Spiritual Inspiration: God and I by Tom Alter

By Tom Alter

It is rather difficult to explain how I feel about God. If at all I see God in anything, it is in nature and love between human beings. I was brought up in a very religious atmosphere. My father was a priest. In fact, folks from my father and mother's side were priests. As a child, I used to pray in school, but it was never done with conviction. As I grew up, I realised that I didn't believe in the concept of one god.

What I know is that there exists a force which creates things - a force which created us and keeps the world moving. My parents were liberal in their thinking and never forced anything on me. Consequently, I didn't have to face any tension and there were absolutely no hassles at home. I get upset when people force their ideas about religion on me. I respect all places and ways of worship. I am very happy with things, as long as nothing is forced on me. And I don't like people preaching from rooftops either.

Yes, if someone asks for help, it is fine; otherwise, they should be best left alone. If I pass by a shrine, and I feel the place is genuinely holy, I might stop for a few seconds, but the chances of my entering the place are very slim. A visit to a church or temple isn't very important for me. I don't go to church regularly, but I do go to attend weddings and funerals.

I have been to the Girnar temples and to Fatehpur Sikri. If the history or location of a place attracts me, I visit the place. I seldom pray. I read books in which the message is told through the characters. Then, I 'wonder' a lot. I never take time off separately for meditation, but one part of me is always meditating, 24 hours a day.

If I feel down or have a problem, I simply sleep or exercise. I don't think anyone from above can solve your problems. I respect the views of those who feel otherwise. Religion is an attempt to organise one's doubts and beliefs about God. I don't think I am religious, but up to a point I am spiritual. Spirituality is moving with the rhythm of the world, nature and the conscience - it makes you feel good and gives you a deeper feeling. I think if one tries to live with this rhythm, life will be richer and deeper.

I personally don't feel the need for a festival. But the world needs festivals. Christmas is a festival when I am with all my family members, so it is really nice. It is more like a family get-together. Though I don't believe in the existence of one god I wouldn't like to call myself an atheist. I don't like to be slotted or labelled.

An atheist doesn't believe in God and contradicts and questions His existence. I am open to all kinds of views and ideas. I believe in blind luck. Say, one might reach out for a teacup on a shelf and it could slip from the hand and break. A passing car may hit one person, while another person manages to escape being hit. This is what I call luck. And I attribute about 25 per cent of my success to luck.

Also, I feel when one commits a crime, he pays for it immediately. There is no such thing as destiny. The stars or numbers controls nothing. It is just that those who live a full life are more fortunate. Mirza Ghalib has said in a verse: The truth about heaven we all know; but to keep one's heart content is a lovely thought.


More reading like this can be found at www.spirituality.indiatimes.com