Category: Critical Thinking

During the critical thinking session, we encountered a subject that resonated with each person’s feelings, convictions, and emotions. The subject revolves around God and religion. When I contemplate God, I envision a powerful entity that has created everything, and people seek it in every feeling. However, my perspective is different, as I reside in a country with diverse religions and beliefs, along with countless rituals and customs, making it challenging to define a perfect representation of God. I was raised in a Punjabi family and have closely observed that faith, yet I grew up in a region where an entirely different religion is practiced. Additionally, during my childhood, I connected with individuals from a different state and religion, allowing us to celebrate each other’s festivals, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of various customs and beliefs. Nevertheless, despite all these experiences, as I matured, I never discovered a definitive image or form of God. In my view, God is merely an energy or a power I turn to for assistance or communicate with in various situations. However, various religions have attributed faces to God, making it challenging to discern which deity is the strongest or if there is a God at all.

A few questions that often arise for me are whether religion or God is significant. Are all religions true? Are the texts, evidence, and books that individuals adhere to accurate and will they provide us with the right direction? However, I also ponder what the right direction is. Throughout a human life, many people’s engagement with work, passion, enthusiasm, and eagerness to accomplish various goals has diminished their connection to faith in God and religion.
I also believe that when we’re focused on working diligently to attain success and accomplish significant objectives, we tend to overlook thoughts about God and religion. It’s our dedication and hard work that lead to success; no deity or religious belief will help me achieve my aspirations.

In this vast population filled with numerous Gods, education holds significant importance. Individuals can quickly become sidetracked by magic and superstitions, and in every faith, there are individuals exploiting it for their gain. Superstition presents a complex situation where people struggle to discern right from wrong. Under the guise of religion and deities, a major issue lies in the destruction occurring among different faiths. A great deal of political maneuvering occurs in the name of religion, raising doubts about the existence of God. If God does exist, those who misuse His name for harmful actions, thereby harming humanity, should face consequences.

Therefore, having faith in God or a religion is a personal decision for each individual, but avoid imposing your beliefs on others or making comparisons. Instead, have faith in humanity and your abilities, and strive diligently to reach your objectives.

On Day 5 we discussed a lot about religion, beliefs, values, customs and their importance. I am a religious person and my beliefs and faith in God are very strong. During the first day, I got to see many different views about religion and the existence of God. This session helped me understand that to be a good human being we do not need religion but a right direction. We should have our own values ​​that lead us to the right path. Also, this session gave me a new understanding that before following any belief, think seriously and follow the practice that gives you peace. Your aim should be humanism and not religion.

Day 5 and 6 of our Life Class sparked intense discussions on critical thinking and religion, challenging our perspectives and deepening our understanding. As an individual born and raised in an orthodox Brahmin family, l’d like to share my thoughts on God, religion, and the intriguing connections l’ve discovered.

While the discussions in the critical thinking day 5 – provoked so many aspects about the belief system about the religion, I still believe the existence of a super power, Like concluded in the session by Vardan sir yesterday there might not be a proper evidence for the existence of religion /God, that we are in search for, however neither of us know how the vedas ,shlokas and mantras were developed that are in praise of Lord. I could still interpret the Darwin’s theory of evolution which points to the concept of Vishnu’s dasavatar in Hinduism while the latter part of it was found ages back and we term it as mythology. Dasavatar has taught the early humans about evolutionism and survival of the fittest way back however we are able to accept the scientific framework in a better way as modern humans.

I have also read articles that most premier research institutes have installed the idol of Nataraja -the dancing form Of shiva .
( https://tinyurl.com/3u76d9h6) While the scientists across the globe started believing about the super power Indian humans had, why are we still reluctant and in search of evidences is still a question unanswered in my mind.

While we all know that the universe follows diverse culture, we should start respecting the same. Also fostering a cultural empathy will help later generations understand the value system of our ecosystem.

