Dear Editor,
Although this topic may be didactic, I believe many would concur, while there still are many who would declare that it is not necessary to go to a temple, church or other place of worship in order to worship God.
But while this discourse will continue unabated, we should always be cognisant of the quote, “There can be no progress without head-on confrontation.” Therefore, in light of this, and with specific reference to the opinions below, the question that probably dwells within most God-fearing devotees is, “Does worshipping God need a place of worship?”
In the Bhagavata Gita, Chapter 18 Text 45, it is stated, “Sway sway karmanyabhiratah sansinddhin labhate narah”, which translates as, “A person attains perfection by devoting his life toward his own duty where ever God has kept him.”
Yet another quote from the Bhagavata Gita, Chapter 18 Text 46, states, “Yatah pravritirbhutanam yena sarvamedam tatam, Swakarmana tamabhyarchya siddhiam vidanti maanawah”, which translates as, “From whom proceeds the activities of all beings, and by whom all this is pervaded, worshiping Him from the place he has placed you, through your true karma and honesty, you can please God and attain perfection”.
The above Sanskrit quotes undoubtedly indicate that God does not necessarily dwell in a temple or any man-made structure. To many, God is omnipresent (always present), omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful) and omnificent (all creative). In reality, God is everywhere, and dwells in our hearts regardless of where we are.
To further elucidate on my discourse, there are many who would conclude that they do not necessarily have to go to a temple, church, synagogue or any other place or worship to worship God.
Worshipping at home does not preclude anyone from their beliefs, and just because one does not go to a temple, church or synagogue is not indicative that one is not following one’s religion. Many feel that praying at home, doing their pujas, participating in kirtans and hymns irrespective of one’s religious affiliation is more comfortable, and they can find their own inner peace when the demands of society are taken into consideration.
However, praying in a temple, church, mosque or synagogue has its advantages. It is believed that these places of worship are very sacred. The atmosphere that blankets these places of worship is very overwhelming, and there is a sense of peace, bliss and happiness than one experiences praying there that one does not experience while praying at home. In addition to the propagation of our religions and cultures, these places of worship are very instrumental in dealing with life’s problems; one can make friends and share ideas and ideology there. Further, these places of worship set examples that become inspiration for others. People who are trying to make their lives better, people who want a positive change, are going to be impacted by an example of someone who is committed to regular church attendance.
Also, in today’s society, we are faced with numerous challenges – whether health problems, financial issues, conflicts within our families – and when we meet at these places of worship, we have an opportunity to encourage one another; and that is part of what attending temples, churches and synagogues is about.
Everyone has the prerogative to attend a place of worship to worship, depending on one’s religious affiliation and conviction; but attending a place of worship versus not attending a place of worship can be a point of discussion, when the consensus of most is the belief that God is here, there and everywhere.
Sincerely,
Mani Jadunauth
