FROM LIFE OF SRI SHIRDI SAI BABA BY NARASIMHA SWAMI

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FROM " LIFE OF SRI SHIRDI SAI BABA " BY NARASIMHA SWAMI

 

………..“Worship is not usually the result of logical discussion and

analysis, but is at the initial stage usually the result of an intuitive impulse

arising out of a fear, a need, or other impulse. Some terrible power confronts

us. Then we bow down in fear. Some terrible calamity overwhelms us. Then we

yearn and look out for some help from some powerful personage that can overcome

the calamity. Some terrible and oppressive need arises, such as ravenous hunger

or serious illness or discomfort. Then again we look to a higher power for

relief. It is an intuitive impulse in all these cases that leads man to worship,

which is an emotional act. Later, comes the reflective stage and religious

conduct is based on reason. Then, the question arises ‘Why does man worship a

higher power?’ The obvious answer is, it is the feeling that a higher Power

can give and will be induced to give man what he needs and save him from

trouble. This is true whether the

Power is an invisible God or a visible man or image. There must be in the first

place power and willingness to use the power in the object worshipped, and as a

counterpart, there must be a need, a fear, or other stimulus operating upon the

worshipper to make him believe in the power and willingness of that power to

render help.â€â€¦â€¦..