Our concept of god varies. -1

To some he may be a stern old man with a stick. To others a loving, forgiving father. Mira says: mane chakar rakho ji- allow me to be a servant in your house. This is the essence of Bhakti, simple.

Most of us know it too well that abiding peace lies in the lotus feet of the Almighty; even then we are disturbed! Why? Very often, we beseech Him and somewhere deep within we have a constant quest to know Him. But even then we don't find Him and consequently true happiness and peace! Why? Simply because we do not search for God where He actually dwells.

Make a list in two columns: things which bring me close to god, and things which take me further away from god. Quite revealing and a good guide for the inner growth.

People ask: “what is the best time to pray? And how long?” it is what suits you the best. all that can be a large part of prayer.

The prayers were simply and sincerely spoken each morning before breakfast and dinner. Sometimes, we children felt famished and would become impatient waiting for dinner that would be served only after mother religiously completed her ritual of prayer. On our birthdays we bathed early, said a prayer expressing our gratitude for each year and asking for blessing for the coming year. We would give a small portion of our pocket money to charity. The simple prayers remained significant and meaningful all my life, although I must admit I yearned to understand a little more as a child. I am a Hindu, but first and foremost I am an Indian. It did not really seem to matter, which holy book was being followed – it was always the sincerity of prayer that was emphasized. We had no complex ceremonies.

There was no particular ritual to be observed no particular deity to be worshipped. In the innocence of my childhood, I prayed to a universal god. When I watched my Christian friends attend church on Sundays and then go to Sunday school to gain a formal education of Christianity, I remained rather envious of their routine. In fact I felt out – Sometimes I too wanted to be part of this tradition.

The Temple, Church, Mosque or Gurudwara are same worship places is lighted, kept clean, fragrance of a flower is sprayed, the bell sound is made. All are making you to understand the Human head which is a replica of Temple, Church, Mosque or Gurudwara

The quality of our life reflects the quality of our relationship with god. “good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.” A modern human says: “he walks with me, \he talks with me, \ he tells me I am his son. \ as we tarry there \ none other has ever known.” Therefore it was necessary neither to observe a special day for prayer nor seek a special place of worship for god to hear my prayers. I remained blissfully ignorant of caste. I’ am glad I find it irrelevant. In my childish innocence I barely noticed the differences of color and religion. It was the person that was important; not color of skim. I have never tried to find out details about my caste. Does it matter?

The teachings of all faiths are good. We distort them in application to suit ourselves. Religion is a personal, private affair. Why rob it of its dignity? The time tested and old set of values to be treasured is honesty, sincerity, love, courtesy, compassion, thoughtfulness and concern for others. These values have guided me throughout my life and helped me to survive with optimism the journey of life. It is these principles I have passed on to my children and grandchildren. If these are observed and practiced in our daily lives, is that not religion? Is that not what god expects out of us? Surely it is the way we lead our lives and our relationship and behavior towards others that is religion, a way of life. What is the purpose of prayers recited mechanically according to ritual if observed without sincerity and then we express negative actions that against those principles in testing times?

In time of spiritual need and strength I silently utter prayers that come to my mind, often from to still a restless, turbulent mind. Sincerity of action is important. It is alarming, disturbing, terrifying and heartbreaking to witness religious strife and the atrocities that are taking place in the name of religion.

We don’t have to comprehend each and every ritual. It is more important to be a good human being – this is what god expects of each one of us irrespective of our religion. It does not matter which festival we celebrate: Diwali, Christmas, Gurupurav or Id. Similarly it does not matter if the child that is born is a male or female. Any child is a blessing to be cherished and treated the same way with love and kindness.