Secular spirituality and communal harmony: Bhakti and Sufi traditions in Bihar and Kashmir

Abstract

This paper explores how the Bhakti and Sufi mysticism movements have historically cultivated secular spirituality, providing a shared spiritual framework that transcended or expanded religious boundaries to foster communal harmony and continues to do so between Hindus and Muslims in contemporary South Asia. By emphasizing personal devotion, ethical behaviour, and social inclusivity, these traditions challenged religious orthodoxy and social hierarchies. Through a detailed examination of their historical contexts and contemporary fieldwork in Bihar and Kashmir, this study demonstrates how the teachings and practices of Bhakti and Sufi mystics remain essential for promoting interfaith dialogue and communal harmony. By situating these traditions within broader academic debates on secular spirituality, the paper underscores their ongoing relevance in addressing modern challenges of religious polarization and social cohesion.