[erepsysoulpfbs]

people have spoken about the specificity of worshipping jesus as opposed to worhshipping god. they have noted that a common christian interpretation is that only jesus can be worshipping.

i find it worthwhile to analyze this through some of the concepts of advaita vedanta.

however, first i will note the christian concept of the trinity. it is not a triple godhead. each aspect of god is the entirety of god, and this is not a paradox. in god all paradoxes are resolved.

now i will not vedanta. as i said before "the upanishads are summed up in one phrase तत् त्वं असि "tat tvam asi" (that thou art) by the advaita vedanta and they believe that in the end, the ultimate, formless, inconceivable brahman is the same as our soul, atman. we only have to realize it through discrimination."

the distinction

nirguna-brahman is god as he is. he is formless and transcendent, the guiding principle that animates the universe.

saguna-brahman is god with attributes. this is when we think of a picture of jesus, a cross, or use words

(tantra make an interesting distinction here. an image of a god is considered gross, the corresponding yantra (mandala) subtle, the mantra the highest form. each is used.)

note: it is important to note than anything represents the entirety of god. a soul, an image, a moment, each is a micrcosm of god and essentially represents the entirety (think fractals) so no matter what you are contemplating, you are contemplating the entirety of god.

realization of nirguna is only possible with nirvana/enlightenment, obviously.
until then it is recommended that you concieve of an image of him. note that ra reccomends this form of mediation, concieving of a personally inspiring image of perfect, something that makes you feel peaceful, personally connected. this is clearly something that can be done outside of meditation; simply attempt to feel the presence of love, god and peace. (note: bhakti yoga)


i see many of you have a christian upbringing. my recommendation for you would probably to continuing to use the jesus image in your thoughts and prayers, as this likely forms a strong personal connection to you.