Page 210 - Basic Writings of Sriramchandra

Basic Writings of Sri Ramchandra
the power to infuse into the image the spiritual force, are rare, although the process of Pran Pratishta still continues as a matter of mere formality. The result is that the places and images thus charged thousands of years ago, have by this time, almost lost all their effect and consequently no practical gain is derived by those going there for devotion and worship. It is, however, beyond doubt that the process was introduced only for the people of the lowest standard with little brain who could not otherwise devote themselves to the Lord in any way. It is but certain that the practice, if tenaciously followed to the last, defeats its very purpose and does not provide any spiritual advantage. Saint Kabir has nicely expressed the idea in the following lines: -
úÁ“å úÓ\z “u∫ uTM¬z, oÁz úÓu\Æz ú“Ág @ oÁoz Æ“ Y≤ y ߬y, úyà QÁÆ ÃÊÃÁ∫ @@
“If by worshipping stone one can reach God I shall be ready to worship a mountain. But for this purpose the grinding-stone which grinds the corn to feed the world may be better.”
To my view those who stick to this sort of worship throughout their life, are wading deep through the mire of ungodliness. It is extremely difficult to extricate them out of it. In course of time after constant practice they become so firmly rooted to it that they cannot even think of getting away from it at any stage. They remain at a standstill.
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