I am 21 year old girl in the second year in the college. I find Starbucks more interesting than visiting temples. How can I cultivate an interest in Gods?
You cannot cultivate an interest in God, just relax. Know that it is already there. When you try to cultivate it, it becomes a pressure on your mind. So don't try to cultivate it.
How long you can sit in Starbucks? When there is an examination, or when there is some problem, you automatically go to the temple. Or if you just pass a temple, automatically your head bows down. When there is uncertainty or insecurity in your life, or when you desire for a higher rank, or some prizes to come to you, you will run to the temple automatically. In moments of need and in moments when you feel so grateful you will always remember a greater power and at that time prayer happens.
Prayer is a happening and it happens on two occasions:
1. When you feel so grateful then prayer happens. In moments when you feel that you just got saved, at that time you don’t say Starbucks. When you get saved from an accident you say, ‘Thank God’. When you are saved from a mishap the first thing you remember is 'Rama'. Or immediately the words 'Om Namah Shivaya' comes out.
2. When you want something then too prayer happens. When you are in a running race or when you have applied for a job, do you pray to Starbucks to get you the job? No! You automatically remember a higher power when you need help. That is quite natural for anybody, even the most proclaimed atheist.
Atheism is very superficial. It is very tough to become a true atheist. If you are a true atheist you will become a true spiritualist as well at the same time, simultaneously.