PHILOSOPHY OF IDOL WORSHIP

THE IDOL is a support for the neophyte. It is a prop in 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 with the form of
worship he chooses.
It is not possible for all to fix the mind on the Absolute. 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. The mind wants a prop to lean
upon. It cannot hold a conception of the Absolute in the initial stages. Without the help of some
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SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
external aid the mind cannot be centralised. In the beginning, therefore, concentration or meditation
is not possible without a symbol.