3 Givenness and Spirituality
As explained in the previous two articles, the philosophical concept of givenness examines the idea that certain fundamental aspects of our existence are not chosen or earned but simply bestowed upon us.
In a broader sense, givenness suggests that there are elements of life that are presented to us, forming a backdrop against which we navigate our personal and social lives. These elements might be physical, emotional, cultural, or contextual—essentially anything that forms part of our lived experience. This inherent givenness brings forth questions about agency, perception, and interpretation.
A fundamental question would be: “who is the bestower of these precious gifts?” This all-important and basic inquiry has significant connections to spirituality, where the divine, the sacred, or the ultimate reality is often considered the source of all existence.
Moreover, spirituality goes beyond, encompassing also a vast spectrum of beliefs, practices, and experiences related to personal and collective connection to the transcendent or sacred.
Thus, the concepts of givenness and spirituality occupy a critical space in human thinking and practical living. Both notions are intertwined, reflecting humanity’s quest for meaning and understanding in a world often marked by uncertainty.
A few of the basic tenets of spirituality would be as follows:
Givenness as Divine Grace
In spiritual traditions, givenness aligns with the concept of divine grace or blessings. Divine grace is seen as an unmerited favor granted to humanity by a higher power. It encompasses both material gifts and spiritual qualities such as love, compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment.
The Body as a Sacred Vessel
The human body, often viewed as a given in philosophical terms, is considered sacred in many spiritual traditions. It is seen as a temple or vessel for the divine spirit to reside. This sacredness suggests that the body is not merely a biological machine but a conduit for a higher purpose.
The Gift of Consciousness
Consciousness, another aspect of givenness, is perceived as a divine gift in spiritual contexts. Through consciousness, we are able to experience the world, connect with others, and seek a deeper understanding of our existence.
The Path to Enlightenment
Givenness is also related to the spiritual journey of enlightenment or liberation. Many spiritual traditions emphasize recognizing the limitations of our ego-driven consciousness and surrendering to a higher power. This surrender involves acknowledging that our true nature is rooted in a divine source and that our path to enlightenment lies in aligning with this source.
Gratitude and Humility
The concept of givenness fosters a sense of gratitude and humility. By recognizing that many aspects of our existence are not of our own making, we can appreciate the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. This attitude of gratitude deepens our connection to a higher power and cultivates a sense of awe and wonder.
Transformed existence in relational living as ordained by the Bestower of life.
In summary, the philosophical concept of givenness intersects deeply with spirituality, offering a framework for understanding the divine nature of our existence, the sacredness of the human body, the importance of gratitude and humility, and transformation of our lives in authentic relationship with oneself, with others, with nature and with Transcendence.
While givenness provides the grounding from which life unfolds, spirituality offers pathways to navigate the complexities of existence. Together, they invite reflections on how we interpret our realities, engage with one another, and seek meaning in an unpredictable world.