Seeking answers spiritually

New insights

You are not here accidentally – you are here meaningfully. There is a purpose behind you.

The whole intends to do something through you.” When Osho spoke these words he was probab­ly not addressing only youth but people of all ages. 

Youth today is more open to exploring a spiritual connect rather than a religious one - as understood in the typical, traditional sense. 

Youngsters do not shy away from factors beyond their control but face them with confidence. They may hardly been seen inside the premises of temples, synagogues and chu­r­ches but they enjoy reading scriptures like the Quran and Bhagwad Gita out of academic interest and for knowledge rather than religious reasons. They are also not averse to experimenting with newer, relatively lesser known ways of making a spiritual connect. 

Shweta Modgil, a research analyst has been practicing Japanese Buddhism since long. “This practice does not teach you to be religious but empowers you to deal with issues strongly. Chanting of a Buddhist mantra - namyo ho renge kyo is a form of mediation. It helps you answers within yourself.”

Pooja Chawla, Director at N square, says, “I don’t blindly follow any religion but I do think any religion is a source of motivation, inspiration and well-being for the soul.”

Echoes Sheetal Chopra, a dancer says, “Religion, for me is a manifestation of spirituality that you feel all around. I prefer meditation than going to a temple.”

Many youngsters believe that the way their parents han­dled difficulties is not so­m­e­thing that is worth picking up. Offering a prasad of Rs 101 in the temple with the expectation that the problems will be averted, is actually bribing your own self, some say.

However, there are youngsters like Karishma Dall, an enginee­ring student, who prefer visiting the temple, though more for chanting than offering obeisance. She has been a devout follower of Lord Krishna and regularly goes to the ISKCON temple, “My friends never oppose my faith. We often go to the temple. When I feel stuck in the material trap, going to ISKCON and chanting brings peace to my mind. All our problems and doubts are discussed keeping Lord Krishna as the center focus.”

Saying your prayers is a form of energy healing. One learns to develop positive thoughts, share happy emoti­o­ns and learn to accept the turbulence that life offers.

On an average, in India, out of 100 at least 80 believe that there exists a higher power in the universe that we are attr­a­c­ted to, in some way. It is for this reason that spirituality too has found youngsters attracted to it. They are looking for answers  beyond dogmas.