religions like Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism

The six daily duties (Ṣaḍāvasyakas) of a Jain monk (Sadhu/Sadhvi) are essential religious practices that reflect their commitment to spiritual discipline and the path toward liberation (moksha). These six duties, known as “Ṣaḍāvasyaka,” are part of their routine and serve to purify the mind, enhance spiritual awareness, and promote detachment from worldly matters.

Here are the six daily duties (Ṣaḍāvasyaka) of a Jain monk:

1. Sāmāyika (Equanimity)

• Meaning: The practice of achieving mental balance and equanimity.
• Purpose: A Jain monk performs Sāmāyika multiple times a day to develop an even, peaceful state of mind free from attachments and aversions. This helps maintain focus on spiritual goals and minimizes emotional disturbances.
• Practice: This involves sitting in meditation, introspection, and reflecting on one’s actions to foster inner tranquility.

2. Chaturvimshati-Stava (Praise of the 24 Tirthankaras)

• Meaning: The daily recitation of hymns and praises of the 24 Tirthankaras (enlightened beings) who attained liberation and are revered in Jainism.
• Purpose: This practice cultivates reverence, devotion, and respect for the enlightened beings who serve as spiritual guides. By focusing on their qualities, monks are reminded of the virtues they should strive for.
• Practice: Monks recite specific hymns or prayers that glorify the Tirthankaras, reinforcing their role as exemplars of compassion, knowledge, and detachment.

3. Vandanā (Respect to Teachers)

• Meaning: Offering homage or salutation to one’s spiritual teachers or gurus.
• Purpose: This duty expresses gratitude and reverence toward the Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and other spiritual leaders who impart knowledge and guide monks on the path of liberation. It emphasizes humility and the importance of seeking wisdom from others.
• Practice: Monks physically bow down to their teachers and recite prayers or verses in their honor as part of their daily routine.

4. Pratikramana (Repentance and Reflection)

• Meaning: The practice of reflecting on one’s mistakes and seeking forgiveness.
• Purpose: Pratikramana is a self-purifying ritual where a monk reflects on any transgressions committed during the day, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and repents for them. This fosters spiritual growth by acknowledging imperfections and striving for self-improvement.
• Practice: It is performed twice a day—morning (Rātri Pratikramana) and evening (Devasi Pratikramana)—involving the recitation of specific prayers of repentance, along with introspection on one’s thoughts, words, and actions.

5. Kayotsarga (Meditation and Detachment)

• Meaning: The practice of meditation in a state of complete stillness, involving physical immobility and detachment from the body.
• Purpose: The goal of Kayotsarga is to transcend bodily attachment and focus solely on the soul (ātman). It fosters deep concentration and helps a monk develop detachment from physical discomfort or pain, promoting the realization of the eternal nature of the soul.
• Practice: Monks practice this by standing or sitting motionless for a period, contemplating the soul’s purity and detachment from the body.

6. Pratyākhyāna (Renunciation of Harmful Activities)

• Meaning: The vow of renunciation, where monks resolve to refrain from certain activities, thoughts, or behaviors that hinder spiritual progress.
• Purpose: This is an ongoing commitment to renouncing harmful or unnecessary actions, as well as limiting desires and attachments. By consciously giving up material things and negative behaviors, monks strengthen their discipline and focus on spiritual goals.
• Practice: It may include vows related to fasting, limiting food consumption, or refraining from engaging in certain actions or interactions that could lead to the accumulation of karma.

Summary:

The six daily duties guide Jain monks in their pursuit of spiritual purity, non-violence (ahimsa), and detachment from worldly attachments. These practices help them cultivate equanimity, offer respect, repent for transgressions, and remain focused on their ultimate goal of liberation. By adhering to these disciplines, Jain monks exemplify the rigorous path of self-control and renunciation central to the Jain tradition.

The six daily duties (Ṣaḍāvasyakas) of a Jain Shravak (lay follower) are essential practices that help maintain spiritual discipline while living a household life. These duties guide Jain householders to live a righteous life, reduce karmic accumulation, and gradually progress toward liberation (moksha).

