Significance Of Rituals

The scriptures prescribe different sadhanas, practices, to help seekers attune to the higher dimensions. Spiritual practices can be performed through the three equipments of our body, speech and mind. With the body, we can worship or serve by performing puja, the form of the Supreme. In the initial stages when our minds are less single-pointed or pure, when we have not yet gained knowledge, we merely believe that there is a higher power, commonly called ‘God’, but we know nothing more than that. So, we choose a symbol or a murti, a tangible presence of God, to offer our love. In ancient times, rishis worshipped the sun, moon and wind as divine form. This was followed by deity invocations. As we grow in devotion and knowledge, we begin to realise that the entire universe is the eightfold form of the Lord. The eight factors are: the five great elements — space, air, fire, water and earth — the sun, energy; moon, reflecting matter; and jiva, the living being. Just as gold ornaments are gold in different forms, the entire universe is Divinity personified. Puja is not ritualistic worship of throwing flowers or ringing bells but, in its higher sense, it means seva, serving the Beloved. When our minds are active, there are too many thoughts and agitations; we cannot sit still and focus on a single point. We need an altar of concentration. In puja, all the senses are engaged — the bell-ringing, mantrachanting, fragrance of incense — all aid in turning the mind away from distractions. So, puja is a step towards meditation.

Source: Economic Times, 11/02/2020