God assumes any form for the sake of His devotee

CHENNAI, NOV. 7. The plethora of rituals, customs and religious practices in vogue may be confusing for a spiritual aspirant and he may be at a loss to understand which one to follow. For obtaining clarity it is important to understand the intent of these practices. For instance, when we analyse the simple observance of fasting, it becomes apparent that for one who is used to indulgence in the matter of food, abstaining from eating even one meal may be difficult. Initially when he fasts his mind will be preoccupied only with thoughts of food and it is in course of time with repeated practice that he will attain self- control. All religious practices have been prescribed with the purpose of getting control over one's mind which is the basis for spiritual progress.

The teachings of the Upanishads are meant for leading a fulfilled life in the world. They do not advocate renunciation for all to realise the goal of liberation. In fact, the names of rulers figure in the Upanishad passages as seekers of truth. They only beseech mankind to be aware of God behind all the phenomenon. As this requires only a change of perspective in life it is not necessary to become a monk in order to realise the truth. What is essential is the desire for liberation from bondage.

In his discourse, Swami Asutoshananda said one could practise meditation either on the abstract Reality without a form or on a form of God. In any case one has to start meditating on God with a form initially because man can visualise anything only in his image. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to draw attention to the mind's nature by saying that a cat would envision God only as a huge cat. So it is natural for man to conceive God with a form similar to the human form. Within this group of devotees who worship God with form, differences arise due to sectarian affiliations as each devotee's preference may be different. But on no account should one denounce others who worship a different deity.

The analogy of the ocean and the waves must be borne in mind. The Almighty is like the ocean which is a formless expanse; but many waves arise in it. Likewise, all forms of God are legitimate in their own right. It is for the sake of His devotees that the Almighty appears as many. Similarly, those who meditate on the formless aspect of God should not denounce those who worship God with form saying that it amounts to limiting the infinite. All are aspects of God and the Supreme Being in His boundless compassion is ready to accept His devotee in whatever form he wishes to conceive Him.

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