(Post 04)
(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/May_Jun/v1.ShivaPhilosophyDevotion)
We will have to find out and eliminate our shortcomings, our infirmities.
Unless we are honest in our own efforts towards spiritual elevation, how can we gain and demonstrate the immense benefits of spirituality, and how can we convince the world that we are the devotees of the Supreme Power and Presence, that can change the course of human history and destiny for the better.
So, where has been our major mistake?
Well, the root cause of our failure is our misconception. We have only seen the external form in the idols of Lord Shiva (and Parvati), and have mechanically followed the customary rituals of worship.
We have not understood the philosophy, the true meaning of devotion to Lord Shiva.
What we see in the temples as the idol of God is only like the gross representation of His limited manifestation.
The gross body is only an outer shell; the source of life, the prana lies inside.
The external and internal both together make a complete unit; their conjugation is like completion of electrical circuit by connecting the positive and negative poles.
The current of divine force would begin to flow in the idol we worship, if we realize and activate, by our inner faith and true devotion, the sublime power of the God it symbolizes.
We ritually put our heads at the feet of the idol; worship it with flowers, sandalwood powder, and what not. We pray before it, sing devotional songs, etc., but that is only an external activity. It remains incomplete without the understanding and the linkage with the inner, and the true divine power.
(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/May_Jun/v1.ShivaPhilosophyDevotion)
We will have to find out and eliminate our shortcomings, our infirmities.
Unless we are honest in our own efforts towards spiritual elevation, how can we gain and demonstrate the immense benefits of spirituality, and how can we convince the world that we are the devotees of the Supreme Power and Presence, that can change the course of human history and destiny for the better.
So, where has been our major mistake?
Well, the root cause of our failure is our misconception. We have only seen the external form in the idols of Lord Shiva (and Parvati), and have mechanically followed the customary rituals of worship.
We have not understood the philosophy, the true meaning of devotion to Lord Shiva.
What we see in the temples as the idol of God is only like the gross representation of His limited manifestation.
The gross body is only an outer shell; the source of life, the prana lies inside.
The external and internal both together make a complete unit; their conjugation is like completion of electrical circuit by connecting the positive and negative poles.
The current of divine force would begin to flow in the idol we worship, if we realize and activate, by our inner faith and true devotion, the sublime power of the God it symbolizes.
We ritually put our heads at the feet of the idol; worship it with flowers, sandalwood powder, and what not. We pray before it, sing devotional songs, etc., but that is only an external activity. It remains incomplete without the understanding and the linkage with the inner, and the true divine power.
