Yet I do not believe in doing pujas, wearing stones and so on, in order to change my destiny. I sit in front of the mirror, I talk to myself and work at changing myself on my own. I do not need those external things.
So for me, life is a combination of my own free will, my own efforts and circumstances out of my control, triggered by a supernatural force.

What do you mean by “supernatural”?
Well, it is that combination of destiny and God. It is a superior being but a force which is also in me. Apart from going to a temple, I go at times on pilgrimages, say to Vaishno Devi or in Kerala. But when I address a deity there, it is about helping me realize that Being inside of me. I see a shape in front of me and that shape is nothing but a medium for me to realize that Self inside me. And I do not ask for things, I do not lobby with that God for more in life, apart from achieving peace, apart from calming those turbulent waters inside me.

Do you believe you have a special mission or purpose in life?
I don’t think so, because otherwise I would have to believe that everything is ordained. I have changed courses a few times in my life and have done very different things. We are brought into the world to carry out some good things of our own choosing. There is no general rule of what good deeds each one of us should do. What suits you may not be something I am capable of doing and the same, conversely, whereas I would like to do good deeds where I can be most effective.

... contd.