Shiva Om

Monday is Shiva day and many are out to celebrate this. A few of us walk to the village temple where the Shiva LIngam is for puga. The sudhus there recognize me. I’ve been to this temple several times this week as it is close by.

I bow my head bring my hands to prayer position and say namaste to one of them. He gives me a high five and a big grin. Culture goes both ways.

They have just finished the fire ceremony when we arrive. We sit for an elaborate puga to Shiva. They let us participate in the ceremony today and we pass the fire and incense over the LIngam as prayers are said. After puga we receive individual blessing and he ties our arm with threads of the bright mela orange colors to wear and apply the tikuli or bright orange bindi to our foreheads.

Walking back to camp someone asks the question, “How do you know for sure if the meditation is working or if you are saying the mantra correctly?” The answer is simple. By the fruits of the Practice. Are we more happy, more kind, more loving, and compassionate than before? Do our families and friends feel loved and well cared for? If so, then the meditation is working. If not, you may want to look at changing your practice. Any practice without heart is simply not worth practicing.

Om shanti peace
May there be peace in your hearts and peace in the world
Jude