Faith and conversation

What makes you laugh?

“You have a right to perform your duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.” — Bhagavad Gita 2.47

She called me by my name, and that itself felt unusual.I am not someone who talks much with customers—just a simple “hello” or “thank you,” nothing more.

But that day, something shifted.Before she could say much,

I found myself asking,“Do you know Sadhguru?” I don’t know why I asked. Maybe there was an urge inside me—to share, to speak about something I had been thinking about, the ecstasy program, the ideas, the curiosity building quietly within me.

But then, the moment turned. She began speaking instead—quoting, explaining, almost preaching her own beliefs. And suddenly I laughed. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t to mock her. It just came out of me. Maybe it was the surprise, or the unexpected direction the conversation took.

I tried to explain myself.“I follow a different faith. I’m okay the way I am.” But even then, my words felt clumsy.I spoke about hell being my own misery. Heaven… something I still don’t understand and never seen heaven.

Then, without thinking, I asked,“How long were you converted?” The moment I said it, I knew it wasn’t my place. She answered proudly, “Since I was 17.”

Seventeen.I paused inside myself. Still so young. Still becoming an adult. And yet, already shaped by a strong belief.My thoughts wandered—What kind of journey did she go through?

What led her there? And then a quiet realization came:

I am not her. And she is not me. We are both walking different paths, shaped by different experiences.

What made me laugh?

Not her.

But the moment—the unexpected crossing of two beliefs, my own unprepared reaction,the strange mirror life held up in front of me.

A laugh that said, “This is unfamiliar… but real.”

And maybe that moment was a reminder—to be more aware,more respectful,and more mindful of the questions I ask.Because every person carries a story I cannot see.

After that, I received two more beliefs like her, talk about instant karma. I saw their destination and just learn to more aware and mindful.

“When a person sees all beings as equal in suffering and joy, that person is considered a true yogi.” — Bhagavad Gita 6.32