Abstract

In this chapter, an attempt is made briefly to analyse a Upanishadic dialogue between Yājñavalkya and Maitreyi to distinguish the materiality and spirituality of life. In Indian philosophy, discussions and conversations are construed as performatives which reveal the epistemic as well as the normative content of spiritual discourses. The spiritual pragmatism in the discourse of Indian spirituality emphasizes the notion of ethical without dissociating from the religious construal of the spiritual. However, the spiritual has no space for the practice of sectarianism. Hence, normativity is intrinsic to the language of Indian spirituality that always voices contemplative action and global aspiration for peace and harmony. In conclusion, the paper sought to have a culture of spirituality and its critiques which the present and the future of humanity need to cultivate spirituality for collective well-being.