Here are the six daily duties (Ṣaḍāvasyaka) of a Jain Shravak:

1. Sāmāyika (Equanimity and Meditation)

• Meaning: Practicing equanimity and achieving mental balance.
• Purpose: This practice helps Shravaks cultivate peace and detachment from worldly affairs. It is a form of meditation where the individual focuses on remaining calm and balanced in mind and spirit.
• Practice: It involves sitting in a calm state, reflecting on one's thoughts and actions, and focusing on spiritual goals. The practice can be performed at home and is usually done for at least 48 minutes daily.

2. Chaturvimshati-Stava (Praise of the 24 Tirthankaras)

• Meaning: Reciting hymns of praise dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras (enlightened beings in Jainism).
• Purpose: This daily act fosters devotion and helps laypeople remember the qualities of the Tirthankaras, who serve as role models for their spiritual journey.
• Practice: Lay followers recite prayers or hymns in honor of the Tirthankaras to express reverence and strengthen their resolve to follow their teachings.

3. Vandanā (Offering Respect to Teachers)

• Meaning: Paying homage to Jain monks, nuns, and spiritual teachers (Acharyas, Upadhyayas).
• Purpose: By showing respect to spiritual teachers, Shravaks express their gratitude for the guidance they receive on the path to liberation and recognize the importance of humility and learning.
• Practice: This can involve physically bowing down in front of monks or spiritually acknowledging their teachings by reciting prayers that honor them.

4. Pratikramana (Repentance and Self-reflection)

• Meaning: Reflecting on past actions and repenting for any harm caused.
• Purpose: This duty involves reviewing one's conduct

Yes, both Buddhist monks and lay followers (householders) have specific duties or practices they are encouraged to follow within the framework of Buddhism. These duties differ based on the level of commitment and the spiritual path they are on.

Duties of Buddhist Monks (Bhikkhus)

Buddhist monks follow the monastic code known as the Vinaya, which contains many rules governing their behavior and spiritual practice. However, some key duties include:

1. Observing the Vinaya: Monks are expected to follow hundreds of precepts outlined in the Vinaya. These include strict guidelines on behavior, such as celibacy, non-attachment to material possessions, and ethical conduct.

2. Meditation and Mindfulness: Daily meditation is a core duty of monks to cultivate insight (Vipassana) and concentration (Samatha), working toward enlightenment.

3. Studying and Teaching the Dhamma (Dharma): Monks study the teachings of the Buddha and are responsible for teaching these teachings to laypeople and other monks.

4. Receiving Alms (Pindapata): Monks depend on the laity for their food and basic needs, so receiving and blessing alms is a part of their daily life.

5. Maintaining Morality (Sila): Monks must maintain a high standard of moral conduct, avoiding harm to any living beings, and promoting kindness and compassion.

6. Living a Simple Life (Renunciation): Monks renounce worldly possessions and desires, living in simplicity, humility, and detachment from material things.

Duties of Buddhist Lay Followers (Upasakas/Upasikas)

Lay followers, who are not monastics but still follow the path of the Buddha, also have a set of ethical and spiritual duties.

1. Observing the Five Precepts (Pancha Sila):

   • Refrain from killing living beings.
   • Refrain from stealing.
   • Refrain from sexual misconduct.
   • Refrain from false speech.
   • Refrain from intoxication.

2. Supporting the Sangha: Laypeople are encouraged to support the monastic community (Sangha) by providing food, clothing, shelter, and medicine through alms-giving.

3. Listening to the Dhamma: Lay followers should regularly listen to the Buddha’s teachings and apply them to their daily lives for spiritual growth.

4. Meditation Practice: Although lay followers may not meditate as rigorously as monks, practicing mindfulness and meditation is encouraged to develop inner peace and wisdom.

5. Observing Uposatha Days: On full moons and other specific lunar days, lay followers may observe additional precepts, such as fasting, abstaining from entertainment, and dedicating themselves to religious practices.

6. Performing Acts of Merit: Lay followers can accumulate merit by engaging in good deeds such as giving (dana), following ethical conduct, and practicing patience, effort, and loving-kindness.

