Swami Tejomayananda
In Hinduism, the worship of the Lord (Ishvara) encompasses a wide range of practices that engage the body, speech, and mind. These practices serve to purify and focus the mind, develop devotion, and ultimately lead to a deeper spiritual experience. Let's explore these concepts more deeply with additional information, symbolism, quotes from Hindu scriptures, stories, and their modern-day relevance.
1. Forms of Worship in Hinduism
Hindu worship (puja) can be conducted in many forms, each representing different ways to connect with the divine:
Physical Worship (Puja): This is the most visible form of worship and includes offering flowers, lighting lamps, and making food offerings (naivedya) to the deity. The physical aspect symbolizes the devotee’s reverence and devotion, and it’s believed that the deity accepts the essence of the offerings. This act of giving symbolizes surrender and humility before the divine.
Service to Society (Seva): In Hindu philosophy, serving others selflessly (Seva) is considered a direct service to God, who resides in all beings. This is encapsulated in the Sanskrit phrase "Nar Seva, Narayan Seva," meaning "Service to man is service to God." The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes this in Chapter 3, Verse 19: "Therefore, without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty, for by working without attachment one attains the Supreme." This teaches that selfless service is a form of worship and a path to liberation (moksha).
Worship Through Speech (Bhajan and Kirtan): Singing hymns, bhajans, and kirtans (devotional songs) is another powerful form of worship. This aligns with the concept of Naada Brahma (God is sound), highlighting the sacredness of sound vibrations and their ability to connect one with the divine. The Vishnu Purana states, "O King, constant singing of the name of the Lord removes the impurities of Kali Yuga." This emphasizes the purifying nature of vocal devotion.
Mental Worship (Manas Puja): When external materials for worship are unavailable, mental worship (Manas Puja) is practiced. In this practice, devotees visualize offering flowers, incense, and other items to the deity. This form of worship emphasizes the importance of intent and internal devotion over physical offerings. The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 34) advises, “Fix your mind on Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me, and offer obeisance to Me. In this way, you will certainly come to Me.” This highlights the power of inner devotion.
2. Japa (Repetition of the Lord’s Name)
Japa is a meditative practice involving the repetition of a mantra or divine name. This can be done loudly (Vaikhari), softly (Upamshu), or mentally (Manasika).
Symbolism and Importance: Japa helps in stilling the mind and preparing it for meditation. It symbolizes the tuning of the mind to divine frequencies, much like a radio dial aligning to a specific frequency. In Kali Santarana Upanishad, it is mentioned, "Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare; Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare"—this mantra is recommended for spiritual upliftment in Kali Yuga (the current age of discord).
Lesser-Known Facts: Each method of Japa has different effects. Vaikhari Japa, being louder, helps maintain concentration in the initial stages of practice. Upamshu is subtler, requiring more focus. Manasika Japa is considered the highest form, as it involves a deep mental engagement without the need for physical sounds, fostering profound inner peace.
Story from Hindu Scriptures: A popular story that illustrates the power of Japa is the story of Dhruva, a young prince who, through intense meditation and repetition of the divine name, attained a high spiritual state and was blessed by Lord Vishnu to become the Dhruva star (the Pole Star), symbolizing steadfastness and devotion.
3. Preparing the Mind for Meditation
The various practices mentioned—physical worship, Japa, Bhajan, and Seva—are all designed to prepare the mind for meditation (Dhyana). Meditation in Hinduism is about achieving a state of inner stillness and unity with the divine.
Purification of the Mind: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Chapter 1, Verse 33) state: “By cultivating attitudes of friendliness towards the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and disregard toward the wicked, the mind becomes purified and peaceful.” This emphasizes that a peaceful and concentrated mind, cultivated through various forms of worship and ethical living, is essential for meditation.
Symbolism of the Lotus Flower in Meditation: The lotus flower, often depicted in meditation poses, symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening. Just as the lotus remains untainted by the muddy waters from which it emerges, a meditator seeks to rise above worldly attachments and distractions.
4. Modern-Day Relevance
In contemporary times, these practices hold significant relevance:
Mental Health Benefits: Engaging in prayer, chanting, and meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, providing a sense of calm and inner strength, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced life.
Community Building and Social Service: Practices like Seva encourage community bonding and foster a spirit of cooperation and selflessness. Many modern organizations, inspired by this philosophy, engage in charitable work, healthcare, education, and disaster relief, viewing these acts as a form of worship.
Environmental Consciousness: The Hindu philosophy of seeing divinity in all forms of life encourages an environmentally conscious lifestyle. The modern relevance of this is seen in the growing emphasis on sustainable living and respect for all living beings.
5. Lesser-Known Facts and Symbolism
Concept of Sphatika (Crystal) and Worship: In many Hindu practices, sphatika or crystal idols are used. These represent purity and the sattvic (pure) nature of worship. The transparency of the crystal symbolizes a mind free from impurities and attachments, mirroring the ideal state for meditation.
Use of Sandalwood in Worship: Sandalwood is often used in rituals due to its cooling properties and pleasant fragrance, symbolizing a calm and composed mind. It also represents the state of inner coolness and serenity that devotees aspire to achieve.
6. Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.17): “Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramātmā [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.” This illustrates the transformative power of devotion and remembrance of God’s name.
Chandogya Upanishad (7.6.1): “Where there is pure knowledge and meditation, there, indeed, is truth, and there, indeed, is immortality.” This highlights the importance of mental purity and concentration in spiritual growth.
The various forms of worship in Hinduism serve multiple purposes: they purify the mind, cultivate devotion, and prepare the practitioner for deeper spiritual practices like meditation. By integrating these practices into daily life, one can achieve a state of inner peace and spiritual growth, contributing positively to society and the environment. In the modern world, these practices offer valuable tools for personal development, community building, and maintaining a balanced life amidst external chaos.