There are various definitions of spirituality (some quite bizarre), but if there were a worldwide poll, I suspect that the characteristics of generosity, graciousness and compassion might be agreed as about the best evidence of true spirituality. The descriptive words vary from culture to culture, but the ideal of love, generosity and kindness, even in the face of hostility, is a universal principle.
This is the spirit of Mother Teresa caring for the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. It is Mahatma Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, and Martin Luther King standing up to powerful oppression, yet refusing violence and hatred. It is the spirit of bestowing little acts of kindness whether in the middle of a cruel war or just in the haste of modern rush and traffic.
Generosity is giving far more than required by reciprocity. It goes well beyond just being fair. For instance, generosity in a marriage (or in other relationships) means giving far more than required on a “50 : 50” arrangement; rather, it would mean giving 60% or 80% or sometimes even 100%. Generosity doesn’t require giving in to every need or request, but being willing to give liberally when our heart tells us it is right to do so; but this discernment requires a generous heart.
Graciousness means acting with grace and dignity even when everyone else may be behaving poorly. It means being pleasant, kind and courteous in all circumstances, however trying or difficult. It requires control of our emotions and reactions, especially when facing provocation.
Compassion means helping the weak and poor beyond what they may deserve. It is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate their suffering. It is sensitivity to the situation and needs of others, regardless of their own responsibility for their misery.
Most ancient religions affirm these qualities in one form or another, however different the words may sound in each language: love, sympathy, empathy, consideration, patience, open-mindedness, charity, bigheartedness, affection, civility, politeness, courteousness, sympathy, concern and care – the list of synonyms goes on.
Generosity, Graciousness and Compassion are necessary for the optimum functioning of all humankind – for ourselves, for our family, for our community, and for the whole world. They require giving space, giving time, giving attention, and always giving the benefit of the doubt, particularly when we are tempted to make harsh judgments.
These virtues are best shown in the face of their opposites: like stinginess, selfishness, rudeness, insensitivity, coercion, anger, aggression, cruelty, exploitation, tyranny and the other horrible faces of evil.
Not everyone may agree that generosity, graciousness and compassion are the best evidence of true spirituality. I leave it to each of you to reflect on what you consider to be the most convincing evidence. (It is a question worth pondering.)
But even for those who agree with this perspective, there are other significant questions which arise:
- Is it possible for large numbers of people to reach this level of spiritual maturity, or is it reserved for a few “saints”?
- Do people come by these qualities accidentally, or through genetic traits and social environment, or there reliable paths to reach this?
- Spirituality involves some level of sacrifice, but does it require extinguishing our ego entirely, or can a person enjoy a happy, fulfilling life while being spiritual?
- Can leaders in government, business and society be spiritual, or do authority and power invariably require elements of cunning, deception, ruthlessness and manipulation which preclude deep spirituality?
- What difference would it make to our world if a large part earth’s citizens became more deeply spiritual?
- Does spirituality require somehow anchoring ourselves in a deeper reality than that which we can see and hear?
There are more questions associated with this subject, but these are a few to consider.
