Not religious but spiritual

I was born in a family which does not follow any specific religion or spiritual tradition. Somehow we were atheists as many others in a communist country. However, we believe in Karma as the Law of Cause and Effect. What I could think of about religions was just that they all teach us to be kind.

Then in 2004, when studying for my master thesis on sustainable development, I came across the principles for sustainability and it was like some “aha” moment. I was very excited as if I had discovered some treasure. I shared this with my friend and he said that what I had said was nothing new but it all was taught by Buddha more than 2000 years ago. His words triggered my curiosity in Buddhism and spirituality in general. I was awaken and since then, I have put the first step on the Path for spiritual development. The more I study and practice the ancient wisdom of different religions, the more I can see the similarity or feel the Oneness and harmony in those teachings.

Now, I can say that I’m more of a truth seeker on the Path, not religious but spiritual. Spiritual development has become the major part of my life which revolves around the three things of Study – Meditation and Service. I understand that, as the French philosopher, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, profoundly said “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”