Bollywood actor Ashmit Patel speaks on his spirituality:
What are your spiritual beliefs?
Spirituality for me is evolving as a human being or self improvement. It can be anything that helps me relax, shut down my mind and connect with my soul or spirit. It's reaching that stage where I can listen to my mind and follow my instincts. I feel going to a temple every day does not necessarily make you a spiritual person.
What is your understanding of God?
God is a universal energy which we are a part of. This energy is found in you, me, animals, plants and inanimate objects.
What are your spiritual practices?
I do yoga and meditation followed by pranayama on a regular basis. That's to relax my mind and connect with my soul.
Do you visit pilgrimage centres?
I had gone to Vasihno Devi a couple of years ago. What's really important for me is praying to God and not the place of worship. If you read Alchemist, you'll find that it's not the destination but the journey that matters. The idea behind going to pilgrim centres is to interact with people, chant His name together and share His teachings with others. I'd call my trip to Vasihno Devi memorable because I had gone there with my mother and also climbed 14 km. I'd like to go to other such places but I don't think that's the only way to show that you love God. You can pray to Him anytime, anywhere.