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THE WAY OF LIFE
that this puja of applying sandal paste to the idol should be carried out with the Anamika (second finger of the right hand). The Anamika has the ability to receive and withstand the supreme power of the Paramatma.
THE THIRD PUJA (WORSHIP) IS WORSHIPPING WITH FLOWERS
After decorating the idol of the Lord with sandal paste, you must worship the idol of the Lord with fresh and fragrant flowers. Faded flowers should not be used for the worship. The flowers also should not be sewn together into a garland by means of a needle. The petals of the flowers should not be plucked away. The worship you offer with flowers will create in you a tremendous upsurge of lofty emotions.....
The purpose of worshipping the Lord is that auspicious emotions should arise and surge out from the heart of the devotees. You should not use for the worship all sorts of flowers. You should use only such flowers as would increase the grace and beauty of the idol of the Lord. The worshipper must have this attitude. If you do not know how to decorate the idol of the Lord, you may place the flowers in the lap of the Lord.
THE FOURTH PUJA IS TO BURN INCENSE
The incense inspires in people the lofty ideal of getting burnt to provide fragrance to others. We must bear with difficulties and distresses and try to remove the sorrows of others and to give felicity to others. You must take this message from the Dhoopapuja (burning incense as a part of worship). The Paramatma is the store-house of the fragrance of infinite virtues. "Oh Lord ! may the fragrance of virtues emanate from my soul. Grace me and aid me to do this". You must make this entreaty to the Lord. Even if you are full of the foul smell of vices, this entreaty will be meaningful and efficacious. Perform the Dhupapuja to the Lord. so that the foul smell of your vices may be dispelled and so that you mav attain the fragrance of virtues. This Dhoopapuja is called
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