Our ancients enquired into the nature of divinity through many paths, but were not successful in recognising the reality. Hence, they started worshipping Prakriti (Nature). Thereafter, the Bharatiyas took to Murthi Aradhana (idol-worship). Every creature that takes birth in this universe has a form (Murthi). Idols are inert in nature and do not possess the qualities of compassion, love, forbearance, etc. It is for this reason that some people are against idol-worship. This is ignorance. You use your forefinger to point a specific object, say, a flower or a tumbler. Similarly, idols are like pointers to Divinity. Once you recognise divinity, you don't need the pointers, say, idols. Such being the case, is it not foolish to object to idol worship? Are you not worshipping the pictures of your parents and grandparents? Do these pictures have life in them? No. Nor do they have the qualities of compassion, love, sacrifice, etc. Then what is the point in worshipping them? It is through these pictures that we are reminded of their virtues and ideals they stood for. Take for instance a hundred rupee note with dimensions of 6 inches x 4 inches. There is neither life nor virtues of love, compassion, etc., in this currency note. Yet people love it and would like to possess it. Is there anybody in the world who dislikes money? Irrespective of the country or religion, everyone loves money. There are innumerable instances wherein people gave up their lives for the sake of money. The currency note is valuable because it bears the government's seal. Similarly, we respect the national flag for the value it stands for, though it is merely a piece of cloth, which is inert. If idol worship is considered foolish, then the same should apply to love for money and respect for flag, which are also lifeless. Man's beliefs are based on his likes and dislikes.

Isavasyam Idam Jagat (the entire world is permeated by God). Every being is an embodiment of Eswara. It is also said, Eswara Sarva Bhutanam (God is the Indweller of all beings). He is present in all beings in the form of Consciousness. Eswara is the master of six forms of wealth - Dharma (righteousness), Aiswarya (wealth), Yashas (fame), Shakti (power), Jnana (wisdom) and Vairagya (detachment). Eswara has another name, San(m)kara. 'Sam' refers to Chidanandam (eternal bliss) and Atmanandam (bliss of the Self). 'Kara' means one who bestows. Therefore, Sankara is one who confers eternal bliss. Every word has a deep inner meaning. Take for instance the name Sathya Sai. Sathya stands for Rig Veda. 'Sa', 'Aa' and 'Ya' in Sai stand for Sama Veda, Atharvana Veda and Yajur Veda, respectively. Therefore, Sathya Sai is the very personification of the four Vedas. What is the meaning of the term Linga? It is the symbol of divinity, as it has neither beginning nor end. Divinity is immanent in the heart (Hridaya) of every man. Hridaya means that which is suffused with compassion. So, Divinity is the embodiment of compassion.

Today people are unable to understand the principle of Divinity. Though the modes of worship vary, they all are directed towards different forms of the same God. You may call Him Rama, Krishna, Easwara, etc. All are one. They refer to the same God. Each person worships a particular form according to his or her likes. Some people worship Rama because they are attracted by Rama's Name and Form. It is said, Ramayate Iti Rama (Rama is one who captivates the hearts of one and all).

Today is Sivarathri, meaning auspicious night. Siva symbolises the breathing process 'Soham', that takes place in every man. This is referred to as Hamsa Gayatri. '(A) Ham' refers to 'I' and 'So' means 'That' (God). This message of 'I am God' is conveyed through this breathing process - 21,600 times a day. Such teachings have been propagated and practised since ancient times.

It is the finger that points to a flower. Likewise, idols point to the divinity. So, idol worship cannot be considered foolish. Never disregard idols because they are inert. Even in inert objects, there is Chaitanya (consciousness). Anoraneeyan Mahato Maheeyan (Brahman is subtler than the subtlest and vaster than the vastest). This Chaitanya is present in the smallest to the biggest. From your point of view, an object may appear to be inert, but from the Vedic point of view, everything is Chaitanya. It is foolish to overlook the existence of Chaitanya. One may question if Chaitanya is all-pervasive, why is it not visible to the naked eye? You are all well aware of the fact that there is butter in every drop of milk. Can you deny its existence merely because it is not visible to the naked eye? The process of obtaining butter involves curdling the milk and then churning it. Man is unable to perceive this Chaitanya principle because of two defects:

1) He overlooks his innumerable mistakes; and
2) He magnifies the minutest mistake of others.

Man cannot be called a human being unless he practises human values - Sathya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa. These are like the five life-breaths of man. The absence of these life-breaths amounts to living death. Each one is responsible for his own downfall. Man kills himself by not practising these human values.Sivarathri is celebrated to teach man the significance of these values. Your behaviour should be befitting human birth. Neeti (morality) and Nijayati (integrity) are the life principles of Manava Jathi (human race). Develop morality and lead an honest life. Only then can you attain Easvaratva.

Siva also stands for humility. A person with humility is one of Sivam (auspiciousness). On the other hand, a person with ego is verily a Savam (corpse).

Paropakara Punyaya, Papaya Parapeedanam (one attains merit by serving others and commits sin by hurting them). Help ever, Hurt Never. This is the essence of the eighteen Puranas. Never mind if you have to suffer, but do not put others to suffering. God will take care of you.

Our ancients worshipped Nature. It is Nature that gives us food, raiment and shelter.Not merely that, it also gives us precious metals like gold and silver. So, what is wrong in worshipping Nature? All the modes of worship that our ancients practised were highly sacred. Bhumatha (Mother Earth), Gomatha (cow), Vedamatha (the Vedas) and the Dehamatha (physical mother) are to be revered. As people have stopped worshipping God, we find chaos all over the world.�

Follow the link below to read the entire discourse.

http://saidarshan.org/baba/docs/d020312.html

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