SIVANANDA DAILY READING FOR 10 JUNE

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SIVANANDA DAILY READING FOR 10 JUNE

WORSHIP

 

One can realise God through worship of murti (or idol). The worship

of the Lord in saguna (concrete) form is a great aid for vedantic

realisation also, and for the realisation of the Lord in His all-

pervading, form-less aspect. The worship of the murti is very

essential for the purpose of concentration and meditation in the

beginning. Such worship is not in any way a hindrance to the

attainment of God-consciousness. Those who vehemently attack murti

puja (worship) are groping in the darkness of extreme ignorance. They

have no real knowledge. They enter into vain debates to show that

they are learned persons and have not done any sadhana (spiritual

practice). Idle talking is their real profession. They have unsettled

the minds of countless persons. The whole world worships symbols and

murtis in some form or other. As one advances in meditation, the form

melts into the formless and the aspirant becomes one with the

formless essence.

 

Empty vessels only make sound. A practical man who does meditation

and worship, who is full of knowledge and real devotion, keeps always

silence. He influences and teaches others through silence. He only

knows whether a murti is necessary in the beginning or not.

 

Prasada is 'that which gives peace'. During kirtan (chanting),

worship (puja, havan and arati), milk, sweets and fruit are offered

to the Lord. Puja is done with bael (wood apple) leaves, flowers,

tulsi (basil), sacred ash, and these are later given as prasada from

the Lord. They are charged with mysterious powers, by the chanting of

mantras (sacred hymns) during puja and havan (worship with the fire

as the sacred symbol).

 

Prasada is a great purifier. Prasada is a panacea for all ills; it is

a spiritual elixir. Prasada is the grace of the Lord. It is an

embodiment of sakti (divine energy). Prasada is divinity in

manifestation. Many sincere aspirants get wonderful experiences from

prasada alone. Many incurable illnesses are cured by prasada alone.

Prasada energises, vivifies, invigorates and infuses devotion. It

should be taken with great faith. Those brought up in modern

education and culture have forgotten the glory of prasada. Prasada

gives good health, long life, peace and prosperity to all. The sacred

ash is the prasada of Lord Siva. It is applied to the forehead.

Kumkum (vermilion powder) is the prasada of Sri Devi or Shakti. It is

applied at the space between the eyebrows.