Can I interview you? Only 10 questions.

[Veronica]

I am a new member; my name is Veronica. I am a psychology student working toward my Master's degree in Psychology. It is important to me to help others, which is why I am becoming a therapist. My spirituality is also important. I hold a very eclectic view of religion, and believe in many aspects of various religions. Though raised Christian, I am drawn to the Dharmic religions.

I am in a Spirituality and Mental Heath class right now. I need to interview someone of a religion other than the Abrahamic religions for a paper. The area I live in is very small, almost rural, and though I have tried, I have not been able to find someone who fits the criteria who is willing to be interviewed by me.

I need some help. I am hoping that one of you kind people would be willing to allow me to interview you. You can remain anonymous; I do not need to include your name. I am listing the questions I need answered below, as well as my email address. I have very little experience with forums like this, and I am a bit afraid I will not be able to see if anyone has responded. Any help I can get from any of you will be greatly appreciated. I will use the knowledge I gain to, hopefully, be able to help someone in the future.

Thank you to all who view this, and especially anyone willing to respond.



Interview questions:

1. How old are you?
2. What is your specific religious or spiritual belief?
3. How long have you been practicing this belief?
4. Did you choose this religion, or was this a family tradition?
5. How do these beliefs and practices help you in general every day?
6. Please describe to me some of the more difficult times in your life and how your beliefs and practices helped during those times.
7. Are you having a difficult time right now? (something minor, please; no major trauma)
8. Are you using these same beliefs and practices to help with this issue? (it could be economic, relational, areas of confidence, etc.)
9. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your mind, body and spirit.
10. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your relationships with yourself and others.


Again, thank you so much!

Veronica
[email protected]

 

[Vinayaka]

1. 60
2. monistic Saiva Siddhanta Hinduism (you said specific, right?)
3. 40 years this time around
4. It chose me, not a family tradition.
5. burnout from overworking
6. In lots of specific ways... calming, reassuring, intuition for problem solving, happiness, security, contentment
7. no problems
8. If I did, I would .. by prayer
9. hard to tell, as there is no way to compare not believing with believing
10. it takes over my life 24-7

 

[Veronica]

1. 60
2. monistic Saiva Siddhanta Hinduism (you said specific, right?)
3. 40 years this time around
4. It chose me, not a family tradition.
5. burnout from overworking
6. In lots of specific ways... calming, reassuring, intuition for problem solving, happiness, security, contentment
7. no problems
8. If I did, I would .. by prayer
9. hard to tell, as there is no way to compare not believing with believing
10. it takes over my life 24-7

Thank you so much! Can I ask a few clarifying questions? These are mostly for my own frame of reference.

First, what was it about Hinduism that drew you to it?
Second, what kind of job did you have that you were overworking?

That is all! Again, thank you. Have a wonderful day!

 

[Vinayaka]

Thank you so much! Can I ask a few clarifying questions? These are mostly for my own frame of reference.

First, what was it about Hinduism that drew you to it?
Second, what kind of job did you have that you were overworking?

That is all! Again, thank you. Have a wonderful day!

The first one is hard to explain, but basically when I started searching at age 17 or so, I discovered that the existing beliefs I had come to intuitively were a perfect match with Hinduism, and the sect I spoke of in particular. (Hinduism is incredibly vast.) So it was more a recognition of what was already there. But a couple of factors were stronger than others .. 1) that God permeates everything
2) that no particular religion is right for all

Second part ... I am a retired teacher.

 

[Jainarayan]

1. How old are you?
56.

2. What is your specific religious or spiritual belief?
Hindu, specifically Vaishnava (devotee of Vishnu and his incarnations: Krishna, Rama, Narasimha). But I also have a strong affinity for Shiva.

3. How long have you been practicing this belief?
Exclusively, only within the past few years. Before that, from the time I was a teenager I believed in the Hindu gods. Recently I went through some issues and rejected my beliefs, looked around, resolved them and here I am again.

4. Did you choose this religion, or was this a family tradition?
It chose me, rather, it's more correct to say Krishna called me to himself. I was raised Roman Catholic in an Italian-American family.

5. How do these beliefs and practices help you in general every day?
They give me hope and courage.

6. Please describe to me some of the more difficult times in your life and how your beliefs and practices helped during those times.
Having not a penny in my bank account, having an emergency arise, but then put my trust in the devas ('devas' = gods, goddesses, deities).

7. Are you having a difficult time right now? (something minor, please; no major trauma)
Just the usual day to day stuff most people go through.

8. Are you using these same beliefs and practices to help with this issue? (it could be economic, relational, areas of confidence, etc.)
Yes, I have trust and faith in the devas. I don't expect or demand, but I trust them to help me if it's in my best interest. I defer to their judgement.

9. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your mind, body and spirit.
A greater feeling of well-being and peace of mind. I'm more likely to not sweat the small stuff, which improves health. I also tend to keep in mind we all have divine spirit in us.

10. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your relationships with yourself and others.
My spouse is a non-practicing Roman Catholic, but is perfectly accepting of my beliefs, and actually likes the stories and representations of the deities. As for my blood family, being more than a little biased and prejudicial, and closed-minded, they think I'm weird and say so.

 

[StarryNightshade]

1. How old are you?
2. What is your specific religious or spiritual belief?
3. How long have you been practicing this belief?
4. Did you choose this religion, or was this a family tradition?
5. How do these beliefs and practices help you in general every day?
6. Please describe to me some of the more difficult times in your life and how your beliefs and practices helped during those times.
7. Are you having a difficult time right now? (something minor, please; no major trauma)
8. Are you using these same beliefs and practices to help with this issue? (it could be economic, relational, areas of confidence, etc.)
9. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your mind, body and spirit.
10. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your relationships with yourself and others.


[/email]

1.) 23

2.) I'm a Unitarian Universalist and have been one for years. However, while UU is intellectually fulfilling, it's not so much spiritually. As such, I'm seeking for the other half of my spiritual coin. I've always had an interest in Dharmic paths.

3.) I've been a Unitarian Universalist for about 4 years.

4.) I was raised Southern Baptist and was later introduced to UU by my ex boyfriend.

5.) UU is very humanistic in nature and allows me to explore the natural world and the interconnectedness of humanity.

6.) They helped me realize that I'm only human. Bad things will happen and I have to take things as they come.

7.) I recently broke up with my now ex boyfriend and moved back in my parents. Would you count that as traumatic?

8.) Again, UU helps me realize that we are only human and that things will happen. That it is simply life that we have to deal with.

9.) UU stimulates me intellectually, gives me a great community, and helps me face my faults and how they are not what define me.

10.) See answer 9.

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

Interview questions:

1. How old are you?
2. What is your specific religious or spiritual belief?
3. How long have you been practicing this belief?
4. Did you choose this religion, or was this a family tradition?
5. How do these beliefs and practices help you in general every day?
6. Please describe to me some of the more difficult times in your life and how your beliefs and practices helped during those times.
7. Are you having a difficult time right now? (something minor, please; no major trauma)
8. Are you using these same beliefs and practices to help with this issue? (it could be economic, relational, areas of confidence, etc.)
9. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your mind, body and spirit.
10. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your relationships with yourself and others.

Namaste Veronica!

Welcome to the forums.

1.) 28
2.) I'm A Shakta Hindu - The aspects of the goddess are central to my belief
3.) I have been practicing for a little over 2 years
4.) I chose it, or stumbled on it rather.
5.) I have learned to be more mindful - I catch and quell negative thoughts more quickly now. It helps me keep calm, and relieves some of the worry I used to feel. It also helps me have more patience with others.
6.) Recently I've had family members who have made some very poor choices that directly effect me and my husband. It have had to learn to let go of my anger by developing compassion for them and realizing that I cannot control what they do.
7.) The above example is still ongoing - but over time it has become easier.
8.) Yes
9.) I find it easier to consciously relax. I am able to think and function more easily once stress is reduced.
10.) I have become more aware of which of my behaviors effects others (both good and bad) and use that awareness more consciously. I am finding it easier to express negative emotions in a healthy way when I am feeling them (instead of bottling them up) and then once they are felt and gone, I am able to (usually) let them go.


:camp:

 

[Andal]

Welcome Veronica,

1. How old are you?

31

2. What is your specific religious or spiritual belief?

Hindu: Vaishnava

3. How long have you been practicing this belief?

Since 2007

4. Did you choose this religion, or was this a family tradition?

It chose me

5. How do these beliefs and practices help you in general every day?

It connects me to something greater than me. Each day is an opportunity to strengthen my relationship with Sriman Narayan so that I may one day take my right place. Until then it brings me happiness and makes me feel connected. When I'm feeling down or defeated it lifts me up and when I'm happy it I am reminded of the Lord and the bliss of a relationship with him.

6. Please describe to me some of the more difficult times in your life and how your beliefs and practices helped during those times.

During some of the most difficult times, when I had no where else to turn, my only choice is to turn to Sri Hari. The most difficult times create the moment for the greatest surrender and the deepest experience of trust.

7. Are you having a difficult time right now? (something minor, please; no major trauma)

Too personal for a public forum.

9. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your mind, body and spirit.

On my body it has made me healthier and I have developed a good body image. Mind and spirit are splitting hairs and honestly it's not so much about body, mind, and spirit, it is about the heart- where the three worlds meet.

10. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your relationships with yourself and others.

I've become far more compassionate. After all if Sri Vishnu exists in the heart of everyone, how on earth can I willingly treat others poorly.

