18

Learn our Sampradayam the easy way
(Course for Kids) Grade 1 for Beginners
(Based on the originals in Tamil "sampradAya pADa thiTTam"
by Sri Seva Swamigal)
Lesson 18: Worship
(Anbil Ramaswamy)
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What is worship?
It is religious adoration including prayer. This implies also
rectitude in conduct conducive to the spiritual upliftment of the
soul. Offering prayers to the Lord is considered proper worship.

Devotion is important for worship. This means we should have absolute
love and unconditional faith in the Lord. If we develop this mindset
of unshakeable faith that whatever we do is in total dedication to
the Lord, we can get rid of selfishness and ego.

Temples are places of worship. There is a saying- "Aalayam
thozhuvathu sAlavum nanru" which means "Worshipping at a temple is
very good". This imparts a feeling that the Lord is common to all
devotees and that the Lord is the ONLY ONE who can relieve us of all
afflictions and impediments and that we can express freely our wishes
to Him in prayer.

For, how do we meet God if not in prayer?

Temple worship is necessary for all. Service at a temple is service
to society. Worship augments our knowledge of Body - Soul
relationship. It confers peace of mind; it helps in mutual
understanding; it removes inimical tendencies; it establishes social
justice firmly.

Though worship can be conducted at hearths and homes, they are
individual and private and not a community affair. Such community
involvement in prayer can be seen only during worship at temples. We
call this "SEvippu". Singing the praise of the Lord is also an act of
worship; folding both palms in prayer (anjali) is another; Performing
Archana is yet another.
QUESTIONS
1. What is meant by Temple worship?
2. What are the benefits accruing from such worship?
3. What are the various acts of worship?
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Section II: GITAMRUTHAM- The summary of the first Shadgam
Based on GitAsAram by Sara Sarajna Tirukallam Swami
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A-GS
JnAna karmAthmikE nishTE yOgalakshyE susamskruthE /
AathmAnubhuthi siddhyarthE Poorva shdgENa chOdithE //
Meaning
It is through karma and JnAna that one attains the experience of the
self (AathmAnubhavam). Karma yOga both directly and through JnAna
yOga yields this realization of the self (Aathma sAkshAthkAram).

But, what is important to remember is - whether it is the practice
of KarmayOga or that of JnAnayOga, it is all directed and done purely
by the will (sankalpam) of the Lord.

If this basic truth is understood, one will develop a distaste and
revulsion for other means and ends. This is what the first shadgam
(Chapters 1 to 6) establishes. (chOdithE)