Modern day temple complexes house multiple deities including Sai Baba at places so that every devotee can perform his or her ritual. This single window service enables many to save time and money. Otherwise, people had to travel long distances earlier on different occasions. But the system of round the year festivals for worshipping various gods and goddesses continues. Some religions find it cumbersome and have cut down festivals to one or two.
Such a problem of plenty also pervades Western philosophy. There are so many major philosophers that no one can write on any topic without referring to half a dozen names at the minimum.[1] Further, one feels guilty if he mentions someone but leaves out another. So, ultimately, one just juggles various names without arriving at any final conclusion on anything. Such writing is proliferating without any sense of responsibility to thrash out some kind of a solution.[2]
An identical problem is faced by Bengalis. So many great men were born before Independence that they are always tormented as to whom to remember and whom to honour. Their love and respect is always torn between multiple personalities. Deep fissures also develop between friends and family members while negotiating this problem of plenty.[3]
All these problems don't exist for a follower of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo. That's a great convenience and a blessing. Modernity has a fetish for plurality, no doubt; but Savitri Erans rejoice over their lack of option. While I feel singularly fortunate personally in this respect, many devotees of The Mother are yet to be freed from other loyalties. To work upon this aspect of our devotion is surely a crucial dimension. [TNM55]
Notes:
1. Choosing a few traditions
2. Philosophy of Mythology and Revelation (h/t Schelling)
Notes:
1. Choosing a few traditions
2. Philosophy of Mythology and Revelation (h/t Schelling)
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