Theology and Practical Philosophy as a way of life.

Hindu religion identified as Sanatana Dharma is full of traditions and practices. Few examples: Temple visits to worship God, Daily prayer services to specified deities at specific location in the temple or inside the home – often called prayer room with pedastal (Mandapam) with special idols placed in them. They are often identified as Ishta Devatha (God to fullfill one’s desires or personal God)! These idols at home or in the temple are decorated and treated with respect and regard like a King! Special prayers or services are offered that signify the many Hindu festivals. These prayers incude special personal prayers – called Ishta Mantra! In summary, theology or faith in a Lord or Super Being abounds in many facets of Hindu way of life. In many respects it is not much different from the practices in other religious faiths. The ornate details and the grandeur of the celebrations, fesivities and rituals make the Hindu traditions stand out as special. Today such traditions – like fesitivities during Deepavali, Pongal, Onam, Baishaki and Holi are becoming common place as social events and non-denominational in their reach.

There is a fundamental underlying Philosophy from the Vedic Literature, behind all Hindu rituals and traditions. We have addressed a few of them in a few earlier blog posts:
https://sipractce.com/2015/07/19/athithi-devo-bhava-part-2/
https://sipractce.com/2019/10/24/diwali-festival-of-lights-a-philosophic-reflection-on-oil-lamp/
https://sipractce.com/2012/04/15/symbolism-of-the-lamp-at-the-sanctum/

A recent email communication reminded me of this close connection between the Vedic Philosophy and the theological traditions of prayers abd prayer songs used in Hindu worship practices. Following is a brief passage, a weekly update I receive from Ramakrishna Mission – St. Louis, MS., USA. These are compiled and made available online. My since thanks to my good friend for this service!
Power of the mantra
The scriptures emphasize the need for a guru or teacher of spirituality. Out of grace, the guru imparts the Ishta mantra to the disciple, and instructs him or her how to practise spiritual disciplines. “Ishta” means dear, or attractive. The form of God that I am attracted to is my Chosen Ideal, and his holy name is my Ishta mantra. The guru imparts that mantra to the disciple.


Out of mercy the Lord has given all His power in the mantra. One has to repeat it with steadfast devotion, patience, and earnestness. Many people think that it is enough to receive a mantra, and that nothing more needs to be done. This is entirely wrong. Receiving the seed of God’s name is only the first step. The more you travel, the more the length of the road will be reduced. One has to practise spiritual disciplines with firm faith in the mantra. One must remember that Satchidananda [Existence-Knowledge-Bliss Absolute] is the real guru, and all our prayers should be directed to Him. ...
Swami Madhavananda
Stories of Vedanta Monks - Volume II by Swami Chetanananda
Articles from Udbhodan, Section 5, pp. 304-305 www.vedantastl.org

Such short messages can be used as means to reflect on the role and relevance of the Vedic Philosophy behind them. Following are brief statements towards transforming the chanting of Ishta Mantra into Philosophical tools towards Self-Realization:
One who rigorously chants the Ishta Mantra with dedication and concentration, has his mind under control, not wavering.
Such an unwavering mind under control reflects on events of life as images (Maya) or play of the prevailing Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance.
Such introspecting mind is objective and nonattached, the very qualities of God – Ishta Devatha (worshipped through the Isha Mantra).
Such manner of living reflects divinity in the actions and behavior of the practitioner (one in constant prayer) in their daily life?
Such a controlled mind experiences Sat Chit Ananda (Reality, Consciousness and Bliss) also known as Brahman!