Your heart, your temple

Scriptures tell us that we should worship God above all inwardly, and outwardly only as an expression of our inner devotion. Swami Kriyananda writes.

Scriptures tell us that we should worship God above all inwardly, and outwardly only as an expression of our inner devotion.

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Traditions may be found in every religion to the effect that holy vibrations exist in certain places on earth. These vibrations may be attributed historically to the fact that miracles have been performed there, or to the presence of great masters who once lived there. Or, they may simply be the result of centuries of devout worship in those places.

Once a place becomes impregnated with spiritual power, its vibrations may linger on for centuries. Yet outward pilgrimage, without corresponding inner communion with God, is of only temporary value. The important thing is our inner relationship with the Lord.

When visiting holy places, we should tune in sensitively to their vibrations, and maintain a prayerful attitude. Our hearts' feelings must be stilled, to receive divine blessings and lasting benefits.

Outward pilgrimage may help reinforce and deepen our attunement with God, but His favourite altar is the heart that is cleansed of attachment and desire, and uplifted to His love.

To worship God means not to remain satisfied with mere intellectual concepts about Him; nor yet to accept the cloudy, illusory visions and "inspirations" that well up from the subconscious. To worship Him truly means to persist in meditation until He lifts us into ecstatic communion with Him.

If you want to be the kind of worshiper that God Himself is seeking, out of His vast family of devotees, set aside time every day for direct, super-conscious contact with Him in meditation.

Enter into the silence of inner, divine communion. The holiest of holy is the inner sanctuary of heart.