‘A nation’s real strength rests in spirituality, not military might’

This is apropos a letter to the Editor titled ‘A nation’s real strength rests in spirituality, not military might’ by this writer carried by the newspaper on Thursday, Friday, and yesterday.

The same broad principle appears in different forms across other religions. Judaism has its rabbis, sages and mystical traditions; Christianity its saints, clergy, monastic orders and contemplative lineages; Hinduism its gurus, yogis and spiritual masters; Buddhism its monks, teachers and accomplished practitioners. Their doctrines are different, yet each tradition recognizes personalities whose spiritual attainment gives them responsibilities extending beyond ordinary religious instruction.

This creates, within the spiritual realm, something comparable to deterrence in the physical realm. Spiritual aggression cannot necessarily be assumed to remain unanswered. A community whose beliefs are challenged may respond by strengthening its own religious foundations, reviving worship, restoring unity and reinforcing the institutions through which sacred knowledge is transmitted. Spiritual attack can therefore generate spiritual defence, and spiritual defence can create counterbalancing pressure. In this sense, religious civilizations possess a form of spiritual strategic depth.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026