Sanatan Weekly Online
Issue No. 264 · February 27, 2005
Editor: Mr. Pruthviraj Purushottam Hajare

Articles

Need For Spirituality

Practical Application

Common Misconceptions

Did You Know?

Clarification of Doubts

Messages to Seekers

Children's Corner

Spiritual Experiences

Saints' Quotes


 



Importance of visiting places of worship as spiritual practice*
Question: ““Does visiting Holy places constitute spiritual practice?”
- A seeker.

Dear seeker,

    The answer to this question lies in understanding the definition of Spiritualty or what is spiritual practice. Spiritual practice can be simply defined as efforts made daily (for at least an hour or two) to experience God. Thus, visiting a Holy place or place of worship can be considered as spiritual practice if it is done for at least an hour or longer daily, with devotion or yearning to experience God, accompanied by prayers and proper performance of rituals. Naturally, this definition of spiritual practice would rule out visiting a place of worship just occasionally as a tradition, a pleasant pastime, or because one can perceive the higher spiritual purity (sattva component) there compared to the spiritual impurity (raja-tama) in the world outside.

    Your question also highlights the importance of understanding what is true spiritual practice and the basic principles of Spirituality and the importance of increasing awareness of these in society. Then, with awareness and conscious efforts for spiritual progress, more people can benefit from doing such activities as visiting a place of worship as spiritual practice.

- Editor.

*If one is not currently doing any spiritual practice, or to complement one’s current spiritual practice, one can begin with the simple, but powerful spiritual practice of chanting or constantly remembering God's Name according to one's religion. Chanting also acts as a useful complement to any spiritual path one may be already following. It is a practice recommended for the current times by Holy texts and Saints of all religions.

  • Seekers in the initial stages of spiritual practice (less than one year) can repeat The Name of the Lord as per their religion (refer to Issue 3 Clarification of Doubts section for details).

  • Seekers who have been doing regular spiritual practice for over a year or so can determine the appropriate chant for them from the experiment given in Issue 124, Message to Seekers section.

 

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