On the nature of puja

[Vinayaka]

Natchintanai is a collection of songs by my Guru's Guru. A song I read this morning (many of His quotes/songs are on Siva) proclaimed Him (Siva) as the one who never comes nor never goes. It occurred to me that puja isn't really about the beseeching of the presence of Siva. How can somebody call another when that entity is already there? Why call your children for dinner when they're already seated at the table?

So ... upon reflection ... what I AM doing is creating an environment where the connection from atma to Brahman is more likely to happen, or to be felt by the temporary body and mind where atman dwells for now. Hence the imagery, the flowers, the scents, the fruit, the fresh water ... it's creating a time and place.

Your thoughts are welcome.

 

[JustGeorge]

Good points.

 

[ajay0]

So ... upon reflection ... what I AM doing is creating an environment where the connection from atma to Brahman is more likely to happen, or to be felt by the temporary body and mind where atman dwells for now. Hence the imagery, the flowers, the scents, the fruit, the fresh water ... it's creating a time and place.

Your thoughts are welcome.

Yes, 'the imagery, the flowers, the scents, the fruit, the fresh water' as well as clean surroundings, bath and other associated factors ensure that tamas and rajas is reduced in oneself and surroundings, and sattva is increased instead.

Sattva is the element that is closest to the Self or Brahman, than rajas or tamas. This enables the Self to reveal itself with corresponding auspicious energies and vibes.

I remember a time when I sat down for meditation. Usually I meditate instantly but this time something was amiss and I was not able to meditate. Studying my surroundings I found a couple of fruits I had bought earlier and forgotten. They had rotted and become tamasic. After removing them and cleaning the place well, I found that I could easily meditate now.

So creating a sattvic environment enables communion with the Self or God better.