An Evening At the Kingdom Hall

Namaste

No post yesterday but that's because it was New Year's Eve and I indulged a little in some alcohol (I also offered some to Ma Kali. The alcohol represents all my vices and my ego - by drinking it up she releases me from them so that I might become closer to her.) and didn't want to post while tipsy. But before all those drinks and becoming exceedingly loud, I went to the Kingdom Hall and spent a good two hours listening to the Brothers and Sisters of the Witnesses talk.

First, we sung and then a Brother prayed for us all and then there was a talk - for half an hour - about how Christ was the Messiah (he pronounced it Meziah and at first I thought he had no idea how to pronounce the word properly but then he said 'uz' as well instead of 'us' so I think he has problems with the letter S) and he has been among us, invisible, since 1914. The talk wasn't really important. It didn't effect me in anyway - especially considering that I don't believe in Christ or Jehovah. However, afterwards was the study of the Watchtower and I was deeply affected by this.

What struck me about the Watchtower study was the emphasis on (and though they'd never call it that) bhakti. Give everything up to Jehovah, they were told, and always pray to him before making any big decisions for Jehovah is always listening. Make no big decisions without first praying to Jehovah and when temptation raises its ugly head, seek refuge in Jehovah.

It is very similar to what the bhakti schools of Sanatana Dharma teach. As a (primarily) Shakta, I approach Maha Devi as a child. She is my great mother - eternal, awe inspiring, and ever loving - and She is always close for this entire world and everything in it is She. Make every action a devotion to Her, every thought, every feeling, lay it all at Her feet.

When I am in pain - emotional and physical - I seek refuge in Her bosom (and it's a very lovely bosom, thank you very much -.^) and when I am happy I thank Her for Her blessings (at least I try to remember to!).

While the Watchtower study emphasised Jehovah, I saw Maha Devi in the words and in the devotion these people felt. To be surrounded by them for a few hours was a blessing, even if it was a bit saddening. They are devoted but Maha Maya still covers their eyes and for all their talk about the scales falling from their eyes they have yet to actually experience it.

I firmly believe that in their next lives they will be blessed with Truth and become devotees of one of the myriad true forms of God, whether that be Krishna, Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, Ganesh, or Maha Devi. They are on the right track.

Om Aim Hrim Klim Chamundayai Vicche Namaha
Chhaya

Maha Devi displaying her expansions as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Without her they are nothing.