Understanding of god
I think that god is a manmade fiction, a Frankenstein’s monster.
Spiritual beliefs
I am an atheist. I am very spiritual about my atheism. Marx once said that he wanted to dethrone god and destroy capitalism. I don’t have such a big aim, but I believe in telling people to think rationally, to put their faith in science than in religion, to be concerned about the future of our life on this planet instead of think about past lives or karma. Earlier, I have played with the idea of god; it is amusing and entertaining but any thinking person will soon grow out of it.
Spiritual practices
None. I despair at some spiritual practices of others. Last week I heard a lady was offering masala chai to her favorite god because he was demanding it. I would never have the patience to keep making tea. god would have to go hungry if there were believers like me.
Pilgrimage sites
Going to Disneyland does not mean explicit belief in the actual existence of Mickey Mouse as a real person. Mickey can exist only in make-believe. It’s the same with pilgrimage sites. I’ve found myself in half a dozen pilgrimage sites in my childhood years because someone dragged me along. I’ve seen nothing remarkable except being rankled by beggars and touts. I would like to take a lover to Khajuraho someday, but evidently, I am not going there for religious or spiritual purposes.
Take on miracles
Yes. A miracle is an act of divine intervention and I see it happening right now. god has allowed a complete atheist like me to answer a questionnaire about god. That is a supreme act of self-sabotage, or proof indeed that he/she doesn’t exist. Would it not be a miracle if it was actually published?
(Meena Kandasamy is a poet, writer and translator)