In my late twenties I also went a lot to shrines, because I would feel connected there, I had this sense of belonging with all those hanging out around them. Then I began wondering if what I enjoyed was really about spirituality, or more about the music, or all the dope that people smoke in shrines.
Besides, as time went by, I moved to London, got a family, and responsibilities, so I could not do any of it anymore. Today, I’d rather not go back to shrines, as I am afraid it won’t be as nice as I remember it.

Is there such a thing as a purpose, a general reason to be here?
If there is, nobody told me. I have tried to figure it out and have not managed. So I made it up for myself --- it is about making up stories and jokes. I don’t think that’s why I was sent here. But if you are not lucky enough to discover a purpose, then you just make it up for yourself.

And really, writing is for me a form of spiritual quest. Of course it’s mostly work. You struggle and don’t know where you are going. But once every few months, there is one sentence, which you know was given to you. You don’t know from where. But you feel you have slightly risen above yourself. That does not happen very often. If you sit long enough, it might happen. But again, I don’t sit long enough…

... contd.