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Grandma is amused. A lot of the younger generation now study spirituality in their quest for happiness and peace. While that`s okay in itself, she says, it`s strange how they go about it. They study it seriously - like they would study science for an upcoming exam. They get more serious, and they try to put rigid controls on themselves. And they think that going without the lighter side of life is going to help them attain nirvana. Being serious is not being spiritual.

An endeavour for happiness is supposed to have the adverse affect. It isn`t about controls. It is about shedding the emotional and mental load - which we insist on carrying through life. It`s about learning to laugh more easily, take pleasure in your work, and live a life filled with simple joys.

The good man said - "The kingdom of God is within you". What did he mean? That all the things you need to be happy in life - like love and laughter - are found within you.

"Keep your mind and body pure" - don`t defile yourself with negative thoughts and emotions. It hurts you and robs you of your ability to love and laugh your way through life.

In the Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna urges Arjuna to see the Almighty in every single thing. Did he mean we were supposed to worship every thing on earth? Or did he mean - look at every being and every thing in a positive way. Look at them with no untoward suspicion and fear - and your relationship with them all will be happy one.

The scriptures are not about austerity or a holier-than-thou attitude.It`s about doing away with what makes you tense, competitive and inadequate. It is to help you `loosen up`- to use your own parlance.

In short - spirituality is about being happy with the simpler things in life. And happiness that comes from within.