| Summary: | The discussion about “double” or “multiple belonging” does not take into account that there is no mandatory definition of religion. This paper explores some of the metaphors involved. “Belonging to a religion” implies a passive attitude and can signify “belonging to a mental or physical territory”; or it can signify “belonging to a group or person”, i.e. it signifies a relationship. “Religion” is a Western concept, which cannot be translated e.g. into Sanskrit. One of the important Indian metaphors used is “path” or “way”, which transports instead of a passive “belonging” the active notion of “owning it”. “Belonging” could be seen in a context of identity politics, whereas “way” or “path” refers to the human need of spiritual transformation.
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