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Where is God?

 

We are not a religious family - spiritual, yes but religious, no. My husband and I were both raised in unconventional but religious Hindu homes and sure, we do participate in religious ceremonies from time to time. But we consider ourselves agnostics - scientifically questioning beliefs and seeking rationale while also adopting good practices from any religion.

We make a conscious effort to expose Yukta to different cultures, religions, and experiences, and teach her about being accepting and inclusive of everyone. Mythology in general is something that fascinates us and we often tell her stories from different mythological origins which immensely captivates her attention and imagination.

On one occasion, we went to a Hindu temple and Yukta as usual asked hundreds of questions about the deities and rituals. We answered them to the best of our knowledge, offered our prayers, and went back home. The event was over for us but the gears in her head were far from being at rest. The following is a conversation that happened later on the same day:

Yukta: "Why do we pray?"

Me: "To say thanks to God for what we have."

Yukta: "Why are there so many Gods?"

Me: "There are many forms of God but in reality all are one and the same."

Yukta: "Is God a girl or a boy?"

Me: "Both."

Yukta: "How can it be both?"

Me: "Some forms are girls and some forms are boys."

Yukta: "Where does God live? Is it in the temple?"

Me: "God is everywhere. He is in you, in me, in plants, in books, in temples and even non-human objects!"

Yukta: "If he is everywhere, why do we need to go to temple to pray? Can't we just pray anywhere?"

Me (beaming with pride): "Yes, we can!" 

It was a proud but surreal moment for me. If only adults understood this concept with the same ease...

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