Priviledge or obligation?

[Guest guest]

Namaste all: when I reflect on Maa's question regarding the notions

of privilege or obligation, I look into my heart and feel my love for

Her. That love finds expression in performing acts of worship. It

also finds fulfillment in sweeping the Temple floor, or trimming the

bushes in front of Her house, or dancing as She beats on Her drum.

In that loving state of consciousness, if I cannot fulfill my

sankalpa, I know She accepts the best I could give, and there is no

guilt of shame.

When self deprecation rules, then " i " feel a sense of obligation to

worship, to repay Her for Her gifts, or to " bribe " Her with prayer in

order to " get " something, to get some " peace and quiet " . Then, i feel

bad and unhappy if I cannot fulfill my vow of worship. i feel unworthy

and do not want to try again.

Yes, self deprecation is a tough character.

But he can be beat. Swami has reminded us, again and again, to move

forward, and try again. Do not dwell in the past, or feel sorry for

oneself, just try again.

 

So for me, it is a matter of perspective: with a full and open heart,

I adore Her and want to give Her my all. Worship is a natural part of

life, a heart overflowing with love and devotion. With a closed heart,

i worship to fulfill my ego's needs and desires.

Either way, She remains the same. She gives me love always, for She

is Divine Mother, and as the saying goes: Mother is never bad, but

children can be bad.

 

Jai Ma Jai Swami

 

vishweshwar