Page 1 - February-2025

Embracing Eternity

apovan Prasad’s Festival Calendar 2025 features a beautiful
Tquote by Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji: “When you are in the
embrace of Bhagavan, the embrace of Bliss, time just stops!”
These inspiring lines raise a profound question: How do we reach
the Lord’s embrace? How do we attain timeless joy? The answer is
beautifully captured in our charming cover painting of Shri Ganesha
embracing the Siva Linga. This simple yet profound act of a loving
son hugging his father represents the jéva, a sincere, sättvika seeker,
moving toward the Infinite, dissolving the ego, and merging with
Divinity.
Observe Ganesha’s innocent demeanor: his hands wrapped in
abandon around the Linga, eyes closed in pure joy. This imagery
reminds us that Bhagavan is reached through devotion and childlike
faith in His limitless love. Irrespective of our imperfections, we need
not hesitate to approach the Lord; we need not offer elaborate püjäs
or perform complex rituals; all we need is humility and sincerity. As
Shri Krishna stated: “If one offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower,
a fruit, or even water, I delightfully partake of that item offered with
love.” 1
The Linga symbolizes the Supreme as formless and all-
pervading, present in all beings – and within us. Lord Siva is not a
distant figure in the cold heights of Mount Kailash but seated in our
warm, loving hearts. Thus, every little act – of kindness, service,
striving for excellence, or pursuing lofty ideals – becomes an offering
that touches Him.
We wish all our readers a joyful Maha Sivaratri. Let us ‘hug’ the
Lord – with deep gratitude for His blessings; let
us surrender to His infinite compassion and
grace; let us transcend the boundaries of
time and space – and remain in His embrace! Editorial

Tapovan Prasad 7 February 2025