God is an the Superpower that controls the whole universe, watching over everything that happens. Religion, on the other hand, is a system created by humans that sets the rules and guidelines for how people should live and behave in a community. It helps people understand what is right and wrong and teaches values that bring people together. Through religion, individuals find direction and purpose, while also following the teachings that are believed to come from a higher power. In this way, religion helps guide society by shaping how people live and interact with each other. I still question the existence of God. If God is imaginary, how do we explain the evidence we see? Believe that God is both the creator and destroyer, controlling everything in the universe. This view sees God as having the power to create life and also to change or end it when needed. It’s a belief found in many religions, where God has ultimate control over everything. People often grapple with finding a balance between their personal beliefs and the expectations of society or their community. There can also be confusion or conflict when different religions or belief systems clash, leading to doubts or a search for deeper understanding. To find common ground in religious beliefs, we should respect each other’s differences, focus on shared values like kindness, and have open conversations. Working together on common goals, like helping others, can also bring people closer. Being open to learning from one another helps build stronger connections.

These sessions transformed how I approach challenges in my life and work. The facilitators led us through thought-provoking discussions on the development of the human brain and posed complex questions that revealed how much our perspectives shape the way we solve problems. This experience made me realize that adopting multiple viewpoints can profoundly change the quality of our decisions. One key takeaway from the session was the concept of System 1 and System 2 thinking. System 1 is the part of our brain that makes instinctual, and sometimes emotionally charged decisions, while System 2 is more focused on careful analysis and reflection. Becoming aware of these two ways of thinking has started to reshape how I handle decisions, whether they’re minor day-to-day choices or more significant professional ones.The session also shed light on how subtle external influences can unconsciously shape our thought patterns and opinions. I hadn’t fully realized how much these influences impacted my perspective until now. This awareness of ingrained thought patterns has made me more conscious of the balance between emotional reactions and rational thought. By reflecting on both, I’m now able to approach decision-making with a sense of clarity and a greater degree of empathy. In short, this critical thinking session has been transformative, encouraging me to question first impressions and invest more time in finding well-rounded solutions. It’s a shift in perspective that I know will continue to benefit me, both personally and professionally, as I tackle challenges with a more mindful and open approach.

God and religion are often seen as structures created to guide people. I used to believe that religion offered different paths to connect with a god. However, over time, I began to sense that there’s something deeper than the rituals and labels, there is an existence of some universal energy around us, guiding us, supporting us, and helping us grow. 
sometimes I doubted whether these organised religion could fully capture the essence of this divine energy I feel. There were moments I questioned if rituals were truly the best way to connect with the universe and with myself. I wondered if we might lose sight of the love, unity, and kindness at the heart of spirituality when we focus too much on specific practices or traditions.

Growing up, I watched my mother engage in rituals that seemed both mysterious and comforting. Her daily practices, rooted in tradition, made me curious. I’d often ask her about the meaning behind each ritual, hoping to understand why she dedicated herself to these practices. Her answer surprised me: “Traditions can change, they evolve. I chose this path because it’s meditative for me.”For her, these rituals weren’t about strict adherence to rules, they were a chosen way of connecting with something beyond herself. I came to realize that the traditions she embraced were her personal path to peace, a form of grounding that brought her clarity and calm. She saw these rituals not as fixed customs but as flexible, evolving practices – a way to tap into her inner world and bring a sense of tranquility to her daily life.

Watching her, I started to understand that spirituality isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Each of us can find our own ways to connect with something larger, whether that’s through traditions, meditation, or simply moments in nature. My mother’s choice reminded me that our paths to inner peace are unique and deeply personal. She chose her way because it resonated with her heart and brought her a sense of calm – and, in turn, inspired me to seek my own path, whatever form it might take. 
Today, I believe in energy that flows through everything. This energy connects us, supports us, and is deeply rooted with love and growth. I believe in the power of manifestation, gratitude, and positive intention – that the universe is always listening and responding to our energies. Nature is a powerful reminder of this energy, and I find strength and calm in its beauty. 
There’s a certain magic in each element of nature that feels alive and responsive. I often find myself talking to nature, seeking answers, hoping for a sign or a feeling that will guide me. And, to my surprise, nature answers. Take water, for example. It holds this ability to heal. I’ve watched a drooping flower spring back to life after a drink of water. Water doesn’t just heal flowers, it has a soothing effect on us too. When I feel drained or unsettled, the sound of flowing water, the touch of rain, or even the coolness of a lake can calm me. It’s as if water has the power to wash away worries and renew our spirits, reminding us of our own resilience.

