Whether Idol Worship is proper?

The Supreme Brahman manifests the entire Universe and is all-pervading. There cannot be a space that excludes Him. Idol worship means symbolic worship of the Supreme in a manifested form.

Some modern intellectuals think that worshipping the idol is beneath their dignity and is meant only for the less intelligent. This thought is due to delusion.

Ekam Sat, Vipra Bahudha Vadanti.
Truth is one: The learned say in manifold ways.

According to Vedic Scriptures, the Supreme Bhagavan can be worshipped in five-fold forms.
Para as Sriman Narayana in Vaikunta
Vyuha as Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradymuna and Aniruddha in the Milk Ocean
Vibhava as Rama, Krishna Avataras
Antaryami as the One who is inherent deep in the heart
Arca as one who is in the form of deities in the Temples, duly consecrated.

The following Vedic Statements of Maha Narayana Upanishad support the above:
Ambhasya Pare

Bhuvanasya Madhye

Nakasya Prushte

Jyothemshi Samanupravishtah

Prajapatiscarati Garbhe Anthah

This principle can be explained by an analogy. A person who is very thirsty has to get water quickly to quench his thirst. Suppose, you ask him to either wait for the clouds to be converted into Rains or guide him to go to the distant Ocean or advise him to wait for the future Seasonal flood to come or direct him to dig deep into the Ground to get the water, it may not serve the purpose. But if you ask him to take the water from the near-by pond where the pure water is readily available, his thirst can be readily quenched. The Idol Worship is like taking sweet water easily from the Pond. This denotes the easy accessibility of the Supreme in this form.

Para = Cloud
Vyuha = Ocean
Vibhava = Seasonal Flood
Antaryami = Ground Water
Arca = Water in the Pond


Bhagavan looks at the Bhakti Bhava and he cannot be reached solely through our limited knowledge.

Each one who propagates the cause of the Sanatana Dharma in the spirit of Unity in diversity is to be highly appreciated.

I would request that the variants in the belief systems in the ocean of Sanatana Dharma should not create any difference or disrespect or ill feeling to others. We may disagree politely but without hurting the sentiments of our own brothers.

Jihva Me Madhumattama. (Let my speech be like honey}

Intelligence and Intellect

Vijnanam Brahmetivyajanat -- Taittiriya Upanishad iii-5

Intellect is Brahman

We need to distinguish between " Intelligence" and "Intellect".
Intelligence is mainly about acquiring knowledge from external objects and sources like teachers, educational institutions, Books, Media, Internet and so on. Thanks to the information explosion due to the technological advancements, each one wants to out beat the other, One has the power of information but it does not augment his intellect. He gets swayed by the powerful senses and the playful mind.

Intellect is all about contemplation, reasoning, concentration,reflection, investigation and inquiry about the Self which is eternal. It is purely internal and is concerned with the transcendental reality.

Our education is focussed only on developing the intelligence per se but is grossly inadequate on the development of intellect. Many do not have the time or inclination to look within as in the story of "Dasamosmi" forgetting the Self.

In the mundane materialistic pursuits greater Importance is given to the Outer cover of Sarira and not to the Atman who is the inner dweller. The former is temporary while the latter is permanent. As regards knowledge of the Self, it is more difficult and subtle as there is no distinction of Subject and Object in the path of Self realization.

YES, WE CAN!

In the materialistic world of constant condemnation of a person, the Vedas provide the healing touch through the inspiring Maha Vakyas. These profound Vedic Statements motivate in a holistic manner all human beings cutting across the contours of caste, religion, race, gender or nation.

The Vedas equate the human being to the Supreme through the declaration “Tat Tvam Asi” -- Chandogya Upanishad vi-8-7 meaning “ That thou art” . This is a very important declaration as it is affirmed that “You are that {Supreme already}.”

The Vedas declare that “Prajnanam Brahma” --- Aitareya Upanishad iii-1-3 meaning “Consciousness is Supreme (Brahman).”

The Vedas exclaim that “Ayamatma Brahma” --- Mandukya Upanishad i-2 meaning “ This Self is Supreme(Brahman).””

When the knowledge “Sarvam Kahlvidam Brahma” --- Chandogya Upanishad iii-14-1 meaning “All this is verily the Supreme (Brahman)” dawns, one clearly understands that the ultimate truth is non-difference at the transcendental plane.

After getting this knowledge one begins to experience that “Aham Brahmasmi” --- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad i-4-10 meaning “I am the Supreme (Brahman).”” and revels in the state of eternal bliss. Thus knowledge transforms into wisdom and intelligence ripens as intellect.

Is it possible for all of us to achieve this exalted state of Self- Realization?

YES, WE CAN!

Whether Monsoon finds a place in the Vedas?

The Monsoon is referred to in the Vedas.

The term “Salila Vata” means wind from the water. This can be construed to be the wind from the ocean particularly the South West Monsoon.

Reference about the Monsoon can be seen in Taittiriya Samhita of Krishna Yajur Veda iv-4-12-3, RigVeda i-19-7, RigVeda i-37-6, RigVeda i-38-8, RigVeda i-64-8, RigVeda i-88-5, Rig Veda v-83-1 and Rig Veda v-85-4.

The presiding deities are Maruts,Parjanya and Varuna