The Philosophy And Significance Of Idol-Worship by Swami Sivananda
The following is an excerpt from Srila Sri Sivananda Maharaj's "All About Hinduism" (pg. 110-114, Chap. 7) The Idol—A Prop For The Spiritual Neophyte Idol is a support for the neophyte . It is a prop of his spiritual childhood. A form or image is necessary for worship in the beginning. It is an external symbol of God for worship. It is a reminder of God. The material image calls up the mental idea. Steadiness of mind is obtained by image-worship. The worshipper will have to associate the ideas of infinity, omnipotence, omniscience, purity, perfection, freedom, holiness, truth and omnipresence. It is not possible for all to fix the mind on the Absolute or the Infinite. A concrete form is necessary for the vast majority for practising concentration. To behold God everywhere and to practise the presence of God is not possible for the ordinary man. Idol-worship is the easiest form of worship for the modern man. A symbol is absolutely indispensable for fixing the mind ...
