Brief Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines

Spiritual formation and spiritual growth aims at deepening of spiritual faith and is carried out by a number of means of which spiritual disciplines is one. In fact, spiritual disciplines are so deeply linked to spiritual formation that according to many spiritual disciplines is the sole mean to the attainment of spiritual growth. Spiritual disciplines is all about following the ancient practices of discipline for these practices do help people to grow spiritually and gives them a sense of control. Spiritual disciplines truly helps people to usher themselves in the presence of God and hope to get their lives transformed for the best.

The Christian religion and Christian discipleship too have close relations with spiritual disciplines but it has undergone a number of transformations. This is because the popularity of spiritual disciplines has been affected by the doctrines and philosophy of Christianity. But whatever be the tenets of Christianity, their basic belief is that humans should strive to attain purity of soul for developing a perfect Christ- like character.

According to the classical spiritual disciplines, God is there with us in every mundane activity of life, but we feel to perceive his presence for we have lost the power to hear and feel Him. Therefore, it is important to go through some specific activities through which association with God can again be established. The classical spiritual disciplines have even mentioned the specific activities practicing which people can once again be aware of God's presence in even the most tedious movements of life. The practices vary from fasting, solitude to prayer but then these practices are not aimed at altering us completely. They are definitely holy in nature for they enable people to be in touch with the Holy One.

Though the concepts and ideas revolving spiritual disciplines are innumerable, a person seeking union with the Holy One does not need to know everything about these concepts. This is because the bottom line of spiritual discipline is extremely simple- open yourself to the Holy One who is always without by practicing certain specific activities. But then entirely immersing oneself into the spiritual disciplines is no good way of seeking knowledge of God. Therefore, even while following the path of spiritual disciplines one should remain true to his heart. If we remain open to our heart our journey towards the realization of God within the most mundane of daily activities becomes much easier.