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 299

DISCOURSE 69
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Agrapuja because the devotee performs this worship standing before the Lord. Besides Dhoopapuja, Dipapuja (burning ghee-wicks); Akshatpuja (worshipping the Lord with holy rice grains); Naivedyapuja (offering food to the Lord) and Phalapuja (offering fruits to the Lord) are parts of Agrapuja.
THE FIFTH PUJA (WORSHIP) IS TO BURN GHEE-WICKS (OR DIPAKPUJA)
You must worship the Paramatma by lighting ghee-wicks. Light is a symbol of knowledge. The Kevaljnan or the Supreme knowledge of the Paramatma is like Ratnadipak (the light of gems). Just as the lustre of gems does not fade away, Kevaljnan also does not fade away. While performing the Dipakpuja, we should beg for Kevalinan or perfect enlightenment. We should entreat the Lord to dispel from our souls, the dreadful darkness of deep-seated ignorance and derogations. "Oh Supreme Lord, dispel from my soul, the dreadful darkness of ignorance and brighten and enlighten my soul with the radiance of Samyakinan (the right knowledge). Light in my soul the radiant light of gems." You must make this heartfelt entreaty to the Lord. We have to adore the Bhavatmak Dharma or the metaphysical dharma through the medium of physical symbols. This is the significance of symbols. The arrangement of symbols is not meaningless. Those people who cannot understand the significance of symbols decry them; but what is the use of such senseless and illogical denigration ?
THE SIXTH WORSHIP IS THE AKSHATAPUJA (WORSHIPPING WITH HOLY GRAINS OF RICE)
Akshat (holy grains of rice) symbolise Akshayapada or an imperishable and everlasting state. Akshayapada means moksha; Akshayapada means Nirvan. You must make the design of a Swastik with holy Akshat. The Swastik is a symbol of Samsar. Samsar has four directions or states of existence. They are : (1) Devagati (the state of heavenly existence) (2) Manushyagati (the state of human existence); (3) Tiryanchagati (the state of animal existence); and (4) Narakagati (the state of