Selfie Gen's spiritual saga

While skepticism and atheistism have their niche, there is a growing population of young, spiritually-inclined Indians discovering myriad dimensions to faith. They realise that spiritual investments yield rich dividends in the material world, writes Krishnaraj Iyengar.

On a recent flight to Europe, an expensive fruity musk announced the arrival of a slim dame, who was to be my aisle seat neighbour for the next seven hours. Draped in tight denims and a jazzy florescent top, she soon got engrossed in her iPad as colourful icons swam gracefully on the screen at finger-touch notice, until the take-off announcement managed to invade the blaring trance pounding her headphones. 

Then, at 30,000 feet above the ground, an old King James Bible appeared from her leather bag as she immersed herself in the Psalms of David. Later, she peacefully turned the tulsi beads of an old mala, until she found me watching in sheer amazement.

“Dude, faith is faith,” she said, smiling. “Yeah, life is about chilling out, but when you’re falling, faith catches you and holds you in mid air,” she added. My in-flight neighbour called herself ‘pan religious’ and believed that all faiths lead to one supreme truth.

While skepticism and the clan of ‘confirmed atheists’ have their niche, there is still a growing population of young, spiritually-inclined Indians discovering myriad dimensions to faith, be it in religion, non-religious spiritual practices or just a sacred outlook towards life.

Radhika Mehta, a young and dynamic golfer, never misses a date with her ‘boyfriend’, who happens to be none other than Shri Krishna! “Even in a far-off country like Poland, I managed to discover an ISKON temple. It’s my commitment, come what may,” she says.

Spirituality and the young has been a matter of much discussion the world over. Especially in India, a country with more than 6000 years of spiritual heritage where, with the arrival of the Technoyuga, the selfie-gen sadhus seem to ‘hv 4gotten their 4father’s legacy’!

Despite the persistence of a handful of blind ritualists, the spirit of inquiry drives youngsters to not only question religion and spiritual teachings, but also to delve into the inner dimension of faith.

Morari Bapu delights in watching hoards of youngsters huddle up at his Ramkathas. “Previously, the seniors of the family were pushed away to attend kathas when they became a nuisance at home. All they would do is snore during the three hours!” he says, with a laugh, adding that today it’s different. “Most of my audiences comprise of young, educated men and women joining in the devotion and imbibing serious spiritual insight.”

Religion continues to endear, often with refreshing outlooks. Jawaid Dossani, an executive with a multinational accounting firm, is a devout Muslim, who believes Islam is a religion of tolerance and moderation, where you balance Deen (faith) and Duniya (material world). 

Regular prayer, Jawaid believes, provides him with the best spiritual foothold.Over the years, the ancient Japanese-Buddhist monk Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings of faith, propelled by undying determination and chanting practices, have drawn innumerable youngsters. “We transform our karmas by elevating another’s happiness. Faith allows us to share our tribulations and challenges with our leaders and seek guidance without being judged. This practice answers all questions about my existence in this world,” explains Pallavi Shah, a young lawyer.

One can embrace one’s innate ‘Buddhahood’, she says, through faith, practice and study.

While superstar cine idols continue to infatuate young minds, many have also sought spiritual role models to shape their lives. “Jesus is my biggest hero. His dignity, unconditional love for all humanity, compassion and conduct before his prosecutors deeply inspired me to make my heart his home,” says Bollywood music composer Mithoon. “Christ came to forgive, not judge; we must have the same heart,” he avows, passionately.

In our Rubik’s Cube of spiritual traditions, we often come across spiritual organisations devoid of religious affiliations. In the ‘spirituality minus religion’ genre, the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, with ‘Rajyoga meditation’ centres in more than a hundred countries around the world, has offered a platform to youngsters to hone their innate spirituality.

“Meditation invariably protects me, positively channelises my thoughts, strengthening my core values and harnessing my innate powers,” maintains Jitendra Chandani, an IT executive, who rigorously practices Rajyoga meditation.

The Art of Living and its famous ‘Sudarshan Kriya’ - pioneered by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - has been yet another oasis of spiritual solace. “For young people, practices include fun and games as well as Pranayama to improve concentration along with focusing on stability in relationships and tackling emotional upheavals,” says Diana Postvala, a teacher with the organisation. 

There was a time when the young shuddered at the thought of treading the spiritual path, fearing renunciation as a prerequisite to enlightenment. Today, the youth have realised that it is, in fact, their spiritual investment that yields rich dividends in the material world.

“One need not renounce the world to be spiritual…I have no doubt that it is my spiritual inclination that has enriched me, making my material existence more meaningful," says Karthik Ramanathan, a young entrepreneur. The teachings of the seers of old, he believes, give us fortitude to face varied circumstances with equanimity.

Mata Amritanandamayi - fondly called ‘Amma’ - and the magnetism of her teachings of universal love drew Karthik’s soul. “Practising Vipassana Meditation”, he says, “calms me immensely during moments of anger and despair.” The life of an entrepreneur, he confides, often has more than its share of lows that can derail one’s progress.

There are also those with a highly-individualistic approach to spirituality, with no conventional philosophical leanings, life itself being their training ground.For Silicon Valley corporate honcho Harsh Doshi - who calls himself ‘spiritual but not religious’ - spirituality helps to discover one’s purpose of existence. “It makes you realise nothing is a coincidence in life and we all are connected in some way or the other.” 

For some, love and compassion often transcend all philosophy and ritualism. Vishesh Talreja, a budding actor delights in his rapport with his four-legged and winged friends. Recently, he saved a wounded eagle’s life. “Religion is humanity. Anyone who spreads love is a being of God”. 

As my in-flight neighbour, philosophically, put it: “We often arrive at the unknowable, the big question mark, a point when all explanations seem to wither-away into a bewildering void… Who are we? What is life? It is here that faith often knocks on our door - faith in a higher existence, a power we supremely and sublimely relate to.”