Every religion has two aspects. The first is its external forms i.e. its theology, ceremonies, rituals, traditions, mythology etc. This is the social or collective aspect, which is the source and sustenance of the culture and civilization of a nation, and from which springs its literature and arts. It endows the entire community or nation with a collective consciousness and provides a harmony and balance in social life. It also provides lifestyle, ideology and beliefs.
Even so, this is the secondary aspect of religion-its by-product. When someone is ignorant of the inner Knowledge, and has no practical spiritual realization, he doesn’t know how to control his mind and instincts, so some kind of code of ethical and righteous behaviour must be imposed to control external eruptions of the individual’s ego and desires, and to keep him within the bounds of morality. This aspect of religion is external, not internal; collective, not personal. Although not too inspirational, it does serve the purpose of keeping individuals in check and societies regulated.
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