Aum Hari Aum!

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

Veronica;3722067]

Namaste,

Interview questions:

1. How old are you? 30

2. What is your specific religious or spiritual belief? HINDU

3. How long have you been practicing this belief? 30 Yrs, but appreciated it some 6 years ago.

4. Did you choose this religion, or was this a family tradition? Tradition

5. How do these beliefs and practices help you in general every day? By providing "Self" confidence.

6. Please describe to me some of the more difficult times in your life and how your beliefs and practices helped during those times.

Drugs and Alcohol when i was in my teens and early 20s, Hanuman Ji saved me.

7. Are you having a difficult time right now? (something minor, please; no major trauma). Not really, but reading the Gita always makes things well.

8. Are you using these same beliefs and practices to help with this issue? (it could be economic, relational, areas of confidence, etc.).

Kinda trying to realize my true self, but this is more a life long search.

9. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your mind, body and spirit.

My mind is calmer, my body is healthier and "I" am content.

10. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your relationships with yourself and others.

I see the "Self", in all and all in the "Self", this kinda thinking strengthens my relationship with others and my self.

 

[ShivaFan]

Namaste
This might be fun!

1. How old are you?
I will be 58 in a few months, although up until about 56 I would typically not know how old I was or I forget. Even now, answering this question, I had to calculate on my fingers since I wasn't sure, but the reason I care now is I will be retiring in 2 years or less and am excited about that!
2. What is your specific religious or spiritual belief?
I am a typical "village Hindu" even though I don't live in a village in India. Hindu, mesning I go to all the temples and am on good terms with many "Gods". But officially I am a Saiva (Shiva).
3. How long have you been practicing this belief?
Officially since 8 years old.
4. Did you choose this religion, or was this a family tradition?
My father who is English is a "mayavadi" (impersonalist), and my mother who is Swedish is influenced by Buddhism, but the Indian version not the Lankan or Chinese or Japanese or Thai version. But I am a Hindu. Ganapati adopted me when I was 8 years old. He is a Commander in Shiva's Army (of Ganas). Hinduism chose me, I saluted to the orders. I am a servant to the Cosmic Family of Shiva.
5. How do these beliefs and practices help you in general every day?
I have so much fun!
6. Please describe to me some of the more difficult times in your life and how your beliefs and practices helped during those times.
Oddly, I have never really had any difficult times. Everything has been too easy almost, and even when I am "bad" I never get in trouble by the "Gods" and I just want "adventures".
7. Are you having a difficult time right now? (something minor, please; no major trauma)
A drunk on marijuana rear ended my sedan and my beloved wife was sent to the hospital. But thanks to prayers from Hindus, now she is better! I also had some miserable dental work done. That is all I can think of.
8. Are you using these same beliefs and practtices to help with this issue? (it could be economic, relational, areas of confidence, etc.)
Absolutely. Especially Devata pictures, going to temples, doing bhajans, meditation, and Hindu adventures. They all bring divine colors, visions, smells, sounds, tastes, halos, brain happy, communions, anchorings and freedom both at the same, living for today, and never a dull moment.
9. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your mind, body and spirit.
For some reason, I am still 8 years old. But also 8000 years old.
10. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your relationships with yourself and others.
That the best friends are the compainships in Hinduism. Association with devotees is God.

 

[dsaly1969]

Interview questions:

1. How old are you? 44

2. What is your specific religious or spiritual belief? Sant Nirankari (a newer spiritual movement with a universalist orientation that has roots in Sikhism)

3. How long have you been practicing this belief? 1 year give or take

4. Did you choose this religion, or was this a family tradition? I chose it. I was raised Mormon (LDS) but it was not a good fit for me so I left in my teens. I explored mainstream Christianity and other faiths. I found that the Eastern paths ("Dharmic") were the best fit for me. Most of my time has been spent in Gaudiya Vaishnavism (aka "Hare Krishna") and Buddhism, but I found that Sant Nirankari, which is a newer spiritual movement that has roots in Sikhism, was the best match for where my beliefs and worldview had evolved.

5. How do these beliefs and practices help you in general every day?

Sant Nirankari is very practical and "householder" oriented (it does not have a monastic tradition). It focuses on the Three "S's": simran (remembrance or recitation), seva (service to others with compassion), and sangat (associating with other devotees). Simran is an inner recitation/reflection which helps you try to maintain constant mindfulness of God. God is in everything including us and others - so when we help others, we are doing devotion to God and should do it in that frame of mind (karma yoga). Meeting regularly with other Sant Nirankaris in sangat helps to reinforce simran and brahm-gyan (knowledge of God) and provides additional opportunities for seva. The Three "S's" ARE Sant Nirankari in a nutshell so it is very easy to understand.

