“In Hinduism, if the
metaphysical ideal is too
advanced and abstract for a
common man, a theological
principle is set before him.
At this stage, the
‘Impersonal Absolute
Brahman’, becomes a personal
god, the perfect become the
good, manifestations become
creation, liberation becomes
life in the Heaven, and love
takes the place of
knowledge!
The Hindu view of ritualism
is that all men need the
help of rituals but in
varying degrees and kinds,
until the end for which the
ritual is designed is
gained. When the end is
gained, there remains no
need for the means. In the
final stage of religious
life, there is no need for
any ritual. A Sannyasin
performs no rites or
ceremonies. Since the ritual
employed at every stage
should be suitable to the
disposition and level of
culture of the worshiper;
the uneducated people
require grosser forms of
ritual than the educated.
If he is not fit even for
this stage, a course of
ritualistic and moral action
is prescribed for him. At
this level, the personal god
is represented by an image
in a temple, ritual and
prayer take the place of
meditation, and righteous
conduct takes the place of
love.”
