better understanding

[Guest guest]

Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji,

namaskar, I bow to your feet.

I recently asked the question about the pendant that has Saraswati

on

it,I wanted to know if there were any restrictions in wearing it.

Swamiji's reply made sense but what I really was wondering about was

this: can it be touched or worn when one is outside getting sweaty or

dirty (say gardening) or what if it touches my dog? I would love to

put

it on and just leave it on but have these concerns.I have similar

concerns about having deities of any kind in my home for fear of

making

some kind of offense.I am so attracted to the various deities and

have

been given many over the years as gifts.I want to know if these can

be kept around the house for inspiration without worrying about some

offense being comitted.Someone told me that unless there has been

pranapratista it is just like a piece of art to be admired and not to

worry, is that true? It would surely make me feel better about

bringing these things out again to inspire my family and myself.

At this point in my life any regular worship isn't part of my day

I do sit twice daily for mantra meditation.Your answer to these

questions would be greatly appriciated and aleviate a lot of worry.

By offenses I mean being touched by someone who isn't clean enough or

my inlaws drinking a beer in the same room or t.v.being on etc.

Thank you very much

Jai Kali Ma