While I completely agree that our own Self is the God we search about, that we pray to. But note that we are not that yet. That Self does exist, but until irrevocable realization, we still are covered by Samskaras and influences of Nature that divert us.
And there are holy centers of power the spiritually elevated ones among us have created, that these powers continue to get concentrated further, for the benefit of all that visit these spots. And that's the role temples and ashrams play, or the value they add to society and the ordinary folk.
But I also admit I'm not convinced just a physical visit to such a holy spot means how much. Or to put it differently, wouldn't I need to also be meditating and receiving the positive vibes stored in these places. I don't like the jostle and clamor in crowded temples, and sometimes think any place in isolation is better than this. But maybe just like a dip in medicinal waters washes off sin no matter what, presence in a holy environment does benefit no matter what the conditions around. Perhaps the devotion that each devotee adds by his visit, by his mind full of charity and gratitude, does add to the kindred and spiritual status of the place. I'm not sure on this point yet.
But the power bestowed to a stone, an carved idol, or a guru is not his own. It is contributed to by each one of us, by our concentration, if even for a second, on that object. Which is why these objects are ornamented to invoke the feeling of devotion in us. Concentration is Samadhi. It is what heals us in sleep, refreshes us in meditation. It is this same concentration when invoked that adds the power over nature on this idol. Some of which gets absorbed by the pleading, miserable person who comes praying. And benefits from. And in true cyclic effect, on better days, he repays back with a visit filled with gratitude and devotion.
To understand and realize this nature is fueled by our very Self, is at first incredible, then overwhelming, and eventually truly enlightening.
And there are holy centers of power the spiritually elevated ones among us have created, that these powers continue to get concentrated further, for the benefit of all that visit these spots. And that's the role temples and ashrams play, or the value they add to society and the ordinary folk.
But I also admit I'm not convinced just a physical visit to such a holy spot means how much. Or to put it differently, wouldn't I need to also be meditating and receiving the positive vibes stored in these places. I don't like the jostle and clamor in crowded temples, and sometimes think any place in isolation is better than this. But maybe just like a dip in medicinal waters washes off sin no matter what, presence in a holy environment does benefit no matter what the conditions around. Perhaps the devotion that each devotee adds by his visit, by his mind full of charity and gratitude, does add to the kindred and spiritual status of the place. I'm not sure on this point yet.
But the power bestowed to a stone, an carved idol, or a guru is not his own. It is contributed to by each one of us, by our concentration, if even for a second, on that object. Which is why these objects are ornamented to invoke the feeling of devotion in us. Concentration is Samadhi. It is what heals us in sleep, refreshes us in meditation. It is this same concentration when invoked that adds the power over nature on this idol. Some of which gets absorbed by the pleading, miserable person who comes praying. And benefits from. And in true cyclic effect, on better days, he repays back with a visit filled with gratitude and devotion.
To understand and realize this nature is fueled by our very Self, is at first incredible, then overwhelming, and eventually truly enlightening.
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