Month: November 2024

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 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.

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.