Swayambhu really does look like an amazing site. When I imagine standing before the stupa, I feel excited.
Yes. For me, being a Hindu is not merely about adhering to some religion, way of life, or whatever one wants to call it. Being a Hindu is not about having a certain identity in order to feel special or to feel that I am part of a special group. From my perspective, which is informed by my own intention and practice, being a Hindu is about being on the path to becoming an ṛṣi or rishi, a sage, a seer, someone who has realized the Absolute and really understands spiritual truths. Being a Hindu is about becoming a jīvanmukta or living person who has attained liberation. There are many ways to become such a great soul, of course, with bhakti or devotion being the easiest path.
Reaching that goal is not for my benefit only. I want to reach the goal so that I may share spiritual truths with other people, give them faith that they can find real bliss within themselves, inspire them to be bhaktas, teach them how to do a regular spiritual practice, bless them, guide them, and encourage them. I want to do all of that out of love, for that is why Śiva and enlightened persons in Hindu scriptures revealed spiritual truths and methods to other beings: they did it out of love. The further I get in my spiritual journey, the more love I feel for other beings, the more I wish I could tell people around me about Śiva, devotion, and the supreme goal of life. If I ever make disciples, that is okay. What I really want is to make rishis and great souls who will have true happiness and be able to help other people become truly happy. If all of that happens, good. What I desire more than anything is to dwell in Śivaloka, that is, Śiva's world, even if it means just sweeping the roads there.
Thank you, @JustGeorge, for interviewing me. I appreciated all of your questions as well as your comments. Just as I enjoyed reading the previous interviews with other RF members, I look forward to enjoying the upcoming interviews with other RF members.
Namaskāra. May God bless you and all who are open to divine blessings.
