Hi! My name is AnuPriya Raj. I'm in my mid-thirties. I live in Bangalore, India. I was born in an orthodox Hindu family and grew up amidst strict adherence to the Hindu discipline and vegetarianism.
Even as a child I would question every religious ritual that my parents did or suggested that I do. To me everything seemed to be based on materialistic fulfillment. I wanted to see beyond that. As an eight year old, while every other child had an imaginary friend to converse with, I would have one-way conversations with God and tell Him all my beliefs and troubles.
As a teenager, I started rebelling against customs and traditions that did not make any sense to me especially in today's changing times. All the while, my faith in God and in vegetarianism never wavered, though.
I got married at the age of 22. It was an "arranged" marriage, where your parents find a suitable groom for you and you are given the choice of consent. I had plenty of adjustment problems with my husband initially and have come a long way since.
Today, I have been happily married for more than a decade and am blessed with a beautiful daughter. I am content with what life has offered me. And through all ups and downs, I have never strayed away from my spiritual quest.
I have always thought of various religions as leading to the same end.
I believe that each one of us are born with a specific purpose in life and that life itself is a spiritual journey.
I believe that we are all heading towards the same goal albeit at different paces and in different ways. And that goal is to be one with God.
I believe in Karma and re-incarnation. We are born in accordance with our Karma. Everything in our life relates to Karma. The people around us, all our possessions and our very nature is all because of Karma. Further, even the incidents that occur in our life have all been scripted by our Karma.
Karma just refers to our deeds - both past (over many previous births) and present. We are responsible for what we are and what we will be.
I believe that we can influence everyone through peace and positivity.
I believe in Kaizen or "change for better" every minute, everyday. Forever.
I believe that knowledge is to be shared just as one lamp can light another.
I believe that giving selflessly is the only true form of Love.