An idea so broad as that of pilgrimage evidences relevance in varied ways. Between cultures, and within the definition of pilgrimage itself (both technical and expanded), pilgrimage is demonstrated in a gradient of emphasis upon its numerous aspects. Despite such differentiation, it is possible to reduce the number of viewpoints from which evaluation is warranted to a manageable number. Through evaluation from both the viewpoint of the individual and that of society, each in subdivision between the religious and spiritual perspectives, exploration of the relevance of pilgrimage becomes possible.
Although possible, a discussion of relevance becomes incomprehensible or misleading when the language used is ambiguous. The singular difficulty in such a discussion of pilgrimage arises from the subtlety of difference between religion and spirituality. Even though the two are commonly taken to mean the same thing, they do, in fact, not. Where religion refers to the beliefs and/or belief systems representative of a group or individual, spirituality refers to general psychological wellness. Once such a distinction is made, it becomes reasonable to discuss the relevance of pilgrimage from the viewpoint of the individual.
Since the significance of pilgrimage upon the individual is internal to each individual's mind, the relevance of pilgrimage derives from its effect on the psyche. Such a truth implies a more important one; pilgrimage has relevance because it has influence. Quick reflection demonstrates that this is true both in terms of religion and spirituality. Because, for the individual, religion tends to cultivate spirituality, pilgrimage impacts primarily upon the spiritual element of the mind. Although religion often introduces some obligation to pilgrimage (e.g. (link to destination) Muslim faith), such obligation is mostly conducive to spiritual experience.
Strangely enough, the significance of pilgrimage in religious and spiritual terms reverses when many individuals are taken together. The relevance of pilgrimage at the social level is primarily religious. Such a reverse of emphasis may be attributed to the prescription of the role of pilgrimage, according to organized religion. At the level of a society, pilgrimage loses the significance appropriate to the individual, thus becoming merely a vehicle toward social and religious status.
In a society that has become aware of the importance of the individual, it appears the nature of pilgrimage, through a developed definition, has evolved the relevance of pilgrimage to reflect the ideas of society, and conform to the individual. All the evidence of the relevance of pilgrimage comes at little surprise. Where pilgrimage enters lives, it influences minds, and thus makes its relevance known.
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