Worship...

Existential issues are baffling. At one end of the spectrum, by constant introspection and analysis, one is led to the realization that there is no meaning to anything – so everything is complete madness! At the other end of the spectrum, the idea of ‘self’ dissolves because of infinite expansion of the mind. One approach fragments the mind to reveal the void in infinitesimal thought and the other approach expands the mind to make it so elastic and encompassing that the surface of the mind becomes transparent. So we have void at any scale and size. 

 Existential issue may be extremely hard hitting for some people. Some of us may realize that there is limitation to analysis, evaluation, problem solving measures, arguments – i.e. limitation to the intellect. There is also limitation to perception – as long as we continue to identify ourselves with body and mind. Perception involves place and time – both being our own constructs.

A question may present itself as – in the given scenario of such relativity, “what is the purpose of our lives? What is the basis of defining purpose?”

The above question, I feel, cannot be answered intellectually. We can accept the question as a valid one and yet continue to live with full commitment by realizing the transcendental quality of the mind – to go beyond the contextual definition of place and time. This is ‘worship’, which represents an approach to life. Temple is not the only fixed place we exercise this – it is to be made as a part and parcel of our thoughts. Traditional expressions of the idea of transcendence was expressed in folklores, Puranas, Upanishads. In fact, the image/ object of an ‘idol’ is meant to remind the subject/ observer of this transcendental dimension of self. ‘Idol’ is not an object, but this very idea itself. In this transcendental quality of thought, we are not expecting any answers, evaluations, marks, appraisals, comfort or security, recognition, bargain or anything. We are not planning to ensure an output to safeguard our selves. We are not at all being judgmental of anything or anybody, including ourselves. We only exist and respond, for we come to know that above demands and expectations and issues of existence are self created boundaries. 

Since these are boundaries, they serve a limited purpose for protecting us, moving us, guiding us, enforcing us, keeping us contained and keeping others out and so on. These boundaries, if one attempts, can be dismantled, reconstructed, expanded, altered or even dissolved depending on our awareness of consciousness. Thus all experiences are a result of the nature of this boundary. Since boundary is notional, we can then fix our gaze on the transcendental space – from where we create this hypothetical boundary. 

The realization of this experience of transcendence makes us accept the question of ‘purpose’ in a very peaceful way. This leads to worshipping the nature of our existence.