Understanding God: Face To Face

The book written in a novel form of an imaginary interview with God, deals with some common issues about God, religion and spirituality. This author has, through this treatise, made an attempt to reach the common man particularly the youth, who feels lbewildered and lost in the material environment surrounding him. As the author proceeds to unravel the complexities of religions in general and Hinduism in particular through carefully framed questions, many of the readers are sue to keep wondering about similarities in the basic philosophies and thinking of different religions. The book in particular seeks to clarify and demystify various subtexts of religions. While elaborating the thinking of scientists’ community about Almighty. It comes to the conclusion that the notion of a creator is in no way inconsistent with scientific principles. The analytical discussion on body, soul and the Supreme Being, who is the cause of all causes, and the relationship amongst them, is revealing. The emphasis that we are not our body and the often repeated phrase “Ahm Brahman Asmi – I am God” lead the reader to a new thought process. A noteworthy aspect of the treatise is the discussion on importance and relevance of prayers, different methods of worship with specific reference to rational of idol worship and significance of hymns and mantras. Readers may also find discussion on the ‘Law of Karma’ and consequences of one’s actions during one’s life time particularly enlightening. All persons are destined to suffer the consequences of their actions and there is no escape from the operation of law of karma. The real deliverance therefore lies in acting without selfish motive, attachment and in a spirit of sacrifice. The author comes to the conclusion that the real purpose and mission of life lies in getting freedom from the endless cycle of birth and death and proceeds to discuss different paths leading to this destination. Given this goal, we need to leave our ego and its various components-attachment, greed, anger etc behind. Only then we would be able to open ourselves to a new experience –an altogether different world of peace, surrender and true bliss. The overview of prominent Religions of the World, underlining the similarities in philosophies of all religions serves as a back-drop for proper appreciation and understanding the discussions, intending to lead the readers on the path of interfaith harmony and religious understanding and tolerance.