Spirituality Across the Lifespan, with Emphasis on Eastern Traditions

Does the development of spirituality follow a stage-based, progressive approach, or are individual experiences what are most important? Do both “nature” and “nurture” play a role? After a brief introduction as well as a review of commonalities and differences in the definitions of “spirituality” and “religion,” this chapter highlights certain developmental theories related to both critical and noncritical time periods. The chapter subsequently touches on elements of culture, experience, and other aspects independent of such temporal constraints. There is also a segment on genetics and neuroscience. The chapter closes with a case study presentation. While much of the academic literature available is from Western cultures, an attempt has been made to highlight research from and pertaining to the East. Though there is a general understanding of differences in “Western” and “Eastern” religions, there is certainly overlap between the two as well as decided differences within those subscribed hemispheric categories.