Spirituality & Religion While religion is usually associated with a spiritual philosophy or pursuit, it is simply politicized spirituality. In fact, in most religions, their dogma and beliefs have created a situation where the religion is the antithesis, or direct opposite, of an authentic spiritual path. Spirituality, by definition, is beyond the physical and beyond the mind. By an adherence to the rigid religious dogma we negate the possibility to move into a true universal or cosmic level. Instead, religion often introduces fear and conflict. The results of religion can easily be seen at every turn in life. Religious beliefs have, and are, creating conflict, war, and acts of brutality, such as in the Middle East, the Balkans, and northern Ireland. Amazingly, in Ireland the two warring factions both claim belief in Christianity, whose icon, Jesus, proclaimed love! Spirituality is of the heart, soul, and joy, whereas religion is deadly serious, and of the mind and ego. Spirituality is light, whereas religion is mostly dark and heavy. Religion seeks to covert or proselytize. Spirituality seeks freedom. Tantra is surely not about any religion, and authentic Tantra avoids strict dogmaý Blessings & Love, Swami Nostradamus Virato Written in St. Petersburg, Russia, August 16, 2001, 5 in the morning