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From the Desk of Acharyas
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June 2008
Dear Parents and
Teachers,
It is important to recognize the importance of teaching
children and ourselves to do puja. Puja is a very valuable tool in
relating to Bhagavan and thereby gaining success in one’s spiritual
endeavor. The essential aspect of any prayer is cultivating an
individual’s relationship with his source, the Lord. Puja is unique
form of prayer in that it helps us to relate to Bhagavan both
physically and mentally. The basic sixteen step puja in Hindu tradition,
by utilizing all the senses along with the mind makes for a deep spiritual
experience in connecting with Bhagavan. However it is something
that needs to be learnt and acted upon.
In our religious tradition, when an elaborate puja
has to be performed more often than not we utilize the assistance of a
priest who is better informed, and trained in order to guide us in
performing the puja. However one needs to be able to perform a
basic puja oneself and should make it a point to do so regularly.
It is well known that actions and words are not only the means to express
sentiments, but they also give reality and meaning to the sentiments.
Performing puja one self is much more meaningful than mere knowing
and even participating as an observer. In these days of increasing
outsourcing of various services both business and personal one needs to
understand that puja is one act that cannot really be outsourced.
The sentiments that are connected to it need to be one’s own and need to
be cultivated in one self.
The best way to teach children and bring one’s family
together is to perform puja together regularly. Families can try to
do this at least once a week and on special occasions and festivals. In
doing puja all should be encouraged to participate. Family members
can also take turns in performing the puja while everyone joins by
reciting mantras. A family that prays together stays together. They share
a profound experience while fostering their personal relationship with
Bhagavan and it provides an opportunity for parents and adults to
teach children different aspects of their religious tradition.
Many people hesitate to perform puja themselves
for various reasons. Some feel they do not know how to do so. Or they feel
they might perform it incorrectly. Some are shy in expressing their
sentiments by action and some may feel they do not experience the
necessary sentiments in themselves. Some find it hard to make it a part of
their schedules and life style. In puja, our heart and the head
come together. When the meaning of mantras is understood and we perform
puja by invoking Bhagavan sentiments are evoked within
ourselves of their own accord. They become real and our relationship with
Bhagavan is strengthened.
After all is said and done, the reality is that each one
of us is individually connected to Bhagavan. Moreover each
individual is connected to the total, each created being to the creator,
each devotee to his or her Lord in the same way. Bhagavan does not play
favorites, nor does any individual enjoy special privileges and influence
with Bhagavan. Our lack of self confidence or low self esteem
sometimes makes us feel inadequate in our capacity to recognize our
connection with Bhagavan. As is not uncommon many of us feel that
others have better connections, are somehow closer to, more devoted to,
and more influential with the Lord. That is why we ask others to pray for
us hoping that perhaps the Lord would be more inclined to listen to them
than to us. We need to discover, gain confidence in and find security in
our personal relationship with Bhagavan. Puja is an
important spiritual practice that helps us accomplish all of this.
Swamini Pramananda
Sri Dhira Chaitanyaji
Copyright: 2008 Purna Vidya Trust
email
questions/comments
to <guru@purnavidya.com>
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