6. Please describe to me some of the more difficult times in your life and how your beliefs and practices helped during those times.

I have a very challenging job which intervenes in human tragedy. Being able to reframe my work into seva which is a form of worship helps prevent burnout. Simran helps me to maintain that seva focus AND also can serve as a form of mantra meditation which can reduce stress and anxiety.

7. Are you having a difficult time right now? (something minor, please; no major trauma)

See above.

8. Are you using these same beliefs and practices to help with this issue? (it could be economic, relational, areas of confidence, etc.)

Yes. See above.

9. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your mind, body and spirit.

As I said above, simran (and kirtan - congregational singing or chanting) can help to alleviate stress and anxiety purely at the physiological level (mind and body). Seva provides opportunities to help others as well as to worship God in a concrete and understandable way so this helps spiritually. Sangat provides opportunities to share these experiences with others, gain more opportunities for seva, and to support each other on this path.

10. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your relationships with yourself and others?

Sant Nirankari (when I live up to the teachings) helps me to feel more connected to others (it has a universalist orientation) on a deeper emotional/empathetic level. It also encourages me to act better than I would be just following my selfish desires or egoic impulses.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Welcome, Veronica.

1. How old are you?: 71
2. What is your specific religious or spiritual belief?: Advaita Hinduism (non-duality)
3. How long have you been practicing this belief?: Perhaps some 25 years.
4. Did you choose this religion, or was this a family tradition?: Advaita too is a part of Hinduism.
5. How do these beliefs and practices help you in general every day?: Advaita belief is that all things in the universe are constituted by one substrate. So there is complete unity in in all things, people, animals, vegetation and even inanimate substances.
6. Please describe to me some of the more difficult times in your life and how your beliefs and practices helped during those times.: At the time of my greatest difficulty (unemployment), I was not an advaitist. My parents and my wife were my support. After advaita, the whole paradigm has changed. I have become immune to difficulties.
7. Are you having a difficult time right now?: No. In India, as perhaps you know we have joint families. Presently, I live with my son in his house (He was with me, till very recently in my house. He is 40 years of age). I case, I have to live separately from my son, I have the course charted out - I will sell my house, get sufficient money, which will allow me to live somewhere in the Himalayas where living is cheaper. So, no problem.
8. Are you using these same beliefs and practices to help with this issue?: I have become less emotional and more practical.
9. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your mind, body and spirit.: I do not have any questions. All questions in life are settled. No doubts, no ambiguity.
10. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your relationships with yourself and others.: I go by my duties, dharma in Hinduism. Helping to raise my grandchildren is my dharma. That is why I am with my son. I also have responsibilities towards my mother who is 91 and towards my wife. My effort would be that in her life, my mother does not face any difficulty. I will always be with my wife.

 

[ShivaFan]

Namaste

I just want to say, when I read the replies of so many, I am literally stunned at the elevated nature of so many of my fellow "humans". I am humbled.

Om Namah Sivaya

 

[Veronica]

Thank you all for your responses! I got a lot of good feedback, and I was able to write a great paper. More importantly, I have a better understanding Of some beliefs that I have long been interested in. I will most certainly be perusing this site often. Again, thank you all!

Veronica

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

Thank you all for your responses! I got a lot of good feedback, and I was able to write a great paper. More importantly, I have a better understanding Of some beliefs that I have long been interested in. I will most certainly be perusing this site often. Again, thank you all!

Veronica

Hi Veronica!

Thanks for your questions and thanks for giving us an update. I'm glad to know it helped with your paper. I hope you continue to find new insights!

:camp:

 

[Vinayaka]

Hi Veronica!

Thanks for your questions and thanks for giving us an update. I'm glad to know it helped with your paper. I hope you continue to find new insights!

This, because quite often we don't get updates from survey takers. So indeed, thanks, Veronica. I also think doing surveys helps the takers like us to further clarify what we believe in, and learn more about our fellow forum-ites.

 

[zenzero]

Friend Veronica,

1. How old are you? 60
2. What is your specific religious or spiritual belief? NO
3. How long have you been practicing this belief? since awareness grew
4. Did you choose this religion, or was this a family tradition? it grew on me!
5. How do these beliefs and practices help you in general every day? keeps the mind free from stress!
6. Please describe to me some of the more difficult times in your life and how your beliefs and practices helped during those times. Feelings of easy and difficult are not given importance as they are relative terms stemming from mind desires
7. Are you having a difficult time right now? (something minor, please; no major trauma) same as above, NA
8. Are you using these same beliefs and practices to help with this issue? (it could be economic, relational, areas of confidence, etc.) NA
9. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your mind, body and spirit. No beliefs but practices help in flowing/swimming easier.
10. What is the impact of these beliefs and practices on your relationships with yourself and others. Others can tell but find dogs do not bark seeing me!