Category: Critical Thinking

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.

I find myself confused and, perhaps, agnostic. I believe in some kind of higher power—a force, an energy, something beyond what science can currently explain. Whether that power is God, however, is unclear to me. For example, did Lord Hanuman really fly across the ocean to retrieve the Sanjeevani herb, or is that just an exaggerated tale? One thought I find intriguing is the question: Did God create humans, or did humans create God?

The fact is, humans have existed for around 300,000 years, while the oldest known religion, Hinduism, only emerged about 3,000 years ago. Religion, at its core, is a set of rules followed by a community, and its primary purpose is to unite people. It seems possible that the concept of God was introduced to strengthen adherence to these rules, possibly as a tool to instill fear and ensure the community followed the leaders’ guidance. The idea that failing to follow religious tenets could result in trouble, both in this life and the next, could have been a way to enforce order.

This train of thought led me to an interesting possibility: what if, thousands of years from now, figures like the Avengers are considered gods? Imagine a post-apocalyptic world where only stories of the Avengers remain, and future generations worship them as divine beings. Thor could become analogous to Indra, Hulk to Bhima, or Hanuman. It’s not as far-fetched as it seems when you consider how religions often evolve over time.

We also can’t ignore the role religion plays in politics, with many leaders using it for personal or political gain. Yet, despite the complexities, religion and the idea of God still bind us together, encourage good deeds, and instill a sense of moral responsibility. While I’m not entirely dismissing the existence of God, I also don’t feel the need for concrete evidence to support my belief. It’s simply a matter of uncertainty—maybe it is, maybe it isn’t.

Here is my reflection. I am not able to Post on Blog for some reason. 

In our recent session, we delved into the nuances of decision-making and the psychological frameworks that guide our choices. One of the key takeaways was the idea of viewing problems through different lenses, which has fundamentally influenced how I approach daily challenges. Instead of relying solely on instinct or immediate reactions, I’ve started to pause and consider the broader implications and various angles of a situation. This shift has encouraged a more holistic approach, allowing me to navigate complexities with greater clarity and confidence.

A recent example of this was when I faced a significant decision at work regarding a project (Thesis) deadline. Initially, my System 1 thinking kicked in—I felt pressured to rush and make a quick choice. However, remembering the concepts we discussed, I took a step back to engage my System 2 thinking. I evaluated the potential impacts of my decision and considered the long-term outcomes rather than just immediate pressures. This reflection led to a more thoughtful choice that ultimately benefitted me.

Furthermore, the session opened my eyes to the subtle ways politics can influence our everyday thoughts and decisions. From media narratives to social interactions, political contexts can shape our perceptions and biases without us even realizing it. I’ve become more aware of how these influences creep into my daily life, whether it’s in conversations with friends or how I interpret news. This heightened awareness has empowered me to question my assumptions and seek a more nuanced understanding of issues, fostering more informed discussions and decisions.

In conclusion, the insights from our session have encouraged me to adopt a more reflective approach in both personal and professional contexts. By recognizing the interplay of System 1 and System 2 thinking, as well as the political undercurrents in our daily lives, I’m better equipped to navigate the complexities we face. It’s a reminder that sometimes, taking a moment to rethink can lead to more thoughtful and impactful choices.

For muchof my life , I have viewed God as the supreme power and creator, an all-knowing force that was not only omnipotent but also a friend I could turn to whenever I needed. To me, religion was a framework that guided us, distinguishing right from wrong, and helping us navigate the path of moral living.
However, after taking a critical thinking class that delved into topics like God, religion, customs, rituals, and traditions, my perspective shifted. I began to understand that, as human beings, we possess an innate sense of right and wrong. Even without religious teachings, we are capable of making ethical decisions based on empathy and our conscience. Religion, in this sense, becomes less about adhering to rigid rules and more about living in harmony with our values and morals.
I also became more aware of the dangerous intersection between religion and politics. When religion is politicized, it often leads to division and fuels animosity between different faiths. This, I believe, contradicts the true essence of religion. At its heart, every faith promotes humility, compassion, and service to others.
Rather than allowing religious differences to divide us, we should focus on what unites us as human beings. The golden rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—transcends all religious boundaries and offers a universal guide for peaceful coexistence.
Ultimately, it’s not about which religion we follow, but how we choose to live with kindness, understanding, and respect for one another.

I believe deeply in God and His presence, as I can truly feel a unique energy and positive force whenever I reach out to Him, especially during difficult moments. The sensations I experience—like goosebumps during an aarti at historic temples like Dwarka and Tirupati Balaji—are unlike anything else. While some people connect to energy in natural settings like beaches or mountains, the spiritual energy I feel in these sacred spaces is distinctly profound and incomparable.

My belief in God is something I arrived at on my own; no one told me I had to believe or forced me to pray and perform holy rituals. Despite the lack of physical evidence of His existence, I find that it’s the energy I feel that truly matters. This energy gives me a deep sense of connection and peace, and it’s so powerful that it affirms my faith in ways that can’t be shaken. For me, this bond with God is pure and profound—something beyond words and entirely my own.

People often grapple with doubts, questions about faith’s role in hardship, conflicts between science and belief, and the purpose of religious practices. They may also struggle to balance respect for diverse beliefs with staying true to their own.

On common ground, people need mutual respect and understanding for different beliefs, allowing space for diverse perspectives without judgment.