Thinking Ahankaar of Bhakti as Bhakti- Lord Shiva - Page 2

Since each person has his or her own way of praying or worshipping, I don't want to make any comment on the level of Bhakti in terms of offerings and donations. Just because a person donates more doesn't make him any less Bhakt or showing off. If he has enough money to offer, then let him do so where in the same will be used for the welfare of the society in terms of free medical facility, Annadan for the pilgrims and needy people etc. Yes it is wrong if one donates money and to do so, he take loans thinking unless he offer more, God will not grant his wish. On many occasions, the donations are used by temple authorities to organize sammelans, Geetha recitals etc. which are good for the society and when we can't do that at personal level, it is better to be part of it by donating whatever we can.

@Shruthi yes OMG deal practically with this believe superstition , custom n fear...

So we get a fatal...and most entertaining...failure of the Great bhakt ever-------------Ravaan...

@jaya beautiful, as usual practical. I am not against making donations or doing poojas. As you rightly said each person has a way of showing his Bhakti. My post was only about my way or highway approach to Bhakti which is mostly practiced in today's world. I mean if we don't do this ritual this will happen etc etc..

@ Shruthi, even I don't do pooja on daily basis as I can't find enough time to concentrate on that. For me if I do, I should do it with concentration and on working days, with my rush, I can't find that. So, on weekends, if I feel like doing pooja or prayers, I will do that without any hurry. I do visit temples as I get peace in that serine atmosphere and the crowd doesn't bother me at times. If I am totally disturbed, I will look for a peaceful temple otherwise, I am OK to visit the crowded temple of Tirupati.

Yes yes Jaya as I grew up, got married like you I have seen poojas as a medium to connect with relatives. And I have also understood rationally certain practices that goes with it. In Navarathri and all we do haldi-kumkum and I participate in it. I have taken it as a way to get elder's blessings and also to keep our culture and stories intact. If the apsects of Poojas, the culture, the stories associated with it can be explained to our youngsters they will appreciate the practice in a much better way. And post marriage my husband had told me another reason for visiting temple is to look at the architechture, to look at the culture and practices that vary from place to place. He loves to pray in temples, but is very fascinated with architechture and other aspects of the temple, which even I could appreciate. Yes I can pray in my nearby temple, but to appreciate another culture, another practice visiting temples at other places will help.

Awesome post again shruthi 👏

One more thing Jaya. Your posts are always of practical wisdom. I see you as a lady who has understood society, its idiosyncrasies, yet have carved out your own way to deal with it. With your practical solutions you have learnt to co exist which is a very rare quality. And your posts I always take it as learning, because I grew up rebel, opposing this and that. I knew the problem, but didn't know the solution without offending anyone. It has been a slow process for me to learn to co-exist and your posts always help with looking at situations with a practical approach.

Sometimes Shruthi, sometimes, we have to do something just to give a momentary happiness to our parents and if by folding hands in front of the God, and by not eating few morsels before prayers can make them happy, there is no better way to please them than fulfill their wish as we don't lose anything by sending a silent prayer to God and at times, we may not eat till noon due to our work load ( during childhood, it was due to homework, or craft work or story writing or reading) and why to be rebellious when mother ask us to do that on festivals. If we make her unhappy, then what is the point in celebration? And my daughter has also believes in those lines.

Originally posted by: deejagi

Sometimes Shruthi, sometimes, we have to do something just to give a momentary happiness to our parents and if by folding hands in front of the God, and by not eating few morsels before prayers can make them happy, there is no better way to please them than fulfill their wish as we don't lose anything by sending a silent prayer to God and at times, we may not eat till noon due to our work load ( during childhood, it was due to homework, or craft work or story writing or reading) and why to be rebellious when mother ask us to do that on festivals. If we make her unhappy, then what is the point in celebration? And my daughter has also believes in those lines.

So my principal was that if I can make my mother happy with a mere 5 minutes prayer, let me give her that happiness. After that even if I brought 10 of my friends from street, she never complained to feed them.

So my only advise to the younger generation is that if your small acts can make your elders happy, please never shy out of it and loot them the opportunity. Give them that little happiness which will make you happy on seeing their shining face.

I am touched. Somewhere I got hurt. Thanks for making me realize certain unknown mistakes.