Spiritual Inspiration: God and I by Deepti Naval

By Deepti Naval

My concept of God is slightly unconventional. I understand God as a formless power or a cluster of concentrated energy from which all life originates. But I would still love to explore my concept of God as I'm not completely convinced that what I've envisaged is actually the correct form of God.

As a child, the only semblance of proof I found of this energy would be when I would sit on the terrace of my house in Amritsar gazing at the clouds. I've always connected nature with God - it's the biggest proof we have of God.

I've never followed rituals nor do I worship idols. My family practised the principles of Arya Samaj and the only ritual held at home would be the weekly havan. Every Sunday, a pandit would come home, read out the shlokas and explain the meaning of one. A few essential shlokas I've still retained in my mind.

The purpose of this whole exercise would be to purify the atmosphere. My father would stress on purity of the mind. I've imbibed from him my belief of not harbouring self-damaging negative emotions like resentment, hostility, anger and jealousy.

I strongly believe in the theory of karma. I simply cannot perceive God as some conniving superpower who rewards or punishes us for our deeds. The way I look at it is that if you do bad, you create around you an energy of negativity which is what actually harms you.

I also believe that the life you inherit is simply the chemistry of nature - it's a pattern that God has no hand in. And death is not the end of life - there is a consciousness, an awakening, an experience which carries on. Presently though, my mind is reeling with questions pertaining to the purpose of living and dying and why we live and die when we do.

In relation to God, I've never followed the norms of society. It's more important for me to follow my inner voice, my instinct. I follow the path of freedom being answerable only to my conscience. I talk to and question God. He is like an area within me that I can comfortably slip into.

Whenever I'm in conflict with myself or when I find the need for quiet contemplation, my favourite haunt is the Erengal Church at Madh Island. I adore the serenity of this church and I can spend hours here just sitting, thinking and often writing poetry.

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