Understanding of god
I believe that god is the ultimate universal all-encompassing power that has created the cosmos, the earth and all life on the earth, and that maintains it all. A cursory study of any form of life, the intricate mechanisms within it and the fine balance with the environment around it, is evidence of the fact that it is the creation of a supernatural power to which we owe it all. All religions want their followers to realise this ultimate truth. The life element in each one of us is a part of that divine power.
Spiritual beliefs
As a Hindu, I worship several gods. I believe that the different gods are names and forms given to different facets of the power or strength that we seek, to meet various challenges that we face in life.
Spiritual practices
I say my prayers every day and seek the strength of mind and body to face life as it comes.
Miracles
I have had two unusual experiences though I would prefer not to call them miracles. We were returning from Tirupati in a mini van. It was a full moon night and gazing out of the window I suddenly felt the existence of a power or presence around us. Within minutes, we met with a bad accident, but except for one who had some injury, the rest of us escaped without a scratch. Another time when I was expecting my son, I was at a temple of Lord Krishna and the idol seemed to smile, as if to say, “All will be well.” I have never had such an experience, either before or after this event.
Pilgrimage sites
We have been walking up to the Tirupati temple every year for the past 12 years now. We do not visit any other temples except the small Ganesha temple near our home, where we go to seek his blessings and offer our thanksgiving.
(Himani Datar is the secretary of the Guild of Service, Chennai)