Many believe that visiting a tirtha, or holy place, and performing ceremonies can wash away all sins. However, this is a misunderstanding. The holiness of a tirtha depends not on temples but on the presence of holy people. If holy people reside in a place, it becomes a tirtha, even without temples. Conversely, many temples in a place cannot make it holy if unholy people gather there.
The Essence of Devotion
True devotion is purity and doing good to others. When devotion only recognizes God’s image, it remains at an early stage. Greater devotion is seeing God in the weak, poor, and downtrodden. The biggest test of devotion is unselfishness. People who are unselfish are more spiritual and closer to God, regardless of their knowledge, scripture learning, or practices.
External vs Internal Worship
A selfish person might pray at all temples, visit every tirtha, and perform all ceremonies but still remain far from God. External worship is a symbol of inner worship, which is far more important. God favors a person who helps others without discrimination over someone who visits only temples.
The Story of Two Gardeners
Swami Vivekananda shared a story about a rich man with a garden and two gardeners. One gardener was lazy but greeted the master with praise and dance when he visited. The other gardener worked quietly, tending to fruits and vegetables, carrying the harvest to the master’s house, far away.
Swami Vivekananda asked which gardener pleased the master more. God is the master, the world is His garden, and we are His gardeners. The one who serves His creations with care pleases God more than the one who only sings His praises but neglects His creations.
