A common space for harmonic peacemakers

VII: 24

Chapter 7, Verse 24

"Fleeting is the reward
That those of small minds receive.
They go to the gods they worship,
But my worshipers come to me."

Swami Satchidananda:

The great sage Shankaracharya, while worshiping, said to the Lord, "Please forgive me. This is crazy. You are the whole world. I am making you sit here while I wave this little light."

Even while doing so, he said, "You have created all the sounds of the whole world and here I am ringing a little bell. Pardon me, please. Because of my limitations, I have to do this."

That's knowing your limitations.

"I know my limitations, Lord. Because of my limitations, I am just giving you a name and a form. Please pardon me, because I can't perceive anything much bigger than myself. You are infinite. How can a finite being perceive the Infinite?"

When we learn this truth, we will never discourage anybody from using any name or form to worship the same God.

A friend:

The words of Shankaracharya are sweet and humble. They really touch my heart. His deep connection to God allows him to talk this way.

[As one's connection to God deepens, so does one's humility. This shows the difference between Self-esteem and self-esteem.]