The text discusses the concept of devotion, or "bhakti," and the idea of a Personal God across various religions. It notes that most religions, with the exception of Buddhism and Jainism, have a notion of a Personal God, leading to practices of devotion and worship. Even Buddhists and Jains, though they do not believe in a Personal God, honor their founders similarly to how others worship a deity. The text emphasizes that the expression of love and devotion can be seen in many forms, with the most basic being ritualism, where abstract concepts are made concrete through symbols and practices. The author mentions that throughout history, people have consistently sought concrete representations of the abstract to help them understand and connect with the divine. Despite efforts by reformers in various faiths to eliminate rituals, such practices have persisted as people inherently desire tangible elements to anchor their beliefs. The text gives an example of Muslims who, despite rejecting non-Islamic rituals, engage in significant rituals surrounding their holy site, the Kaaba, underscoring the enduring nature of ritual in religious practice.

by Swami Vivekananda in English Biography

Writen by Swami Vivekananda

Category Biography