In these quiet moments, I feel that each element of nature has its own way of communicating. They hold answers if we’re willing to listen. A kind of wisdom that doesn’t need words. When I connect with water, it’s like sharing a silent understanding, it reflects back calm, strength, and the flow of life. Nature’s magic lies in its ability to nurture, heal, and teach us, often without us even realizing it. And the more I turn to it, the more I realise how much there is to learn – about balance, patience, and the simple beauty of being present. 
A common ground can be achieved When we recognise that we’re all on our own journey of seeking meaning and connection, we can approach others with more understanding and acceptance.

आलोचनात्मक सोच पर एक जीवन कक्षा ने मुझे अल्लाह, धर्म, रीति-रिवाजों, रीति-रिवाजों, परंपराओं आदि जैसे विभिन्न विषयों के बारे में उभरती हुई सोचने की शक्ति दी। मैंने सीखा कि किसी चीज़ पर विश्वास करने के लिए नैतिक मूल्यों और कार्रवाई की भी आवश्यकता होती है। लाइफ क्लास अल्टीमेटली के माध्यम से, सत्र काफी दिलचस्प और विचारशील था। मैं अल्लाह में विश्वास रखता हूं, मैं यह नहीं मानता कि इतनी बड़ी कायनात ऐसे ही चलती है, इसके पीछे जरूर कोई रचयिता होगा। Regarding religious beliefs i belive  अनेक अंधकारमय रीति-रिवाज देखते हैं जो धर्म के नाम पर चलाये जाते हैं। While talking about common ground I believe that we follow our religion and pray without disturbing any other religion.

Day 4 focused on evaluating decision-making and learning to question our personal biases, which was both challenging and rewarding.One of the standout activities was intriguingly called “Murder Your Darlings.” The idea was to take a closer look at the brands we love—those “darlings” we often support without a second thought—and critically evaluate them. I was surprised by how difficult it was to do this at first; these were brands I admired and trusted. But as I started examining them more critically, I saw the other side of the coin and realized how strong my personal biases were. This exercise was a wake-up call, showing just how much these biases impact my decision-making without me even noticing.We also engaged in discussions on some controversial topics, where we were encouraged to put our points forward and explore others’ perspectives. This part of the session was a powerful exercise in metacognition. It pushed me to observe my own thoughts and reactions, and I found myself analyzing not just what I thought but why I thought that way.Together, these activities brought a valuable lesson to light: the importance of critically evaluating my beliefs and biases. The session made me realize that every decision I make is filtered through these internal preferences, and it gave me a much-needed reality check. Looking back, Day 4 was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of critical thinking. It’s given me new insights and tools that I’m eager to apply in other areas of my life.

Day 5 of our life class journey focused on a deeply personal and complex topic. god, religion and religious beliefs. It was an introspective experience that encouraged us to explore our own views, question assumptions, and consider the role of spirituality in finding inner peace and purpose. Here are some of my reflections and insights from the session.

