My Journey to Discovering God: From Ignorance to Obsession

During my secondary school days, I never paid much attention to God. It wasn't until after I had completed my graduate studies at the University of California and spent some time teaching at a college that I began to think about the concept of God and redirect my focus towards spirituality, particularly in the mental health field.

At the age of thirty-five, I found myself inexplicably drawn to religion and its various interpretations. I became obsessed with understanding the different beliefs and practices of different faiths, leading me to study comparative religions. This newfound curiosity was a complete surprise to me, as I had never shown much interest in religious matters before.

Driven by this newfound passion, I started visiting Hindu and Buddhist temples, immersing myself in their rituals and teachings. It was during one of my visits to a Hindu temple that I was called a "born Brahmin" by a Hindu swami. He believed that I was destined to serve God in some way, a concept that I couldn't fully comprehend at the time.

While I couldn't quite grasp the significance of these encounters and the idea of destiny, I couldn't deny the strong pull I felt towards spirituality. It was as if something deep within me was urging me to explore this path further. I began to question the purpose of my life and the existence of a higher power.

My journey into the realm of spirituality was not an easy one. I encountered moments of doubt and confusion, as well as moments of profound clarity and connection. I read books, attended seminars, and engaged in countless discussions with individuals from different religious backgrounds. Each experience added a new layer of understanding and deepened my quest for knowledge.

As I delved deeper into the teachings of various religions, I started to see common threads that connected them all. The core principles of love, compassion, and selflessness were present in every faith I encountered. It became clear to me that despite the differences in rituals and beliefs, the essence of spirituality was universal.

Through my studies, I also discovered the power of meditation and mindfulness. These practices helped me cultivate a sense of inner peace and allowed me to connect with something greater than myself. I learned to quiet my mind and listen to the whispers of the divine that resided within me.

My journey towards understanding God and spirituality has been a deeply personal one. It has taught me the importance of open-mindedness, humility, and a willingness to explore beyond the confines of my own beliefs. I have come to realize that religion is not just a set of rules and rituals, but a pathway to self-discovery and a means to connect with the divine.

While I may not have all the answers, I have learned to embrace the mystery and embrace the journey. I have come to understand that spirituality is not about finding definitive answers, but about asking the right questions and allowing ourselves to be transformed by the quest for truth.

So, why did I, in my mid-thirties, become obsessed with religion and its God to the point of studying comparative religions? The truth is, I still don't have a concrete answer. Perhaps it was a calling from deep within my soul, a yearning for something greater than myself. Or maybe it was simply a natural progression of my personal and professional experiences.

Whatever the reason may be, I am grateful for the path I have chosen. It has brought me closer to understanding my purpose and has allowed me to connect with something beyond the material world. My journey continues, and I eagerly anticipate the revelations that lie ahead.