(Post 01)
(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Sept_Oct/ShikhaSutra/)
The Foundational Emblems of Indian Culture: Shikha and Sutra
(Translation of Hindi discourse: "Bhartiya Sanskrati Ke Pratik: Shikha Aur Sutra")
Let us begin with the collective chanting of the Gayatri Mantra:
"Om Bhoor Bhuvah Swah Tatsaviturvarenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayaat"
Idol Worship and the Importance of Symbols
Sisters and Brothers,
I often talk about the importance and necessity of the devotion and worship of God.
Worshiping the idols of deities is an integral part of the Hindu religious practices.
Multiple representations of divine manifestations in the idol forms were visualized by our Rishis of the Vedic times.
The specific forms symbolize specific divine qualities and powers of the manifestations of God, and also incorporate ethical teachings for us.
The Arya Samajis do not believe in idol-worship, but they also respectfully place the idols and photographs of Swami Dayanand Saraswati in their yagyashalas, community halls and offices, and pay due regards before these symbols.
The followers of Islam are against idol-worship; but, paying reverence to the sacred black stone at Kaba, by kissing it, is essential for making their holy pilgrimage to Makka-Sharif complete.
So, the rectangular sacred black stone is for them, what a round, smooth black idol of Shiva is for a Hindu - a sacred symbol of God.
Every religion has its holy symbols and rituals of worship.
(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Sept_Oct/ShikhaSutra/)
The Foundational Emblems of Indian Culture: Shikha and Sutra
(Translation of Hindi discourse: "Bhartiya Sanskrati Ke Pratik: Shikha Aur Sutra")
Let us begin with the collective chanting of the Gayatri Mantra:
"Om Bhoor Bhuvah Swah Tatsaviturvarenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayaat"
Idol Worship and the Importance of Symbols
Sisters and Brothers,
I often talk about the importance and necessity of the devotion and worship of God.
Worshiping the idols of deities is an integral part of the Hindu religious practices.
Multiple representations of divine manifestations in the idol forms were visualized by our Rishis of the Vedic times.
The specific forms symbolize specific divine qualities and powers of the manifestations of God, and also incorporate ethical teachings for us.
The Arya Samajis do not believe in idol-worship, but they also respectfully place the idols and photographs of Swami Dayanand Saraswati in their yagyashalas, community halls and offices, and pay due regards before these symbols.
The followers of Islam are against idol-worship; but, paying reverence to the sacred black stone at Kaba, by kissing it, is essential for making their holy pilgrimage to Makka-Sharif complete.
So, the rectangular sacred black stone is for them, what a round, smooth black idol of Shiva is for a Hindu - a sacred symbol of God.
Every religion has its holy symbols and rituals of worship.
