well, pulling back from the middle eastern conflict..

I practised a Hindu path for a decade and a half, a form of tantra. -not the physical tantra you may have read about, but various methods of meditation based on tantric tradition. During this time I meditated 4 times a day, practised yoga twice a day, and followed a semi monastic lifestyle.

The philosphy I lived and tried to experience during this time included the following beliefs:

God/Universal spirit is all pervading, and all of creation is its manifestation. this conscious, intelligent spirit emanates and perceives in/throughout everything.

While the many layered and symbolic Indian tradition promotes a pantheon of gods, images, stories and methods, ultimately, the union sought is between Shiva/Shakti (male, female). the moment of union, experienced by surrender of the ego, is union with an entity that is genderless.

and yes, as in other religions, the tantric vision of God/spirit is of a being which manifests and is love.

The meditation techniques I learnt taught me how to concentrate and focus my mind to such a degree that i could then go within, beyond my usual identity and personality, to experience that universal consciousness deep inside.

some regard eastern religions as fads, as based on superstition, or as idolatrous. I do not. an examination of various forms of religion across the globe will find variations within each form and culture, some of which can be negatively characterised by any critic.

i accept that any religious organisation can be improperly used. I also accept that in order to learn ancient beliefs, eastern or western, you need to learn from a master, or pray with a teacher.

and I also respect any person's right to experienced Universal Consciousness or God through whatever method   life and their good judgement takes them to.