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RITUALS

INTRODUCTION

Rituals are age-old appendages of idol worship. The very act of an elaborate ceremony—lighting lamps, candles and incenses, strewing the shrine with flowers and garlands, making special offerings, chanting mantras, singing devotional songs and hymns—adds to the reverential quality of the occasion. Rituals help to anchor the wandering, worldly mind, calling it to the still, quiet center of our beings. They bring with them peace and serenity, so crucial for the meditating mind.

 

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