Why is it that the moment one uses the word ‘spiritual’, the mind takes off to the whites and off-whites in colours or makes a direct swing to the ‘bhagwa-vastraas’ of sadhwis and sadhus? Aren’t we being unfair to spirituality? Spirituality doesn’t say ‘hasta la vista’ to life and living… lets leave the phrase to the terminators who abound! In fact, spirituality is a concept that is full of colours, zing, and energy. Spirituality is all glitz, glam, and grandeur, so to say!

The uninitiated may find the last sentence hard to digest. But then isn’t truth always rather hard-hitting? Spirituality adores phrases like ‘chill out’ and ‘no problemo’ and that is how it is intrinsically linked to the highest levels of communication that any human is capable of. A developed sense of spiritual quotient lends ethereal beauty to all inter-personal relationships and all other kinds of bonds that matter.

In the kaleidoscope of human experience, spirituality emerges as the vibrant thread that weaves together the tapestry of existence. Much like the hues of a sunset painting the sky with its radiant splendor, spiritual tarot invites us to explore the depths of our being with a sense of wonder and awe. Amidst the cacophony of daily life, the guidance of the cards serves as a gentle reminder of our connection to something greater than ourselves, a reminder echoed in the whispers of the earth angel, who walks among us, unseen yet ever-present.

As we journey through the labyrinth of our soul’s evolution, spiritual tarot becomes a compass, guiding us towards the light of our highest potential. With each turn of the card, we are invited to embrace the mysteries of the cosmos, to dance in harmony with the rhythms of the universe. In the sacred space of spiritual inquiry, there exists a symphony of colors, a symphony that resonates with the very essence of our being, reminding us that in the tapestry of life, every thread is imbued with significance, every moment pregnant with possibility.

Let me explain this link to beauty. Life is full of beauty. The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye but found by the heart. It is through the heart that thoughts are born and the beauty in thoughts is reflected through understanding smiles, compassionate eyes, and helping gestures. When these thoughts reach this level of empathy with life and environment, it is time for redefining them as ‘glamour’ and ‘glitz’! Remember that we are like a stained-glass window that sparkles and shines when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, the true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. It is this light from within that imbues a human countenance with glamour and glitz.

Verily then, the glow and the shine that we humans define by small ephemeral words like ‘beauty’ is a reflection of purity that emerges from thoughts! As the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson writes: ‘Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art.’ Excel in this ‘art’ and all the glitz and glam of Page 3 will be yours to flaunt and create the right grandeur!

Grandeur! That is next on the agenda. What a magical word…grandeur! More so when glam and glitz give it a chromosomal edge! There is a sensual appeal in this word… a gonadal giggle that is almost celestial! What I am talking about is the sky-scrapper of which you are going to be the architect. Let the Howard Roark within you arise and start drawing its lines and curves in the form of insights and wisdom.

Look at where you are and how you’ve come to be at this point. Observe all that is happening in your world. Dive into your deepest feelings. Explore and consider the frustrations, the joys, the pains and the pleasures. All of it is seeking to tell you something. And the message is surely filled with rich meaning. Every little detail joins with all the others in a dance of profound proportions. Lovingly watch the motion, listen to the music, and take note of how it makes you feel. This very moment brings with it the power to change you for the better. Look, listen, feel, experience and let life work its beautiful magic on you. It is all this that will convert every moment into a glitzy moment and a compilation of them is the grandeur that I am talking about.

So who says that spirituality is not full of glitz, glam, and grandeur?

The glam in spirituality, in fact, has everything to do with your personality. You’ve spent your whole life creating your personality. Even now it is a work in progress, with every detail being fine tuned in response to your experience of life. Imagine, though, how it would be if your personality were to simply vanish. What exactly would be left?

You would still be you, just as you were on the day you were born. In fact, without the personality you’ve spent so long developing, you would be purely you. There would be no mask behind which to hide. The intact, unblemished essence of your being would be clear and unmistakably evident. This is where spiritual glitz walks in. The physical manifestation of spiritual glamour and glitz cannot fade away! They are the authentic YOU.

Truth is, when your personality reflects the grandeur that has floor over floor built on the glam and glitz as spirituality constructs, the vast majority of things that you spend so much time worrying and fretting about each day, cease to matter. They are of no real concern to the authentic person who lives inside.

Seek to stay in touch with the true person you are beyond the personality you have adopted. You can do this by sharing smiles and concern without really looking for anything in return. You’ll then devote more energy to what really matters. This is the real significance of ‘glitz’ and ‘glam’. The moment you understand this you’ve taken your first step into Page 3 of the celestial world! Wow!!

[Arvind Passey]
[Feb. 2007]
Published in PrepTalk, Feb, 2007