Image
formation is a very natural trait in human psychology. In our conscious state
all our feelings, ideas and impulses manifest images. The genesis of an image
is a cognitive imagination influenced by perception of an object.
In
The Philosophy and Significance of Idol Worship, a Divine Life Society
publication, Sri Swami Sivananda says:
"Idol
is a support for the neophyte. It is a prop of his spiritual childhood. A form
or image is necessary for worship in the beginning. It is an external symbol of
God for worship. It is a reminder of God. The material image calls up the
mental idea. Steadiness of mind is obtained by image worship. The worshipper
will have to associate the ideas of infinity, omnipotence, omniscience, purity,
perfection, freedom, holiness, truth, omnipresence. It is not possible for all
to fix the mind on the Absolute or the Infinite. A concrete form is necessary
for the vast majority for practicing concentration. To behold God everywhere
and to practice the presence of God is not possible for the ordinary man. Idol
worship is the easiest form of worship for the modern man.
"A
symbol is absolutely indispensable for fixing the mind. The mind wants a prop
to lean upon. It cannot have a conception of the Absolute in the initial
stages. Without the help of some external aid, in the initial stages, the mind
cannot be centraliz
ed. In the beginning, concentration or meditation is not
possible without a symbol.
Pratima
(idol) is a substitute or symbol. The image in a temple, though it is made of
stone, wood or metal, is precious for a devotee as it bears the mark of his
Lord, as it stands for something which he holds holy and eternal. A flag is
only a small piece of painted cloth, but it stands for a soldier for something
that he holds very dear. He is prepared to give up his life in defending his
flag. Similarly the image is very dear to a devotee. It speaks to him in its
own language of devotion. Just as the flag arouses martial valour in the
soldier, so also the image arouses devotion in the devotee. The Lord is
superimposed on the image and the image generates divine thoughts in the
worshiper".
Excerpts from
Hinduism Beyond Rituals, Customs And Traditions
(Please also visit promodpuri.com and progressivehindudialogue.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment