Gurudeva’s Toolbox for a Spiritual Life

GOD IS THE LIFE OF ALL LIFE

Can’t connect with God and the Gods?

We must be reminded of the Gods at any place and at all times. Lord Siva, for instance, is within all things. That is the basis, the fundamental belief within Hinduism. Lord Siva is within everything, within your house, within the trees, all animals, bugs and bees and people. The divine energy of Siva is flowing through everything. If you are psychic and your third eye is open, you can see the God there and have His personal darshana. Many of our ancient Saivite saints, as well as contemporary devotees, have seen such visions of the Gods. They know from personal experience that God and the Gods do exist. §

In the beginning stages of worship, a Hindu soul may have to wrestle with disbelief in the Gods. He may wonder whether they really exist, especially if his own intuition is obscured by assimilation of Western, existentialist beliefs and attitudes. Yet, he senses their existence, and this sensing brings him back to the temple. He is looking for proof, immersed in the process of coming to know the Gods for himself. He is heartened and assured by hundreds of saints and rishis who have fathomed and found close and enduring relationships with the Gods, and who then extolled their greatness in pages of scripture and chronicle.§

If you want to get acquainted with the Gods, first get to know Lord Ganesha. Take a picture and look at it. Put a picture of Lord Ganesha in your car or in your kitchen. Get acquainted through sight. Then come to know Him through sound by chanting His names and hymns. This is how you get acquainted with your personal Deity. You will get to know Him just as you know your best friend, but in a more intimate way, for Ganesha is within you and there ahead of you to guide your soul’s evolution. He will work with you and work out your karma. Your whole life will begin to smooth out. Religion is the connection between the three worlds, and temple worship is how you can get your personal connection with the inner worlds. You never really lose connection with the inner worlds, but if you are not conscious of that connection, then it appears that you have.

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MORE TOOLS FOR DRAWING
CLOSER TO GOD
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  • Choose an Ishta Devata, a personal Deity that inspires you most.

  • Create a shrine in your home and make simple offerings to God each day.

  • Practice seeing God’s light and energy all around you, shining out from the eyes of everyone you meet.