A SYMBOL OF GOD

A SYMBOL OF GOD

The idol is a substitute or symbol. The image in a temple, through it be made of stone, wood or metal, is precious for a devotee as it bears the mark of his lord, as it represents something which he holds holy and eternal. A flag is only a small piece of painted cloth, but to a soldier it stands 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 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 worshipper.

When you worship an image , you do not say: “this image has come from jaipur. It was bought by prabhu singh. Its weight is 50 ibs. It is made of white marbles. It has cost me rs,500.” NO! You superimpose all the attributes of the lord on the image and pray:”O inner ruler! You are all-prevading. You are omnipotent, omniscient and all –merciful. You are the source of everything. You are eternal, unchanging. You are the life of my life, the soul of my soul!give me light and knowledge!let me dwell in thee for ever!”

When your devotion and meditation become intense and deep, you do not see the stone image. You behold the lord who is pure consciousness. Image worship is very necessary for beginners.