The Raiment of Love

[Guest guest]

AUM SAI RAM

 

Last year,

a polemical situation arose in our centre. My advice was sought to clear the

controversy.

 

It happened for the celebrations of Doorga

Pooja, when the Divine Mother is worshipped with great pomp and fervour. Nine

wedded couples were invited to perform the intricate rituals associated with

the 'pooja' under the guidance of an officiating priest. Each couple had, in

turn, to perform on one of the nine 'Navratree' nights. For three nights, the

Divine Mother is worshipped as Doorga (Goddess of Divine Energy), for three

nights as Luxmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity) and for three nights as Saraswati

(Goddess of Spiritual Attainment).

 

To the utter surprise of all, on the very

first night, the lady who was participating with her husband categorically

refused to accede to the request of the priest to cover her head. It was not

customary for the Hindus in the part of the world where she originates to cover

their head at a religious ceremony, she vehemently asserted. The other ladies,

mostly the elders, were very upset and vexed. It had been their custom for time

immemorial for married women to cover their head,not only for Doorga Path but for all Hindu religious

ceremonies. Most important of all, they considered it a lack of respect to

refuse to obey to the command of the priest. They did not want the situation to

occur again this year and in the years to come.

 

While I was of opinion that it was a storm in

a teacup, the matter was quite complicated. I summoned the help of Bhagawan

Baba and earnestly prayed to Him to shed light on that painful situation. You

won't believe it, fellow pilgrims, but I did find the Light.

 

Quite unexpectedly, one day, my attention was

drawn to a book on my shelf. I leisurely delved into the pages when I came

across an interview which Baba had given to the American devotee and writer,

Charles Penn.

 

Charles

Penn: How should aspiring seekers who set their sight high to realize the self

in their quest for God be dressed or prepared?

The Sweet

Lord: Before commencing your sadhana, undress- disrobe. But not in the usual

manner. The 'clothes' you cast off may vary in number. Some people may be more

heavily garmented. Some may have already discarded unwanted 'apparel'. In

whatever order you choose, cast off the 'clothing' of jealousy, hate, anger,

pride, greed, desire. You know all the others. But you shall not be cold, for

there is one 'garment you leave on. .That is the raiment of LOVE .This one

piece has many thicknesses to keep you warm and protect you on the coldest

nights. It will survive the greatest of storms, for what is this clothing of

Love? It is the joy of Love… the love of giving… the love of living…

 

Thank you

for reading

At the

Lotus Feet of Sai

Anita