The Crossroads of Manifestation: Indian Culture

The Crossroads Of Manifestation with Indian Culture 

-Shivika Sharma

Names like WizardLiz or Tam Kaur have become more than just people—they’re icons for anyone in their late teens or early 20s who's exploring manifestation, self-growth, or simply trying to navigate life with more purpose. I absolutely adore their work and often try to incorporate their wisdom into my life. However, there’s one element they often discuss that I find missing: the role religion plays in the power of the universe.

Hi! I’m Shivika Sharma, an 18-year-old writer currently studying film. Over the years, I’ve authored seven books, some of which you can find on Amazon, Flipkart, and Notion Press (just type my name!). I wanted to introduce myself because if you're reading my perspective, I believe you deserve to know why my voice might resonate with you.

Growing up in a deeply religious family, I was constantly surrounded by conversations about God, spirituality, and rituals. My parents encouraged me to pray and stay connected to our traditions. As a child, I genuinely believed in my connection with God—it felt real, strong, and comforting. But as I grew older, logic, practicality, and unanswered questions slowly chipped away at that faith, leaving me in a confusing place of doubt.

Now, I find myself exploring spirituality once again, trying to blend faith, manifestation, and practicality. This journey has led me to reflect deeply on Indian culture, its expectations, and how they shape our understanding of spirituality. It’s fascinating to see how these traditional beliefs align with—yet differ from—the more “Western” concepts of manifestation that are so popular today.

My friends often joke that I’m a bit of a witch or 11:11 obsessed, and honestly, I don’t blame them—it’s kind of true. They see me as someone spiritual, but I believe there’s still so much more for me to learn before I can truly embody that identity.

Growing up, I felt a strong connection to Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Lord Krishna. Praying was part of my daily routine—I recited the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, the Hanuman Chalisa, and memorized the 12 names of Lord Hanumana. Visiting temples and gurdwaras was second nature. But somewhere along the way, these rituals became more about habit than meaning. As a child, I thought prayer was all about asking for things and expecting them to be given to me.

When life took a difficult turn, I felt betrayed by God. I had assumed that because I prayed, I was entitled to a perfect life. I thought it was a give-and-take relationship—my prayers for their blessings. But that mindset left me feeling lost and disappointed.

Over time, I realized that religion isn’t just about asking for things or following rituals to get what you want. It’s about faith—the belief in something greater than ourselves. I may not be the most religious person now, but I firmly believe in the power of belief.

So, what exactly is this power of belief? It’s the idea that everyone needs something—or someone—to have faith in. For some, it’s God; for others, it’s the universe, karma, or destiny. Some people draw strength from a blend of different belief systems. The point is, having faith in something gives us hope. Without belief, we risk losing hope—and without hope, life’s challenges feel much harder to face.

Now, let’s talk about manifestation. Manifestation refers to connecting with the universe in such a way that you align your energy with your desires. It’s not about praying to a specific god or going to a temple; it’s about the energies around you. Everything—your thoughts, emotions, and actions—forms energy, which influences how you experience the world. I truly believe in manifestation because it’s about YOU—your energy, your intentions, and your vision for your life. There are no strict rules to follow, just the power of believing in yourself and shaping your life in a way that resonates with who you are.

What’s interesting, though, is how manifestation links to something much older: meditation and self-love. These are practices that help you tap into your inner power and create the space to manifest your dreams. Meditation helps clear the mind, centering you so that you can focus on your desires without distraction. Self-love is about nurturing the belief that you are worthy of all you desire. Together, they form the foundation for manifestation—it’s not just about asking, it’s about being aligned, calm, and open to receiving what the universe has to offer.

Now, if you look closely at ancient Indian scriptures—like the Vedas—you’ll notice something interesting. The act of praying to a deity is, in itself, a form of meditation and manifestation. In Indian spirituality, prayer is not just about asking for blessings; it’s about creating a deep connection with the divine, aligning your intentions with the universe, and cultivating the energy needed to manifest your desires. Whether you're chanting mantras or simply meditating on a particular deity, you're aligning your mind, body, and soul to a higher frequency—a frequency that resonates with the universe’s energy.

In this way, religion and spirituality, in the form of prayer, are deeply connected to the very principles that drive manifestation. The act of aligning your energy with a higher purpose, whether through prayer or manifestation practices, is universal. And it’s something I’ve come to realize: the lines between them aren’t as rigid as we often think. In fact, they might just be two sides of the same coin.

Ultimately, it all boils down to belief. Finding something—whether it’s God, the universe, or even the energy within yourself—that resonates with you and brings you peace is the foundation of everything. Manifestation isn’t just about asking the universe for things; it’s about believing that what you desire is already possible. It’s about doing things for yourself, finding purpose in your actions, and aligning your energies with your needs. In all cultures, especially within Indian spirituality, the focus has always been on maintaining balance, keeping your energies intact, and aligning your mind, body, and soul with your true desires. Meditation, prayer, and manifestation are not separate practices; they’re intertwined ways of centering ourselves, helping us connect deeply to our beliefs, and aligning our lives with what we truly seek. It’s a continuous journey of self-love, inner peace, and trust in the universe. The key is finding that belief, nurturing it, and allowing it to guide you toward the life you envision.

There’s so much more I want to dive into when it comes to the concepts of manifestation and prayer, and I’m excited to explore them further in future blogs. From how different belief systems shape our approach to manifestation to the deeper connections between prayer, energy, and self-love, there’s a lot to unpack. I’ll be sharing my thoughts and experiences on these topics, so stay tuned for more insights in upcoming posts. I can’t wait to keep this conversation going and hear your thoughts too! Thankyou for reading :)