Way of Life Part 3

SR No.: 006515
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 348
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 18 MB

Page 295

DISCOURSE 69
make arrangements in the temples, you should not speak about the arrangements. You can speak of the auspicious substances. with which you have to worship the Paramatma.
You must perform three circumambulations going round the four corners of the temple so that you may forget your thoughts relating to mundane life. While performing the circumambulations, you must think only of the Paramatma. On account of your going round the temple of the Paramatma your mind will become firmly fixed on the Paramatma. You must visualise the form of the Paramatma. You must try to see the Paramatma with your mental eyes.
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After performing three circumambulations, you must stand before the idol of the Paramatma and bow to the image three times. While saluting the Paramatma, you must bow to the Paramatma bending your back, touching your forehead with folded hands. This action brings about in you, the feeling of humility. You cannot salute the Paramatma without this feeling of humility. There must be humility in your body and humility in your mind. Pride and prestige have no place in the presence of the Paramatma.
THE DISCRETION REGARDING DRESS
At the time of worshipping the Paramatma, you must wear such a dress as brings about humility in you. Unstitched clothes are prescribed as the proper dress to be worn at the time of worshipping the Paramatma. If you go to the Paramatma wearing a pant and a bush-shirt, you will not get the feeling of humility. If ladies wear maxis or skirts and go to the temple, they will not get the feeling of humility. Now-a-days, many youngsters (boys and girls) do not realise this truth and worship the Paramatma wearing any dress that they prefer. This is really bad. There is no discipline in temples. As long as people had discretion, there was no need to impose any discipline on them but at present when discretion is disappearing from the minds of men, the imposition of discipline becomes essential. Most people do not have a knowledge of Dharma. They visit temples mechanically and commit blunders.