Meaning: The quote "Religion is doing; a man does not merely think his religion or feel it, he lives his religion as much as he is able, otherwise it is not religion but fantasy or philosophy" by George Gurdjieff, a philosopher, encapsulates the idea that true religious belief is not simply a matter of thought or emotion, but rather it must be lived and practiced in one's daily life. This quote is a reflection of Gurdjieff's teachings, which emphasized the importance of active engagement with one's beliefs and the necessity of integrating them into one's actions and behaviors.

Gurdjieff was a prominent spiritual teacher and philosopher who founded the Fourth Way, a system of self-development and spiritual transformation. Central to Gurdjieff's teachings was the concept of "religion of the future," which stressed the need for individuals to move beyond passive adherence to religious dogma and instead actively engage with their beliefs through conscious effort and self-awareness. This idea is reflected in the quote, where Gurdjieff highlights the importance of living one's religion rather than simply thinking or feeling it.

The quote also suggests that without active embodiment of one's religious beliefs, they remain mere fantasies or philosophical ideas. Gurdjieff's emphasis on the practical application of religious principles aligns with his broader teachings on self-awareness and self-transformation. For Gurdjieff, religion was not just a set of beliefs or rituals, but a way of being and acting in the world. This understanding of religion as a lived experience is a key aspect of Gurdjieff's philosophy and has influenced many spiritual seekers and practitioners.

Gurdjieff's emphasis on the importance of "doing" in religion can be seen as a critique of passive or superficial forms of religious practice. He challenges the notion that religious belief can be confined to mere intellectual or emotional assent, and instead calls for active, conscious engagement with one's beliefs. This perspective resonates with the teachings of other spiritual traditions that emphasize the transformative power of action and practice in the pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment.

In summary, George Gurdjieff's quote "Religion is doing" encapsulates his emphasis on the active, lived experience of religious belief. By highlighting the importance of integrating one's beliefs into one's actions and behaviors, Gurdjieff challenges the notion of religion as purely a matter of thought or feeling. Instead, he advocates for a deeper, more engaged approach to spirituality that involves conscious effort and self-awareness. This quote reflects Gurdjieff's broader teachings on self-development and spiritual transformation, and continues to inspire individuals seeking a more active and integrated approach to their religious and spiritual lives.