Reader question of the month:  What’s the difference between spirituality and organized religion?  And, can you be spiritual and religious at the same time? Organized religion (whether it be Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, etc) subscribes to a specific set of principles and dogma, derived from texts and religious figures throughout history (most from thousands of years ago).  Some of these religions have evolved throughout history, and have branched out into many different denominations and sects. Organized religion has many positives:  it can serve as a social and cultural foundation for a community or society, inspire hope, and serve as a moral compass for the masses.  Sometimes getting guidance, leadership, and support from a religious community can be uplifting and provide a sense of belonging and security. Spirituality, or the act of being spiritual, is really coming into the understanding of how Consciousness and energy actually works.  Once you understand that everything is basically energy (and we are just Consciousness in physical form), it allows you to view organized religion from a fresh perspective.  You no longer have to rely on texts written thousands of years ago for a different time and people at a different level of consciousness.  Indeed, almost all of those texts and holy books have been re-written at varying points in history for different political and economic motives.  Instead of arguing about which religion is right, which parts of what texts are still accurate, etc, you begin to realize that Truth is HERE and NOW. What do I mean by that?  I mean that when you begin to meditate and go within, you realize you have access RIGHT NOW to infinite intelligence, guidance, and clarity from your very own Inner Being (or [...]