FROM LIFE OF SRI SHIRDI SAI BABA BY NARASIMHA SWAMI

[Guest guest]

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...