Relics … Symbolic as Manifested Consciousness of Spiritual Leaders & Saints
Right from childhood days, I have witnessed in society offices, the Ashram premises, in designated places, and also puja rooms in sadhaks’ homes, the concept of relics of Sri Aurobindo being kept covered in boxes or pedestals as token of reverence ... This is a little different from the traditional way of keeping statue or photos of chosen deity as symbol of reverence in temples and homes … and relics being immersed in holy water of river symbolising immersion of relics (ashes – remaining Earth element after offering physical body after death to Fire) into holy water.
Being brought up in a traditional family wherein daily ritual of morning and evening puja was observed as an essential chore, religious practices have made an imprint in my thought and feelings developed during my life journey and have been an influencing factor in moulding the personality. My father’s active association with Sri Aurobindo and The Mother since 1970s was the key driver of my interest in Sri Aurobindo’s and The Mother’s teachings which came to me through study circles and listening to sadhaks from the Ashram.
My experience of spending time in the Samadhi area in the Ashram – meditating in the Samadhi area and puja rooms, has helped to connect my psychic self with The Mother’s presence at subtle physical level to receive the Grace. Visualising her beaming presence with her penetrating looks has been a guiding force to getting subtle advice to make decisions.
Over a period, I realised relics represent her manifested consciousness in form of matter in cellular form. This thought got reinforced as I read the texts written by sadhaks in the Ashram and also commentary by spiritual saints.
- Pranav Srivastava (India)
Wonderful explanation Pranav ji. I too had many doubts when I first saw the Relics in Kolkata as a School kid.I wondered about its spiritual significance. Over time, I got more clarity in the lines of your blog.
ReplyDeleteThe relics of Sri Aurobindo were brought to SASP center in Lodi California a couple of decades ago. There has been since a tangible sense of spirital energy, much like what is felt at the Samadhi in Pondy, albeit not as strong.
ReplyDeleteThis practice may be common in some Buddhist traditions as well. I knew of one example in the Burmese Theravada tradition, where the relics of the founder and main teacher were buried inside a stupa that was erected in his memory. It was believed that it would bring protection to the monastery. Interestingly, a couple of years ago there were extensive fires in the area ( which is forested) which devestated the surrounding land but the monastey was spared.
So even in the case of a Buddhist Arahat were the emphasis is not on the physical body the remains carry a special energy with lasting effects. I believe in the case of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother this would be especially true because of their work in the physical plane.