Spirituality is often defined as a search for something extraordinary, an energy. You may think of meditation, enlightenment or a deeper state of awareness. But Sadhguru recently offered a simpler way to look at it.
“Spirituality is not about becoming special. It is about becoming one with everything,” he wrote in a recent post on X. The idea raises a bigger question: What does it actually mean to feel connected with everything around you? Psychology uses a different term for part of this experience: self-transcendence. Researchers have described it as a reduced focus on the self and a greater sense of connection to other people and the environment. There may not be a single definition of spirituality. You may experience it through religion, meditation, nature, prayer, yoga or simply through a sense of meaning in your life. Psychologist Lisa Miller, a professor at Columbia University and founder of its Spirituality, Mind, Body Institute, studies spirituality and its relationship with well-being. Her work describes spirituality in terms of personal values, meaning and a sense of connection and transcendence. That makes Sadhguru’s message easier to understand. You do not necessarily need to become more unusual, powerful or impressive to feel spiritual. You can instead pay attention to the connections that already exist in your life. Also Read Sadhguru on Spirituality: Why do other people’s opinions hurt so much? : Modern life can push you toward comparison. You may measure your success against someone else’s career, appearance, money or lifestyle. Even spiritual practice can become another area where you compare yourself with others. You may start thinking about who meditates longer, who seems calmer or who appears more “evolved. Sadhguru’s message challenges that approach. You do not have to take the phrase as a literal scientific statement. Think about your ordinary day. You depend on other people for food, work, transportation, care and communication. You depend on nature for air, water and the food you eat. Your life is already connected to countless things outside you. Sadhguru’s teachings on yoga make a similar argument.
His explanation of yoga centers on the idea of “union” and experiencing life beyond rigid boundaries of the individual self. Also Read Sadhguru on Spirituality: He says why you are fearful and how your mind can create fear
Spend a few quiet minutes noticing your surroundings. Listen fully when someone speaks instead of preparing your next response. Take a walk without constantly checking your phone. Notice when you compare yourself with someone else. Then ask yourself one simple question: What happens when I stop trying to prove that I am special? Sadhguru’s message suggests that spirituality may not be about building a bigger version of yourself. Disclaimer: This article looks at Sadhguru’s statement through the views of experts and general research on spirituality. It does not claim to give a final interpretation of his message.