• Growing up, I viewed religion as a guide to life a set of principles and rituals handed down through generations that provided structure and a sense of community. I believed in the existence of God, though more as a source of guidance and comfort than a being who controlled every aspect of life. for me, religion served as moral compass, and I saw God as a symbol of inner peace and strength.
• I did question whether certain rituals had lost their meaning over time or were being followed without a real understanding of their purpose. It also raised a question in me about whether religion sometimes divides us instead of uniting us. I wondered if people would benefit more from focusing on the lessons behind religious teachings rather than just the rituals themselves.
• Today, my beliefs have evolved. I see religion as a way to live a meaningful life, a path that guides us toward self-discipline, compassion, and humility. I believe that God exists not just as a figure to worship but as a concept that brings inner peace and strength. Having faith is important, but so is self-confidence and personal responsibility in shaping our lives. Now, I also appreciate that following rituals can be valuable, but it’s essential to seek understanding and learn from them rather than follow them blindly.
• I still question how different religions and beliefs intersect and why certain divisions exist despite shared values like compassion, kindness, and self-reflection. I also wonder how much of spirituality is truly about personal growth versus adherence to tradition, and whether there’s a way to balance faith with a modern outlook that encourages inclusivity and open-mindedness.
• Many people seem to struggle with the balance between practicing their faith and respecting the beliefs of others. There’s often a divide between strict adherence to tradition and a more open, spiritual approach. I see people grappling with the fear of questioning long-standing beliefs and the desire to explore spirituality in a more personal, individualized way. The challenge lies in staying true to one’s faith while remaining open to new perspectives.
• We can find common ground by recognizing that belief in religion can be a powerful, positive force when it encourages values like compassion, respect, and understanding. However, it’s essential to approach these beliefs thoughtfully rather than with blind faith. By questioning and seeking the reasons behind religious practices, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation for them, which fosters respect and reduces conflicts between different beliefs. Encouraging open-minded discussions where people share their experiences and insights allows us to appreciate diverse perspectives without judgment. This kind of dialogue promotes unity and helps us build connections across different faiths.

This session has reinforced that faith can guide us toward inner peace and purpose, but it’s crucial to remain thoughtful and reflective rather than simply accepting beliefs without question. When we approach religion with awareness, seeking to understand its principles and lessons, we create a foundation for personal growth and mutual respect. Embracing religion as a path to self-improvement, rather than a strict set of rules, enables us to find common ground and harmony in our diverse world.

To begin with, I have faith in a supreme. I believe in a supreme being who created and sustains all universes. My belief aligns with the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita, where God is seen as the force behind everything, even down to the energy that moves protons and electrons within an atom. In essence, I see God as omnipresent, present in every aspect of existence. Religion, to me, is the pathway to gaining the knowledge needed to connect with this divine presence.

My faith is in the Swaminarayan religion, which centers on the philosophy of Swami and Narayan. Narayan is the Supreme Being, while his devotee, Swami, is omnipresent, overseeing all the universes. Swami manifests in four forms: the first is “bigger than the biggest”; the second is “smaller than the smallest,” embodying the force within atoms; the third resides in Akshardham; and the fourth is present on earth, living among humans. Swami and Narayan took birth on earth to connect with people in a way they could understand, using human language and emotions.

On the question of God’s existence, I personally believe that just as starting a business and running it successfully requires years of effort, so does understanding and experiencing God. It isn’t something that happens overnight. Anyone who seeks to know God must dedicate time and sincere effort. I believe that God recognizes this genuine dedication and, in turn, grants us the experience of His presence.

When we seek something from God, it’s important to remember that while God can give us everything, there is a fulfillment beyond what money or even the entire universe can offer. Ultimately, whatever we ask from God – whether it’s wealth, wisdom, courage, intelligence, or honor – is because we desire lasting happiness in every situation. God alone can grant us that profound happiness.

People often grapple with religious beliefs when they feel tension between faith and reason, or when they encounter differing interpretations of the divine and morality. There’s also the challenge of reconciling personal beliefs with the diversity of perspectives around them, as well as questions about the relevance of ancient practices in modern life. Additionally, some struggle with balancing devotion to their own faith while respecting others.

We can find common ground by encouraging open communication about all religious beliefs, with spiritual and even political leaders helping to facilitate this dialogue. This process begins with recognizing the shared values – like compassion, integrity, and the search for meaning – that are at the core of many religions. Through open and respectful conversation, people can better understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives without needing full agreement. By focusing on the universal aspects of spirituality, such as kindness and service, we can highlight our commonalities and promote unity over division.