Sometimes, the darkest of experiences can send us seeking answers to deep questions from belief systems. Bharati Ramachandran, who runs a non-profit agency for NGOs in Bangalore, shares, “When I was in college, my best friend fell terminally ill, and she was just 21.” This sent Bharati on a journey to understand life and death. After much soul-searching, she found peace in Nichiren Buddhism. It’s a life philosophy which believes every human being has infinite potential. She believes this helps her see the good in everyone and everything.
Then again, we may not all go for a complete makeover of our belief systems. We may simply choose the parts we’d like to inculcate. Belief systems are just as easily affected by choice, as they are by family and societal norms. Dania Zafar, a graphic artist based in Lahore, too finds that her belief system changed with time. She grew conscious of her personal values which were liberal. Unable to connect with the rigidity of the religious belief system she was born into, she adopted logic and rationality.
Of course, our beliefs needn’t always be religious. Say, a vegetarian may follow a meat-free diet, merely out of love for animals, and not due to any religious beliefs. In fact, some of us may be agnostic or atheistic. Others may even develop their own belief systems. Take Bangalore-based media professional Anusha Ravi, for instance. She celebrates all festivals throughout the year, religion no bar. “I love the cheer that comes with all festivals. I celebrate Christmas just as happily as I do Eid, Ugadi, or Baisakhi. It’s my idea of spirituality,” she says.
We lead diverse lives. Our beliefs, and our reasons to adopt them vary just as much. For Prahallad, it was the need to be accepted that made him a liberalist. For Dania, it was the need for individuality that made her a rationalist. The loss of a loved one turned Bharati inward, and gradually into a believer of innate goodness in all. Curiosity sent Falak on a religious path, while the need to spread joy turned Anusha into an upholder of inclusivity.
It seems, no matter what belief systems we inculcate within ourselves, the one thing we all seek is harmony.