Conclusion

In summary, while Buddhist monks have strict and numerous duties aimed at attaining enlightenment, lay followers also have significant duties revolving around ethical living, supporting the monastic community, and cultivating their own spiritual development. Both monks and laypeople work toward the common goal of spiritual liberation, but their paths differ in the level of renunciation and commitment.

Yes, in Hinduism both monks (sannyasis) and lay followers (householders or grihasthas) have specific duties, although these differ significantly due to their roles in society and their spiritual goals. These duties are rooted in the four Ashramas (stages of life) and Dharma (duty or righteous living).

Duties of Hindu Monks (Sannyasis)

Hindu monks, known as sannyasis or swamis, have renounced worldly life and are focused entirely on spiritual liberation (moksha). Their duties include:

1. Renunciation of Material Life (Sannyasa): Monks give up all attachments to family, wealth, and worldly desires. They own very few possessions, typically only a begging bowl, a staff, and simple robes.

2. Meditation and Contemplation: A key duty of monks is to meditate deeply on the divine, often focusing on a specific mantra, deity, or philosophical concept to realize their oneness with Brahman (the ultimate reality).

3. Living in Simplicity: Monks live an austere life, usually dependent on alms or donations from the community. They may live in ashrams or wander as ascetics (known as parivrajakas).

4. Teaching and Guiding: Experienced sannyasis often take on the role of spiritual teachers (gurus), guiding laypeople and other seekers on the path of dharma and moksha.

5. Following the Path of Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Monks are expected to practice strict non-violence, not harming any living beings in thought, word, or deed.

6. Study of Scriptures (Svadhyaya): Continuous study of sacred texts such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Vedas is an essential duty for monks, deepening their understanding of spiritual truths.

Duties of Hindu Lay Followers (Householders or Grihasthas)

For lay followers, the focus is on living a righteous and fulfilling life while balancing material responsibilities and spiritual development. Their duties are shaped by their stage in life and their role in society.

1. Observing the Pancha Mahayajnas (Five Great Sacrifices):

   • Brahma Yajna: Duty to study and teach the scriptures.
   • Deva Yajna: Offering to the gods through rituals and prayers.
   • Pitri Yajna: Honoring ancestors through rites like shraddha.
   • Bhuta Yajna: Showing kindness to all living beings, including animals and nature.
   • Atithi Yajna: Offering hospitality and service to guests.

2. Following the Varna Ashrama Dharma: Laypeople are expected to follow their dharma (duty) according to their stage of life (student, householder, retired, renunciate) and their varna (social classification).

3. Supporting Society and Family: Householders have the duty to maintain a household, raise children with proper values, and contribute to society. They provide for their family while upholding ethical and moral values.

4. Charity (Dana): Acts of giving, especially to the needy, monks, and temples, are considered a vital duty for laypeople. Dana purifies the giver and helps accumulate good karma.

5. Worship and Rituals (Puja): Lay followers perform daily worship and rituals (puja) at home or in temples. This includes offerings to deities, prayers, and the observance of religious festivals.

6. Ethical Living (Sila): Laypeople must follow ethical principles, including truthfulness (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), non-stealing (Asteya), purity (Shaucha), and self-control (Brahmacharya).

Stages of Life (Ashramas) and Their Duties

1. Brahmacharya (Student): Focus on learning, self-discipline, and celibacy while studying the Vedas and other sacred knowledge.

2. Grihastha (Householder): Balancing spiritual practices with worldly responsibilities, raising a family, and contributing to society.

3. Vanaprastha (Retired/Forest Dweller): Gradual withdrawal from worldly life to focus more on spiritual matters, often transitioning to more meditation and simpler living.

4. Sannyasa (Renunciate): Complete renunciation of the material world, focusing entirely on achieving moksha, as explained above.

Conclusion

Both Hindu monks and lay followers have clearly defined duties, with monks focusing on renunciation, spiritual practices, and teaching, while householders focus on ethical living, family responsibilities, and supporting society. These duties are intended to guide individuals toward spiritual growth and balance between worldly and divine aspirations, culminating in liberation (moksha).

