DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.9550#0344
294
DIFFERENT MODES OF WORSHIP.
this text, adds here :—" This verse shews that worship'
by means of an idol or any other form is not absolutely
useless, and that as long as a man is subjected to
worship by means of idols, he is also subjected to
perform the ritual observances prescribed to his own
class." This passage limits the period of idol worship
and explains what practices are its necessary accom-
paniments.
Vyas then proceeds :—" Further, man, by charity
" to the needy, by honour to others, by friendship, and
" by an equal regard to all, shall direct his worship to
" me who, by residing in the heart, dwell in all living,
creatures."*
* Spiritual Devotion is of two kinds. The first consists in
meditation on the soul being of divine origin. A continuance of
such meditation is believed to have a tendency to rescue the soul i
from all human feelings and passions,, and thereby the soul is
ultimately brought to its original divine perfection far surpassing'
both human search and description. This is the state which is-
commonly ealled absorption. The devotees who adhere to this
mode of devotion being supposed naturally incapable of committing
any moral or social crime, are not subjected to the precepts or
prohibitions found in the Shastrus.
The second kind of devotion consists in believing that the
Deity is possessed of all the attributes of perfection such as
omnipresence, omnipotence, &c., and that the individual sentient;
soul is, in its present state of material connection, separate from,
and dependent on, the Deity. Besides, the practice of charity
&c, as mentioned in this text are enjoined on the performers of
this mode of devotion as their religious duties. This class of
devotees enjoy, after death, eternal beatitude in the highest
heaven, as existences separate from the deity and form eachother,
while worshippers by means of forms, as the Vedant affirms, enjoy
only temporary bliss. •
DIFFERENT MODES OF WORSHIP.
this text, adds here :—" This verse shews that worship'
by means of an idol or any other form is not absolutely
useless, and that as long as a man is subjected to
worship by means of idols, he is also subjected to
perform the ritual observances prescribed to his own
class." This passage limits the period of idol worship
and explains what practices are its necessary accom-
paniments.
Vyas then proceeds :—" Further, man, by charity
" to the needy, by honour to others, by friendship, and
" by an equal regard to all, shall direct his worship to
" me who, by residing in the heart, dwell in all living,
creatures."*
* Spiritual Devotion is of two kinds. The first consists in
meditation on the soul being of divine origin. A continuance of
such meditation is believed to have a tendency to rescue the soul i
from all human feelings and passions,, and thereby the soul is
ultimately brought to its original divine perfection far surpassing'
both human search and description. This is the state which is-
commonly ealled absorption. The devotees who adhere to this
mode of devotion being supposed naturally incapable of committing
any moral or social crime, are not subjected to the precepts or
prohibitions found in the Shastrus.
The second kind of devotion consists in believing that the
Deity is possessed of all the attributes of perfection such as
omnipresence, omnipotence, &c., and that the individual sentient;
soul is, in its present state of material connection, separate from,
and dependent on, the Deity. Besides, the practice of charity
&c, as mentioned in this text are enjoined on the performers of
this mode of devotion as their religious duties. This class of
devotees enjoy, after death, eternal beatitude in the highest
heaven, as existences separate from the deity and form eachother,
while worshippers by means of forms, as the Vedant affirms, enjoy
only temporary bliss. •