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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