ENDNOTES (II): Buddhist concept of Balance and the Middle Way

The Buddhist concept of Balance and the Middle Way refers to a core principle of moderation, avoiding extremes in both thought and behavior, and following a path that leads to wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. This teaching was first articulated by the Buddha and forms a central pillar of Buddhist philosophy and practice.

The Middle Way (Majjhima Patipada)

The Middle Way is the path that avoids two extremes:

1. Extreme Asceticism: Severe self-denial, depriving the body of basic needs in the belief that it leads to spiritual liberation.
2. Indulgence in Sensual Pleasures: Excessive attachment to worldly pleasures and desires, leading to suffering and attachment.

The Buddha himself experienced both of these extremes before discovering the Middle Way. He lived a life of luxury as a prince and then practiced extreme asceticism as a wandering monk, nearly starving himself in the process. Eventually, he realized that neither extreme led to enlightenment, and he formulated the Middle Way as a balanced approach to spiritual life.

Key Elements of the Middle Way

1. Avoiding Extremes of Self-Indulgence and Self-Mortification: The Buddha taught that neither extreme brings peace or happiness. Instead, the Middle Way encourages individuals to meet their basic needs in a balanced way while avoiding attachment to pleasure or pain.

2. Eightfold Path as the Middle Way: The Noble Eightfold Path is the practical application of the Middle Way. It outlines a path of ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom that leads to the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and ultimately to enlightenment (nirvana). The Eightfold Path includes:

   • Right Understanding (Samma Ditthi)
   • Right Thought (Samma Sankappa)
   • Right Speech (Samma Vaca)
   • Right Action (Samma Kammanta)
   • Right Livelihood (Samma Ajiva)
   • Right Effort (Samma Vayama)
   • Right Mindfulness (Samma Sati)
   • Right Concentration (Samma Samadhi)

Each aspect of the Eightfold Path reflects balance: it is not about rigidly following a set of rules but about cultivating wisdom and compassion in every aspect of life.

3. Balance Between Wisdom and Compassion: The Middle Way also suggests balancing wisdom (prajna) and compassion (karuna) in one's approach to life. Wisdom allows one to see reality as it is, while compassion motivates action for the benefit of all beings. Together, they lead to enlightened living.

The Middle Way and Dependent Origination

The Middle Way is also linked to the concept of Dependent Origination (Pratitya Samutpada), which teaches that all phenomena arise in dependence on causes and conditions. By understanding this, one avoids the extremes of eternalism (believing in an eternal, unchanging self) and nihilism (believing in nothingness or that life has no meaning).

This balanced view helps Buddhists avoid extreme metaphysical positions and instead embrace the reality of impermanence, interdependence, and the conditioned nature of all things.

The Middle Way in Daily Life

1. Balance in Ethical Living (Sila): Following a life of ethical conduct involves neither being too lax nor too rigid in one's behavior. This includes adhering to the Five Precepts (avoiding killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and intoxication) but without self-righteousness or unnecessary harshness.

2. Balance in Meditation (Samadhi): Meditation practice should also follow the Middle Way. Too much force or strain can lead to restlessness, while too much laxity can lead to laziness or dullness. Mindfulness and concentration are cultivated in a balanced, steady manner.

3. Balance in Daily Needs: The Middle Way encourages meeting basic needs—like food, shelter, and rest—without excessive indulgence or denial. A balanced, healthy lifestyle supports spiritual practice.

Conclusion

The Middle Way is a philosophy of balance and moderation that encourages living wisely and ethically, avoiding extremes that cause suffering. It is expressed practically through the Noble Eightfold Path, fostering balance between worldly and spiritual life, between compassion and wisdom, and between indulgence and self-denial. By following this path, Buddhists aim to transcend suffering and achieve enlightenment.

ENDNOTES (III): Bahá'í Faith

In the Bahá'í Faith, there is no formal institution of monks, nuns, or any form of clerical hierarchy, as the religion emphasizes the spiritual equality of all individuals. The Bahá'í teachings promote a balanced, integrated life that combines both spiritual and material responsibilities, rejecting asceticism and the idea of withdrawal from society for religious purposes. Instead, every follower is encouraged to actively participate in both their spiritual development and their service to humanity.

