I love the way people use words, and all the more fascinating if it's a off-beat usage. When I came across a quote by the Dalai Lama, I couldn't resist exploring the word 'religion'.
It's a word that conjures up images of extreme opinion, of having faith in something that isn't seen, an inner world of peace, a higher order, the reading and interpretation of words that cause people to disagree with passion.
a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion
The quote below is a reminder that religion needn't necessarily denote spirituality. It's something you carry around without belief in fastidious wordsmithery; it's an intrinsic part of the person you are. It can be used to describe an ability, a characteristic of personality, and therefore something that empowers you.
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
Dalai Lama
