Page 1 - february 2018
P. 1
Bonding with the Lord of My Heart
Sivaratri is different from any other festival, because
one is encouraged to go inwards, whereas in other
festivals there is an outward movement in terms of
activities and socializing. Swami Sharadananda has
pointed out the methods of observing Sivaratri to
gain the maximum benefit out of it as a spiritual
seeker. Even activities like puja, havan and visit to a
temple are geared to the inward movement, a
withdrawal into the Self for the auspicious vision of
the Supreme.
Chinmaya Mission offers us many retreat centres
with the right ambience and facilities for a secluded
stay for spiritual sadhana. Many of us can benefit by
setting aside time for a periodic retreat, a special time
to be with oneself, in the same way as we set aside
time for a holiday with the family. It can be a time
when I am exclusively communicating with my
unseen partner in life, the Lord of my heart. It can be
a time when I watch the Sun rise, smile at Him and
talk to Him, for the Sun and the Moon are the eyes
of the Lord. It is a time for bonding with Him. Just
like any other relationship, we need to spend time
with each other to strengthen the bonding.
Once we taste the joy of this divine communica-
tion, we can do this at home also, undisturbed by the
myriad activities, setting aside some quiet time for
oneself. The easiest method is to get up a little earlier,
before the demands of daily activities set in. With
practice, we can remain in upavasa – in the company
of the Lord, in the realm of our thoughts, wherever
we are.
Tapovan Prasad 7 February 2018