BHAKTI OR DEVOTION

[Guest guest]

BHAKTI OR DEVOTION

Posted by: " Uttishthata " uttishthata

Thu Jun 7, 2007 8:10 pm (PST)

BHAKTI OR DEVOTION - Swami Vivekananda

 

The idea of a Personal God has obtained in almost every religion,

except a very few. With the exception of the Buddhist and the Jain,

perhaps all the religions of the world have the idea of a Personal

God, and with it comes the idea of devotion and worship. The

Buddhists and the Jains, although they have no Personal God, worship

the founders of their religions in precisely the same way as others

worship a Personal God. This idea of devotion and worship to some

higher being who can reflect back the love to man is universal. In

various religions this love and devotion is manifested in various

degrees, at different states. The lowest stage is that of ritualism,

when abstract ideas are almost impossible, and are dragged down to

the lowest plane, and made concrete. Forms come into play, and, along

with them, various symbols. Throughout the history of the world, we

find that man is trying to grasp the abstract through thought -

forms, or symbols. All the external manifestations of religion --

bells, music, rituals, books, and images -- come under that head.

Anything that appeals to the senses, anything that helps man to form

a concrete image of the abstract, is taken hold of, and worshipped.

 

The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Volume 2 [ Page : 38 ]

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

When we come to nonattachment, then we can understand the marvelous

mystery of the universe: how it is intense activity and at the same

time intense peace, how it is, work every moment and rest every

moment.

- Swami Vivekananda

Life's up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your

values and goals. Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to

build the life you want.

- Marsha Sinetar