So Says Sai

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So Says Sai

 

 

 

In many of the religious practices today, there is a concern only for observing the external forms, with little regard for the inner significance of these rites. For instance, one wishes to offer a coconut to the idol in the temple. No care is taken to see whether the coconut is good or not. The mere breaking of the coconut, even if it is rotten one, is considered enough for fulfilling the offering. Know the inner significance of the ritual.

 

The coconut is the symbol of the heart. Before it is offered to God, all the outer fiber has to be removed, this means, spiritually, removing the thamasic tendencies from our heart. The shell of the coconut symbolizes the rajoguna in us, the white kernel inside the coconut represents satwaguna. What we have to offer to God is a pure heart, without the thamasic, and rajasic qualities such as anger, hatred and attachment. It is the purity of the heart that must be manifested in making any offering to God and not the mechanical breaking of the coconut as a meaningless ritual.

 

In every small act of worship, one must have regard for its inner significance and sacredness and do it with earnestness and purity.

 

 

 

 

Source: Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. XIX. P. 61.