Should A Spiritual Soul Be Involved With Politics?
Politics and spirituality go hand in hand.
Most politicians would probably respond to that by saying spirituality should be kept separate from politics and most spiritual people would say that they steer well clear of politics.
My question is why? I believe that most people are confused by what politics and what spirituality really are, hence the opinion that they are mutually exclusive. Whereas, if you take a very close look at both and what they intend to do, they are actually, one and the same thing.
I watched a show recently that really changed my perspective on economics and stimulating growth within any economy. It really shifted my thinking on economic policy. I’m going to come back to this later but for now, lets look into this area further.
I have a multi faceted personality. There are times when I’ll sit in a quiet corner and contemplate the nature of myself, the universe, God, creation and have an amazing time wading through so many endless possibilities about creation and purpose.
Five minutes later I could be watching the politics channel watching Prime Ministers questions, and find myself watching intently, wishing in some way I could transmute the vast knowledge I’ve learned into the framework of modern politics.
Detachment
Many so called ‘spiritual’ people whom I’ve met often equate spirituality as detaching from the world. They essentially practise their from of spirituality as a way of escaping the world. They’ll go spend time in nature, meditation camps, yoga retreats, after which they’ll secretly go to a BBQ and have a 12oz steak to balance out the karmic deficit they’ve just created.
If you look around the world right now and take a look at the past, Christianity is kept away from politics in the west. In India religion is purged from politics although the politicians are free to openly practise their faith. But it’s kept out of policy making.
I agree with that because religions are organisations which have vested interests which not everyone will agree with. When I talk about spirituality I’m not talking about religion at all. I’m talking about spirituality equating to betterment, improvement, evolution, leadership and values.
As far as I’m concerned there is no detachment there. I’m actually taking a deeper interest in not only my own growth as a human being, but humanity as a whole. When I learn something new, I don’t keep it to myself. I either share it with others through coaching or writing.
I want the world to be an even better place, I want the entire globe to experience economic prosperity but I’m not going to be able to achieve any of that if I do not apply all that I have learned.
Spirituality Vs Politics
Lets take a brief look at these two.
Politics is:
Economics – Prosperity for all via management of resources.
Legislature – Upholding values.
Education – Gaining knowledge and wisdom to apply
Health – Well-being
Spirituality is:
Prosperity – Economics
Values – Legislature
Knowledge – Education
Well-being – Health
Did you see, did you see what I did?
“Politics is spirituality demonstrated” – Neale Donald Walsch (God) Conversations With God
One of the big problems is the way in which the word “spirituality” is defined and perceived. It is too synonymous with wishy washy concepts and that’s why it isn’t taken seriously enough. Some people equate it with it things like crystals, or perhaps even tarot card reading. They are branches, but very distant branches and more like twigs at the end of the branch rather than the branch itself.
I remember years ago watching a political broadcast by the Natural Law party. Some of it’s members practised a form of flying yoga and while I think it’s perfectly wonderful, I don’t see it or anything else of like as a prerequisite of being spiritual. All it takes is a desire for betterment.
Media
One of the big challenges that politics faces today is the pressure of mass tabloid media. One wrong move or one bad decision and you’ve had it. The really good leaders will withstand the barrage of hatred and criticism and will often thrive on it. In some way it’s nothing to be afraid of but the question is simply, are you, whichever side you’re on, going to pay attention to it, or to the real power house – your inner voice?!
I think it’ll be long while before the media industry changes in that respect, all I can do is not let it sway my views or let my popularity be a factor.
Economics And Prosperity
Why is the east suddenly booming and why is the west lagging behind? The program I mentioned earlier was called ‘Britains Trillion Pound Horror Story’ and was presented and created by a man named Martin Durkin.
He is renowned for creating programs that stir up controversy. This was no exception. He used Hong Kong as a case study and demonstrated the reason why Britain is struggling economically at the moment and why places like China and EMEA are doing so well.
It’s a very simple solution to solve the problem, but because of what I mentioned earlier, the pressure of the media, none of our current politicians are being gutsy enough to do what they know to be the best decision for all. They may be unpopular for a while but the results would benefit us all.
The Upshot
Once a month, on my radio show, I get to quiz the head of the local council about his policies and decisions that affect the community as a whole. I really enjoy the process because it gives me a chance to also put forward my views on things like budgets, and also how to tackle certain issues.
I do it without compromising any of my values in any area of my life because I equate my growth to the growth of humanity and vice versa.
Spirituality is not about crystals, it’s not about yoga, it’s not even about meditation, it’s about making sure that every being has the chance to experience how magnificent they have the potential to be.
I don’t know if I’m what you’d call a ‘spiritual’ soul although I take great interest in why we are here, in living consciously and purposefully while I am. I want to know about the nature of the universe, but inversely, I’m also interested the way we are governed. I will share my voice, whether it will be heard or not, is another matter, but I will not give up trying.
Amit, no idea you had a radio show! I’m intrigued now 😉
Politics, like spirituality, is intertwined with everything; it’s all connected. I agree with what you’ve said, spirituality IS about “making sure that every being has the chance to experience how magnificent they have the potential to be.”
