Rituals and Moksha
Author: Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Description: A cyberspace devotee from Singapore wants to know how rituals contribute to moksha. Gurudeva says ritual practices are a natural expression of a person wanting moksha, but it also requires the deepest yoga and a mature handling of karmas.
Transcription:
A cyberspace devotee, Radhakrishna, in Singapore wonders if through practicing the ritualistic practices given by Lord Siva to humankind, you can attain moksha.
Well, moksha is a destination. Everybody wants moksha, especially Americans. They want the end of the path before they even start at the beginning of the path. As soon as they hear about moksha, that is what they want.
Moksha is the destination of evolution. Ritualistic practices are a doorway, a tunnel leading to moksha. But the maturation of the soul, the soul maturing actually gives moksha.
To explain that a little bit more, our scriptures tell us that we are as we desire. If we desire spiritual unfoldment, we will desire ritualistic practices. But, if we desire all kinds of other things, that is also alright. But, if they are not fulfilled in this life, we will be born again to fulfill those desires.
Therefore, ritualistic practices are a doorway, a tunnel leading to moksha. But the maturation of the soul, the soul maturing actually gives moksha