I recently visited a childhood friend who expressed that his faith has strengthened him and inspired him to seek salvation. Upon his request for my spiritual journey, I had to dig deeper to comprehend my faith, religion, and Hinduism. This is dedicated to you, Suhrit. I hope I have given you my rationale from a spiritual perspective. And your resolute fight and face the adversity have inspired me to look at the world through your eyes, where I see hope and joy.
Introduction: Religion is a broad, complex tapestry incorporating spirituality, traditions, and ideas. My personal experience with religion has been fascinating and frequently puzzling as an agnostic who values scientific evidence highly. In particular, my experiences as a Hindu and my meetings with Sai Baba’s teachings have influenced how I view religion and how it fits into my life. I’d like you to journey with me as I explore what religion genuinely means to me in this blog post.
The Search for Meaning: For many of us, religion is a means of navigating the deepest issues in life and looking for the purpose of our existence. I have debated the truth of religious doctrines and the existence of God as an atheist. Science and its meticulous quest for proof have significantly influenced my perspective. My path has also taught me that religion can provide benefits that go beyond what can be quantified or demonstrated.
Spirituality and Inner Exploration: The invitation religion extends to explore the world of spirituality has captured my attention. We all have a natural feeling of wonder and interest in the mysteries of life, regardless of whether we consider ourselves religious or not. Religion offers a framework through which we can delve deeper into our inner selves and establish stronger bonds with the world around us through its rituals, practices, and contemplative traditions.
My Encounter with Sai Baba: I was first introduced to Sai Baba’s teachings as a small child, not because my family was Hindu; my mom told me that she had an apparition of Sai Baba a day before my birth. Millions of people look up to Sai Baba as a spiritual leader who spoke about love, compassion, and selfless service. His teachings initially spoke to me, presenting a way that sounded both inclusive and rooted in ethical principles. However, as I observed the materialism and sometimes blind adherence to rituals within the Sai Baba community, doubts began to cloud my understanding. I slowly moved away from the cultism that existed among the believers.
Questioning Beliefs: We can improve our beliefs and gain deeper knowledge by doubting them. I had to reconsider my relationship with Sai Baba and Hinduism as a whole because of my distrust of the materialistic components of religious practice. I understood that religion is not exempt from human frailty and that people’s deeds may not always be consistent with the fundamental principles of a spiritual tradition. For me, it became crucial to distinguish the core of the teachings from the cultural connotations that frequently accompany religious activity.
The Meaning of Religion: I believe religion goes beyond formalized rituals and dogmas. It opens the door to discovering oneself, showing compassion, and pursuing greater ideals. When regarded with an open mind, religion has the power to evoke feelings of awe, humility, and a sense of connectivity with the cosmos. It is a reminder that life is more complex than it first appears and goes beyond what is currently known to science.
Reconciling Science and Spirituality: Although science and spirituality are frequently seen as competing ideas, I consider them essential components of our search for truth and understanding. While spirituality dives into the worlds of awareness, meaning, and transcendence, science investigates the physical world and solves its mysteries. We may negotiate the complexity of life with intellectual rigour and a feeling of wonder by embracing both spheres.
In summary, my relationship with religion is very personal and constantly evolving. It is an ongoing investigation of faith, uncertainty, and the quest for meaning in life. I continue to wonder and study, seeking knowledge from numerous sources while adhering to my values as an agnostic based on scientific principles. When stripped of materialism and cultural biases, religion can provide a space for introspection, connection, and a deepened understanding of the intricate tapestry of existence.
Image Source: 7-Week Spiritual Journey
Thinking Out Loud 