Nicely put 🙂
Hey Stuart. Yep although it’s temporarily on a hiatus while the station moves.
I’m glad you share that view and you don’t shy away from it. I genuinely believe that it’s important that more great leaders get involved who truly understand the balance of all things and how to truly exercise that while in governance. 🙂
Just like Stuart said..i never knew you had a radio show…Where can i sign up for a subscription.
Amit,
Great thought provoking article. I don’t think spirituality is mutually exclusive to involvement in politics. I think formalized religion should be kept out of politics, as I don’t think one religion over another should be promoted by a government.
To me, spirituality is the belief in our oneness coupled with actions that preserve and promote this sense of unity. In its simplest definition it’s living by “The Golden Rule” of “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
We’re spiritual beings living for a short time on Earth, and we’re here to be fully involved in the physical world around us and that includes politics. I don’t think much would be accomplished if we “spiritual types” all sat around meditating 100 percent of the time. We need to live in the world not isolate ourselves from it.
Hey Angela, very well said and I do love “The Golden Rule†of “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.†it really and truly can be simplified in that way. Thank you
I love the quote from Neale Donald Walsch. He’s one of my favorite people on the planet by the way.
This entire post really made me think. I’ve had a lot of difficulty striking the balance between caring about politics and allowing it to depress me. The decision I made was to pull back. Of course, I still care about what is happening in the world around me; but I just do my best to contribute without getting involved in politics to the point of ultimate frustration.
Same Here Nea, he’s my favourite too.
That’s an important point that mentioned about frustration. It’s like I was saying, the media cause much of that headache but they also keep some of the more, not so honest, politicians on straight and narrow. I think there is much that needs to be changed and it isn’t just through politics that we can make a change but there are many avenues.
Hi Amit! You presented a solid case. I’ve pondered that same question many times and didn’t get a solid position on away or another. You gave me a lot of points to think about. Thanks for this soul searching exercise. Loving blessings!
My pleasure Andrea, I’m just glad it gave you something to ponder over, the whole point of the exercise! 🙂 Let me know if you draw any further conclusions from this!
Amit,
A wonderfully thought-provoking article. I would far prefer to have politicians who embodied true spiritual values (compassion, kindness, tolerance) and so forth. I think both the Dalai Lama and Gandhi would agree with your position 100%.
At the same time, I think it can be very difficult to judge what is spiritual and what isn’t. To a great degree, it depends on the mind of the individual. Some spiritual people are drawn to politics and others are drawn to solitary retreat. Neither is “right” or “wrong.” All are needed and beneficial.
I like your willingness to broach topics like this!
Great examples of people who I was also thinking about when I wrote this Sandra.
I think, anything can be spiritual, I don’t think there’s anything wrong at all with someone who’s into the power of crystals for example…but I wouldn’t stop there, I would do something with it, something that would then benefit womankind as a whole.
Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Amit: What a nice thought provoking post. I thought you did a great job of exploring politics vs. spirituality. I do agree with you that sometimes the way spirituality is defined doesn’t necessarily help. Its importance and ability to serve as a great foundation for all our actions and behaviors can be overlooked. Very interesting topic. Thanks for getting me thinking 🙂
Hey Sibyl, my pleasure, always great to be credited for writing something that get people out of their normal thinking. I love those too! Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Amit, great article as usual . You have brought up a lot of valid points.
Firstlyl thanks for clarifying to your readers what spirituality is and what it’s not. To so many people out there, spirituality is about grass sandals and prayer beads!
As for politicians, if ony they had the guts to espouse spiritual values, their whole ethos would change and the world would be transformed. Most politicans are in it for their own agendas and not the greater good.
Amit, maybe it’s high time you also became a politican. You already have a following:-)
It’s funny, after you said that comment Arvind another friend text me and also said that maybe I should enter politics. It’s something I’m seriously considering for the future. 🙂
I found this article interesting. True, spirituality is viewed as wishy washy, however, as you said, this couldn’t be further from the truth. It is as grounding as any faith. Thanks to people like Oprah, Eckhart Tolle, Gary Zukav and Wayne Dyer, more people are understanding what it is about. I found your tie-in with politics especially insightful. The two don’t have to exist separately.
Well, I am off to get my crystals. LOL 🙂
LOL good luck with the Crystal shopping! You dropped in some names of people I did also want to mention along with others like Gandhi and the Dalai Lama. They all have paved the way, lets see if we can take it to the next level.
I don’t think I’d be alone to state that politics in America is not in the best place. Hasn’t been for years. I think the inclusion of spirituality would be a game changer – for the better. Spirituality doesn’t have to force everyone or anyone else to be the same – but its doctrine is naturally caring and for the people and of the best intentions. That’s my take! Very nice article Amit!
Thanks JK. It’s interesting to get your take on the state of US politics and compare it the UK. I remember once I was at a Tony Robbins seminar and he mentioned that he wanted to get into politics but when he realised what it was, he decided against it. I wonder what ‘it’ was and if it would create the same kind of barriers for people like yourself or me.