I believe there is an important distinction to be made between religion
and spirituality. Religion I take to be concerned with belief in the
claims to salvation of one faith tradition or another–an aspect of
which is acceptance of some form of meta-physical or philosophical
reality, including perhaps an idea of heaven or hell. Connected with
this are religious teachings or dogma, ritual, prayers and so on.
Spirituality I take to be concerned with those qualities of the human
spirit–such as love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness,
contentment, a sense of responsibility, a sense of harmony, which bring
happiness to both self and others.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
