CT – Day 5 & 6 – God and Religion
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.