Asserted Topics:
Perform Mansi Puja according to the time and season.
Key Points:
- Perform Mansi Puja by offering Bhagwan (God) items that the mind finds pleasing.
- Whether Bhagwan and His devotees are pleased or even reprimand us, consider it a blessing and continue to serve with devotion.
Explanation:
This Vachanamrut emphasizes the practice of Mansi Puja. It is a beautiful psychological method for fostering love and devotion toward Bhagwan. According to the guidance given in this Vachanamrut, performing Mansi Puja intensifies one’s affection toward Bhagwan’s murti (divine form). As Maharaj explains, such worship provides immense satisfaction to the soul. Furthermore, Mansi Puja reveals whether one harbors true love for Bhagwan or if such love is lacking, or even fluctuating.
Unlike external or physical rituals, which may sometimes be performed out of tradition, social obligation, or routine, Mansi Puja requires genuine inner love. External rituals may be influenced by societal expectations, but the inward sincerity of Mansi Puja is not hindered by such factors. Therefore, when true love resides in the heart, Mansi Puja naturally becomes effective. It not only nurtures internal devotion but also serves as a gauge to measure one’s attachment to Bhagwan. As interest in Mansi Puja grows, love for the murti intensifies correspondingly.
Maharaj instructs us to adapt Mansi Puja according to the seasons. Scriptures state, “Yatha dehe tatha deve” (as one tends to their own body, they should tend to Bhagwan’s form in worship). Just as the body’s needs and preferences vary across seasons, Bhagwan should be served accordingly during Mansi Puja. For instance:
- Summer: Bathe Bhagwan with cool, fragrant water; apply sandalwood paste; adorn Him with light, smooth garments and garlands of jasmine or mogro. Offer refreshing items.
- Winter: Bathe Bhagwan with warm water; offer rich, warm clothing and ornaments, and visualize Him resting on a comfortable mattress in a cozy environment.
- Monsoon: Visualize Bhagwan returning with soaked garments and offer Him dry, warm clothes. Seat Him indoors in a luxurious setting, reflecting the monsoon ambiance.
Maharaj also suggests offering Bhagwan the types of food and items one personally enjoys most. For instance, if one prefers simple meals, they should mentally offer such simplicity to Bhagwan during Mansi Puja. Similarly, items like clothing and accessories that one finds delightful should also be visualized as offerings to Bhagwan. This practice centers the mind quickly and fosters both interest and concentration in worship, ultimately strengthening one’s love for Bhagwan’s murti.
While Maharaj’s guidance focuses on seasonal variations, it can be extended to daily routines. Just as one’s schedule may vary between weekdays and weekends, so too can Mansi Puja adapt to different times, settings, and atmospheres. Modern comforts and technology, provided they align with purity and devotion, can also be incorporated into Mansi Puja. Such creativity and novelty ensure the mind does not tire, keeping enthusiasm fresh and devotion unwavering.
Additionally, Maharaj conveys another important message in this Vachanamrut. When Bhagwan or His devotees are pleased with us, we must consider it a blessing. Likewise, when they reprimand us for self-improvement, we must also view it as a blessing, believing that such correction removes our faults. This mindset allows us to remain joyful and steadfast, avoiding grief or discouragement. Maharaj specifically advises that one should not consider themselves irredeemable or excessively sinful. Instead, we must recognize the good fortune of having Bhagwan and His devotees in our lives. With this understanding, one should maintain a joyful disposition and continue heartfelt devotion, which leads to immense spiritual fulfillment.