Swami Brahm Bodhi

People often ask what the difference is between religion and spirituality. It can be understood through the example of an orange.
An orange, or narangi as we call it, consists of three parts — first, the peel; second, the pulp; and third, the juice contained within that pulp.

Now consider this: the juice within the pulp is spirituality. It is the essence, the very life-giving element. It nourishes the soul. Yet that juice cannot remain without the pulp to hold it. The pulp itself is religion—that which contains and supports spirituality. The spiritual essence abides within religion.

But religion disintegrates—if there are no practices, rituals, or outward forms to preserve it. Then, along with the pulp, the juice of spirituality too will be lost. Therefore, to keep both religion and the spirituality hidden within it bound together, the peel is also necessary. Though the peel is, in the end, meant to be discarded, its usefulness lasts as long as it protects the essence within.

Hence, one must follow religion, yet one must also assimilate the spirituality concealed within it. Rituals and external forms have a limited, yet essential, place in sustaining the inner spirit.

Hari Sharanam!