God and the priest

[deponti]

At dawn this morning, I was standing in front of the Raghavendra matth (religious centre), when the temple was opened, and I watched the priest:

Comments

[pondhopper]

Perhaps this is what true religion is...doing one's duty, even when no one (except God, and in this case, an unknown observer) is watching.

That is actually a very good definition of leading a worthwhile life!

[deponti]

Oh...yes, it is....! *bulb lights up over my head*

[eatsoylentgreen]

he's not just doing it because it's a job, is he?

[deponti]

Could be...but again...doing your job well when no one is watching is...admirable!

[eatsoylentgreen]

I suppose... it starts to be a belief at that point, or more like... identity?

[deponti]

Now, I reaize why organized religion stresses so much on duty. One must have a sense of duty in order to go through the same rituals, day after day...until the ritual itself becomes a source of comfort.

[anonymous]

These rituals could be a way of seasoning the idols? That's how they have been conserved for many centuries, I guess.

[deponti]

Hmm..that's a thought, but...the main idols are usually made of granite, and the utsava vigrahA of bronze or brass...so I don't think they need seasoning to last, like wood does.