Not everybody can relate to abstract concepts. Something tangible is needed by most of us, especially if it is to be followed on a day-to-day basis. Hinduism seems to understand this need, which is why you see meditation, idol worship, myriad rituals and even music and dance as part of the spiritual pursuit.
A mandala is a symbolic depiction of the cosmos, trying to bridge the gap between the abstract and actual perception. It is a spiritual teaching tool and is used an aid to meditation. The rudraksha – berries of an evergreen broad-leaved tree – is another such tool. Garlands with 108 rudrakshas are used to aid chanting. The beads help in keeping count of the number of times a mantra is chanted.
Meditation – a tool which when used properly calms the mind and enables it to function more efficiently – has always been a part of worship across all Hindu sects. Ancient Hindu texts tell us about the existence of a subtle body wherever there is a physical body. Chakras are energy centers in the subtle body. Practices like mantra chanting and meditation are believed to cleanse and energize these energy centers. The effect of this cleansing and energizing permeates to the physical body, making it more energetic both physically and mentally.
A calm mind in an energetic body is the goal of all ritualistic practices of Hinduism. Once this goal is achieved, recognition of one’s dharma comes easily, bringing the spiritual goal of moksha closer.
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