Some believe in God , some believe in things under their control. Keeping aside Atheists concept, I would like to share my thoughts on commitment to God.
I used to wake up at 4 AM every saturday morning, drive an hour & half in uphills for 6 AM Pooja (Religious Ritual) in Watsonville Hanuman Temple. When I go there, I dont like to go empty handed or buy something just from store, for the sake of doing it. Instead I used to prepare 100 vadas (Lord Hanuman's favorite dish, said to be :) ) on previous night to distribute as Prasad (Offerings) to every visitor. As much as I can, I want to give the BEST to God, who is the Creator, Controller & Destroyer of the Universe. So, I also go in complete traditional attire, in best of me, trying to follow the vedic definitions, as much as I can. This used to be my saturday morning schedule, until October. I mark that as a commitment to God, a serious one, where I can see my self-control & dedication. This is also quite useful in getting away from shallow companies on Friday nights.
While I was doing this, I felt very self content, positive and pure. The entire day/week was very pure, since I start my day , in a fresh morning at top of the mountain, in a pollute free region, with utmost devotion. I also happen to meet and greet similar pure souls there. And when I come back, I do my hiking , saturday beach routine, visiting friends etc. This was going very well , till I met this one interesting human, who conveyed the layman's perspective on this strict devotion.
He asked me if I have any major Vratha (Fasting to God), asking for God's grace. The way he put that across, gave me a crytal clear picture, that he views me as a mad person. Because, in his view, utmost devotion is practiced only , while you seek God's grace. I was super surprised!
But, if you analyze his question, the one viewpoint you may get is... Most people see devotion as a result of pain or suffering. Most people go to God for mere grace , not out of devotion. Most people dont find in happiness in doing vedic rituals, but make that as a merely a routine or duty. This applies to most people.
Why is it so? Why people miss to find the happiness, what they derive out of devotion? Is it not possible for anyone and everyone? Another million dollor mystery!!!
I used to wake up at 4 AM every saturday morning, drive an hour & half in uphills for 6 AM Pooja (Religious Ritual) in Watsonville Hanuman Temple. When I go there, I dont like to go empty handed or buy something just from store, for the sake of doing it. Instead I used to prepare 100 vadas (Lord Hanuman's favorite dish, said to be :) ) on previous night to distribute as Prasad (Offerings) to every visitor. As much as I can, I want to give the BEST to God, who is the Creator, Controller & Destroyer of the Universe. So, I also go in complete traditional attire, in best of me, trying to follow the vedic definitions, as much as I can. This used to be my saturday morning schedule, until October. I mark that as a commitment to God, a serious one, where I can see my self-control & dedication. This is also quite useful in getting away from shallow companies on Friday nights.
While I was doing this, I felt very self content, positive and pure. The entire day/week was very pure, since I start my day , in a fresh morning at top of the mountain, in a pollute free region, with utmost devotion. I also happen to meet and greet similar pure souls there. And when I come back, I do my hiking , saturday beach routine, visiting friends etc. This was going very well , till I met this one interesting human, who conveyed the layman's perspective on this strict devotion.
He asked me if I have any major Vratha (Fasting to God), asking for God's grace. The way he put that across, gave me a crytal clear picture, that he views me as a mad person. Because, in his view, utmost devotion is practiced only , while you seek God's grace. I was super surprised!
But, if you analyze his question, the one viewpoint you may get is... Most people see devotion as a result of pain or suffering. Most people go to God for mere grace , not out of devotion. Most people dont find in happiness in doing vedic rituals, but make that as a merely a routine or duty. This applies to most people.
Why is it so? Why people miss to find the happiness, what they derive out of devotion? Is it not possible for anyone and everyone? Another million dollor mystery!!!
