One day the priest of the Radhakanta temple, in the Dakshineswar Kali Temple complex where Sri Ramakrishna was also a priest, accidentally dropped the image of Krishna, breaking one of its legs. The pundits advised Rani Rasmani, who built the temple, to install a new image, since the worship of an image with a broken limb was against the scriptural injunctions.
But the Rani asked Sri Ramakrishna for his opinion. He said: “This solution is ridiculous. If a son-in-law of the Rani broke his leg, would she discard him and put another in his place? Wouldn’t she rather arrange for his treatment? Why should she not do the same thing in this case too? Let the image be repaired and worshipped as before.”
One notices in this solution that God is to be accepted as one of the members of the family and not merely as an image. A question arises here whether the fracture in the leg of the image implies a fracture in the leg of the deity represented by the image. The explanation for this is that the deity is Consciousness and akhanda, without parts, and hence cannot be broken. In this regard he said, “Can the One, who is an indivisible Whole, be broken?”
It is the all-pervading Consciousness seen through the senses as the material image that is worshipped, and not the material image. All the articles used in the worship are also that Consciousness. It pains a devotee to see a defective image of his chosen deity and therefore the mending of the image is essential.
Explanation - Additional Teachings
God Should Be Accepted as a Family Member, Not Merely as an Image – Hinduism Teaching
Introduction
In Hinduism, God is often represented through various forms and images, such as deities, symbols, and icons. These representations, while visually impactful, are meant to serve as tools to connect with the divine essence. However, the true purpose of spirituality in Hinduism transcends beyond worshiping mere images. The deeper idea is that God should be welcomed into our lives as an integral member of our family, as a constant companion in every action and decision. This principle bears significant modern-day relevance as it bridges the gap between religious ritualism and the practical spirituality that guides everyday life.
Symbolism in Hinduism: God as Family
Hinduism teaches that divinity resides within every being and all aspects of life. Gods and goddesses are often seen as familial figures—Lord Krishna is revered as a friend, guide, and lover, while Lord Ganesha is seen as a son or brother. By accepting God as a member of the family, we break the notion of separation between the divine and human. God is no longer a distant entity confined to temples and rituals but a loving presence in the home and heart.
The practice of treating God as family can be seen in simple acts such as offering food to the deity (bhog), performing daily prayers (puja), and celebrating festivals with enthusiasm, where the divine is invited to partake in the joys of the household.
Similar Examples from Hindu Mythology
Yashoda and Krishna: The relationship between Yashoda and Krishna is an example of how divinity can be treated as family. Though Krishna was an incarnation of Vishnu, Yashoda loved and nurtured him as her own son, unaware of his divine nature. Her maternal affection for Krishna represents how God can be embraced as an integral part of the family, loved without the filter of awe or fear.
Rama and Hanuman: The relationship between Lord Rama and Hanuman is another illustration of treating God as family. Hanuman's devotion to Rama was not merely of a devotee to a distant god, but a bond of deep loyalty, service, and familial love, calling Rama his father and master.
Ganesha's Family Role: In most Hindu households, Lord Ganesha is considered a family member. He is often called upon at the beginning of any auspicious occasion, as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of good fortune, similar to how one would seek the blessings of an elder or a guardian in the family.
Relevance in Modern-Day Life
In modern times, it is easy for religious practices to become mechanical, where worship is reduced to rituals devoid of emotional connection. The idea of accepting God as a family member helps restore personal connection, making spirituality more meaningful and intimate. This allows individuals to carry their faith into their daily activities and relationships, fostering mindfulness and ethical living.
Presence Beyond the Temple: The concept of welcoming God into the family extends the idea of worship beyond the temple or specific rituals. It transforms spirituality into a way of life, where the divine presence is acknowledged in every moment, guiding actions, decisions, and relationships.
Practical Application: For instance, if we accept God as a family member, we can ask ourselves how we can incorporate divine values like love, compassion, and integrity in our day-to-day interactions. Would we behave differently with our colleagues, friends, and strangers if we knew that God was living with us, sharing our lives?
Emotional Support: Accepting God as family brings comfort during difficult times. Just as family members provide emotional support during hardship, the divine presence can be a source of strength and peace, making life's challenges easier to face.
Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita (9.22): "To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me." This verse emphasizes a loving, personal relationship with God rather than just distant worship. It invites people to bring God into their daily lives with love and devotion.
Taittiriya Upanishad (3.10.5): "Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava, Atithi Devo Bhava." This mantra encourages one to treat the mother, father, teacher, and guest as divine. It reflects how, in Hindu thought, divinity is inherently present in the family structure itself.
Simple Stories from Hinduism
The Story of Sudama and Krishna: Sudama, a childhood friend of Krishna, once visited him in Dwarka with nothing but a handful of beaten rice as a gift. Despite being a poor Brahmin, Krishna welcomed Sudama with open arms, treating him as family. This story illustrates how God's relationship with humans is based on love and personal connection, not material wealth or grandeur.
The Story of Savitri and Satyavan: Savitri’s devotion to her husband Satyavan was so strong that she was able to win back his life from Yama, the god of death. This story shows how the divine respects and values familial bonds, and in return, those bonds can become a source of divine power.
Additional Thoughts
Accepting God as a family member removes the sense of hierarchy often associated with religion. Instead of being something to be feared or appeased, God becomes a companion and guide, fostering a relationship based on love, respect, and intimacy. This personal connection brings about a deeper sense of responsibility for one’s actions because there is an ever-present awareness of divine participation in every moment of life.
Practicality in Day-to-Day Life
Mindfulness in Actions: If we view God as a part of our family, we become more mindful of our actions, knowing that every deed reflects our values and respect toward that divine presence. Just like we wouldn't want to let down a family member, this constant connection motivates better decision-making.
Ethical Decision Making: Having God as a family member can influence ethical decision-making at work, home, or in society. It encourages honesty, compassion, and fairness in dealings, as every action is seen as a reflection of divine will.
Daily Conversations with the Divine: Encouraging daily conversations with the divine, similar to how one would communicate with a close family member, can foster inner peace. This could take the form of prayer, meditation, or even reflective journaling, where people seek guidance from the divine presence in their lives.
In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions and material pursuits often take precedence, the idea of accepting God as a family member offers a comforting and practical approach to spirituality. It personalizes faith, making it a constant, living relationship rather than a distant obligation. Through stories, scriptures, and the richness of Hindu philosophy, we see that God is not just an image confined to altars but a loving presence that can dwell in our homes and hearts, guiding us in every aspect of life.
This perspective not only deepens our spiritual practice but also brings peace, harmony, and purpose to daily living.