“…means incorporating the sensitivity of a poet, the intellect of a scientist and the love of a devotee.”
Modern rituals take at least a few hours a week to complete. Daily chores, duties and responsibilities before and after our jobs, school and other occupations restrict the ability to focus and practise our religious and spiritual beliefs. Do you believe that statement? If you believe it, then you are a victim of poor time management and unfortunately, an unprofessional Hindu. Do not fear! The answer is here!
A Hindu should be able to do, redo and outdo! This is the profile of the successful Hindu. Modern life throws great challenges in our way but our religion, backed by the wisdom of the sages, has taken into account all of these challenges. Lord Krishna immediately answers our predicament. He states: “Think of me, bow down to me and I shall forever be there for you.” This advice takes into account the sage or holy one who can spend his entire day in worship as well as the modern man who spends his entire day on the job or in material pursuits. It is possible to be a professional Hindu just by thinking of God. Despite our daily challenges and struggles, a thought goes a longer distance than we may think!
The story of Narad Muni is apt in understanding the greatness of ‘maansic’ or ‘mind worship’. Sage Narad once approached Lord Vishnu, extremely confident that he would answer a question in his favour. Narad Muni asked, “Oh Lord! I must ask, in all the three worlds, who is your favourite devotee?” Lord Vishnu decided to answer him but only after he completed a particular task. Narad Muni willingly agreed. Lord Vishnu placed a container of oil filled to the brim on top of Narad Muni’s head. He then instructed him to walk around a mountain without spilling a drop. Narad Muni was confident that he would complete the task successfully and proceeded to walk around the mountain. Upon completion, Narad Muni boasted of his success; however, Lord Vishnu then asked Narad, “Oh Narad Muni, I am proud that you have completed the task, but I have one question for you.” Narad Muni said, “Ask, my Lord.” Lord Vishnu asked, “Did you think of me at any point in time while you were carrying the container?” Narad Muni’s jaw dropped as he hung his head in shame. Lord Vishnu explained that the true devotee and the one dearest to Him is that one who is ever conscious of His glory and existence in their life, guiding, helping and protecting them as they perform their duties and as they work out their karmas.
The answer is easy. Simply think of the Lord as we live our fast-paced lives. The tasks that we have at hand become easier; our jobs become less stressful; our lives become holy and blessed while the growing positivity radiates outwards, inspiring others and changing our environment and society. We must incorporate the sensitivity of a poet in our dealings and relationships with other human beings and the natural world, the intellect of a scientist when reading and understanding our highly symbolic and philosophical scriptures and lastly, the love of a devotee when thinking of the Almighty. Only then can we claim to be “living” Hinduism.
By Pundit Varistha Persad
