Rituals

What purpose do rituals serve? I have ever been boggled by this question. True that most of us are brought up to believe these are things to be carried out without question.. And as a child, I too was an innocent believer who performed all these traditions but  fell prey to questions like these. This led me to forego such observances. Everything does serve a purpose, though. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a shrine which led to a sense of clarity. Just a few hours away from our smartphones can do wonders for our soul. Our sense of connection with the virtual world diminishes in comparison to the bond to our natural surroundings if only we are aware. 

And to let that awareness sink in, rituals have been carried forward from time immemorial. For instance, while walking barefoot in a temple, we are more connected with the soil and our link with mother nature is reestablished. Chanting of mantras and allowing ourselves to perform certain practices help us immerse ourselves in the present, bringing us back from the endless chatter of our minds. It is the only way in which we can be mindful and hence it offers a sense of hope to the troubled mind. Rather than believing that our desires and aspirations will be fulfilled by a presence somewhere else, we ourselves are reminded of our dreams and our trudge seems less weary and we begin to stroll comfortably. Continuing in such a different ambience than in the monotony of our regular lives, brings such wonderful thoughts of clarity. 

Of course, this could also be also be an after-effect of long periods of absence from such activities. However what one perceives is of importance only to oneself. So let your thoughts wander, for I'm reminded of the saying -Not all who wander are lost; it could only be the path to deliverance.