Bahá'í Practices for Followers (All Bahá'ís)

While the Bahá'í Faith does not have monastic practices, it does emphasize several key practices for all followers, which include personal spiritual discipline as well as community service.

Personal Spiritual Practices:

1. Daily Prayer:

   • Bahá'ís are required to recite one of three obligatory prayers daily. These prayers can be short, medium, or long, and the individual can choose which one to recite based on their personal preference or circumstance.
   • In addition to obligatory prayers, Bahá'ís are encouraged to say additional prayers and engage in personal meditation as part of their daily spiritual practice.

2. Fasting:

   • Bahá'ís observe a 19-day fast each year from March 1 to March 19. During this period, adult Bahá'ís refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. This practice is seen as a time of spiritual reflection, detachment from material desires, and renewal.

3. Reading the Sacred Writings:

   • Bahá'ís are encouraged to regularly read and reflect on the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This includes texts such as the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (the Most Holy Book) and other important Bahá'í scriptures.

4. Meditation and Reflection:

   • While there is no specific prescribed method of meditation in the Bahá'í Faith, followers are encouraged to meditate on the teachings, reflect on their actions, and contemplate the divine.

Community-Oriented Practices:

1. Service to Humanity:

   • Service to others is considered a core aspect of Bahá'í life. Followers are encouraged to engage in acts of service that benefit their communities, promote unity, and contribute to the betterment of society. This can include education, community-building efforts, and other forms of social and humanitarian work.
   • The belief is that serving humanity is a form of worship and a way to manifest spiritual teachings in practical ways.

2. Participation in Bahá'í Communities:

   • Bahá'ís are expected to actively participate in the life of the community. This includes attending the 19-Day Feast, a monthly gathering where Bahá'ís come together for worship, consultation on community affairs, and fellowship.
   • Bahá'í followers also participate in Holy Days and commemorations, such as Naw-Rúz (the Bahá'í New Year) and the Birthdays of Bahá'u'lláh and the Báb.

3. Consultation:

   • Bahá'ís use a process called consultation to make decisions within families, communities, and institutions. This is a collective decision-making process based on principles of unity, openness, and seeking truth, with the goal of fostering harmony and understanding.

4. Contribution to the Bahá'í Fund:

   • Bahá'ís are encouraged to contribute to the Bahá'í Fund, which supports the work of the Faith and the advancement of community-building efforts. Contributions are voluntary and only Bahá'ís are allowed to give to the Fund.

The Role of Leadership in the Bahá'í Faith

Unlike many religious traditions that have clergy or a monastic hierarchy, the Bahá'í Faith has a unique system of administration that is non-clerical and democratic. Leadership roles are taken on by elected bodies, such as Local Spiritual Assemblies and National Spiritual Assemblies, and by the Universal House of Justice, which is the supreme governing body of the Bahá'í Faith.

Rejection of Asceticism and Monasticism

Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, explicitly rejected the practice of asceticism and monasticism. In His writings, Bahá'u'lláh encourages believers to live a balanced life that harmonizes both the spiritual and material aspects of existence. The Bahá'í teachings promote a vision of spirituality that is deeply integrated into daily life, work, and relationships with others, rather than being practiced in isolation or in retreat from the world.

Relevant Quotes from Bahá'u'lláh:

• "Be not content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path."
  • This highlights the emphasis on active, everyday expressions of spirituality through service and kindness.
• "The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice."
  • This emphasizes the importance of engaging with society and contributing to justice and the common good.

Conclusion

In the Bahá'í Faith, there are no monks or institutionalized forms of monastic life. All followers, whether living a life of material engagement or spiritual practice, are encouraged to pursue a path of moderation, balancing personal spiritual development with service to society. The Faith focuses on unity, the oneness of humanity, and the active application of spiritual principles in daily life, rejecting the need for asceticism or withdrawal from worldly affairs.

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