Atmeeyam : ( 22/10/2012. )

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship - 6 6- Idol worship Develops Devotion Idol worship makes concentration for man simple and easy. You can bring before your mind’s eye the great pastimes of the Lord in His particular incarnation in which you view Him. This is one of the easiest modes of Self-realisation. It is one that suits the majority of people today.     Just as the picture of a famous warrior evokes heroism in your heart, so also a look at the picture of God will elevate your mind to divine heights. Just as the child develops the maternal feeling by caressing, nursing and protecting its doll made of rags, and suckles it in an imaginary manner, so also the devotee develops the feeling of devotion by worshipping the idol and concentrating on it. Next : 7- Unveiling the Divinity in the Idol Swami Sivananda  To be continued  ....

Opinion  16/02/2016.  219.  Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 10 Sri Swami Sivananda  Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members,  Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC  **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 10. Avoid Night Reading : Ques: Some people say, Swamiji, that we should not study at night. Why? Ans: Of course, it is advisable to avoid reading at night for the following reasons :- (a) Artificial light is not so good for the eyes as sunlight. (b) The mind cannot concentrate on the book when one is feeling sleepy. The early part of the night is the time for sound sleep and if you sit reading at that time, you will spoil your health and, moreover, will be unable to get up at 4 a.m. for the precious Brahmamuhurta Sadhana. (c) The...

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship - 5.3. 5- An Integral Part of the Cosmos-3.     To the worshipper who has faith in the symbol, any kind of image is the body of the Lord, be it made of stone, clay, or brass, or be it a picture, drawing, etc. Such worship can never be idolatry. All matter is a manifestation of God. God is present in everything. Everything is an object of worship, for all is a manifestation of God who is therein worshipped. The very act of worship implies that the object of worship is superior and conscious. This way of looking at things must be attained by the devotee. The untutored mind must be trained to view things in the above manner. Next : 6- Idol worship Develops Devotion Swami Sivananda  To be continued  ....

Opinion  15/02/2016.  217.  Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 9 Sri Swami Sivananda   Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members,  Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC  **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 9. Suitable Time : Ques: What is the best time for studying spiritual literature? Ans: Early morning, and at night after supper, is the best time for reading spiritual books. In the morning hours, our minds are fresh and free from struggling thoughts. At that time, we can concentrate our minds wonderfully on whatever we read. On the other hand, if you start reading in the evening, a number of thoughts and worries arising out of your day’s life will come to the surface of your mind and you will not be able to concentrate on the book in...

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship - 5.2. 5- An Integral Part of the Cosmos-2 The worshipper superimposes on the image the Lord and all His attributes. He does the sixteen forms of reverence to the Lord. First, the Presence of the Deity is invoked. Then a seat is offered, the feet are washed, water is offered, and then hospitality is offered. The idol is bathed, dressed and invested with the sacred thread. Sandal paste is applied to its forehead, flowers are offered, and incense is burnt. Then a lamp is lit and waved before the Deity. Food is now offered, together with the burning of camphor. A gift of gold is offered. Finally (the sixteenth step), the Deity is bidden farewell.     In these external forms of worship, the inner love finds expression. The wandering mind is fixed now in this form of worship. The aspirant gradually feels the nearness of the Lord. He attains purity of heart and slowly annihilates his egoism. Swami Sivananda  To...

Opinion  14/02/2016.  213.  Sub : STUDENTS, SPIRITUAL LITERATURE AND SWAMI  SIVANANDA.- 8 Sri Swami Sivananda  Ref : PRESENT VIOLENT CAMPUS POLITICS  IN  BHARATHAM : - All Members,  Respected family members of this great holy Nation. *REQUEST ALL  STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS MUST READ THIS TOPIC  **IT IS URGENT IMPORTANCE IN THE PRESENT SITUATION  OF THE NATION 8. Advice On Study : Ques: Swamiji, how many hours daily would you advise me to devote to the study of spiritual literature? Ans: Obviously, students cannot devote much time for reading outside of their own school texts. While a retired man can possibly spare six or seven hours for daily Svadhyaya, you might try to set aside at least a couple of hours every day for this purpose. Of course, you will be able to read more in your holidays. On the other hand, during examination time, you need not worry about Svadhyaya, but may confine your...

30. Philosophy of Idol Worship - 5.1. 5- An Integral Part of the Cosmos-1     For a beginner, the idol is an absolute necessity. By worshipping the idol, the Lord is pleased. The idol is made up of the five elements. The five elements constitute the body of the Lord. The idol remains an idol, but the worship goes to the Lord.     If you shake hands with a man, he is highly pleased. You have touched only a small part of his body and yet he is happy. He smiles and welcomes you.  Even so, the Lord is highly pleased when a small portion of His cosmic body is worshipped. An idol is a part of the body of the Lord. The whole world is His body. The devotion goes to the Lord. Swami Sivananda  To be continued  ....