Thursday 28 April 2022

Thursday, April 21, 2022

243 Ave. Rd., Toronto

On One of Those Chats

 

Today’s Gita Chat, on Zoom, focused on the superior approach to spirituality. The question Arjuna raises in Chapter Twelve of The Gita, regards the choice of unmanifest versus the manifest. Plain and simple, Krishna steers His student towards God as a manifest person. Now, those whose approach is towards the brahman – formless or personality-less – do have the chance, through their sincere search, to eventually meet God in a personal relationship. Love is what conquers, after all.

Our discussion led us to the realm of deity worship. One major way to cultivate the personal side of spirituality is through arcana-seva; service to the deity of Krishna. When one has the good fortune to see a statue of the Lord it can invoke personal sentiments. There is power in the form. What’s more, when expert priests invite God’s presence into this form, through a system of prana-pratishta, then there is a strong life-presence or power invested in the deity.

I have seen corporate people in our communities, who dawn suit, pants and tie and, by night, they pull on traditional dhoti and chaddar – robes – to perform worship of the deity. Some of these priests really work hart to instill such love from within. So, this ritual approach is very effective to establishing personalism.

Going back to the discussion group I emphasized that, while some devotees are inclined to this archana service, it is more important to cultivate the strong bonds of respect towards each other.

May the Source be with you!


 

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