SPIRITUAL SERVICE
It is natural to require spiritual support during important moments in life. Regardless of whether support is needed during a difficult situation or during a happy or important situation – we look for support from a Higher Force. We do this in order to receive help in overcoming problems or strengthen us in areas that favors our development.
Deep in our hearts, we feel that the blessing of Divine Power has tremendous power, far beyond our own. This natural conviction causes us to turn to prayer or meditation, to realize our intentions or remove encountered challenges; and this is the right direction. To achieve whatever meaningful change in our lives in a short amount of time, a lot of Energy capable of influencing countless conditions and connections, which shape us is required. In our modern, Western society there is a substantial lack of spiritual knowledge and spiritual practice that can enable real change in us and our environment.
In ancient tradition, there exist many spiritual rituals and practices that aim to call upon deities in order to honor and worship them. Such service is rendered in the spirit of devotion. This can involve: offering water, flowers, food, incense, fire or reciting mantras. Such ceremonies conducted in the proper manner deliver the fruits of blessing.
For them to be properly conducted – appropriate knowledge, experience and dedication (dīkṣā) to the living Spiritual Tradition is required. Upon such initiation, you receive mantras and knowledge with information of how to properly use them. To even partially realize the power of mantras, consistent practice is required. This enables the gathering of spiritual energy, which later can be used in accordance with one’s own will.
Our spiritual service is also based on bringing help and support to those that are sincerely looking for solutions to problems. For fellow believers and sympathizers of our Tradition through our modest means, we can conduct various spiritual ceremonies and practices, adapted to their desires and values adopted at SŪRYA KĀNAN. These rites can be performed by a priest (pūjārī) – with present or non-present participants. There is also a possibility of believers performing certain rites under the supervision of a priest.
Our spiritual duties include: presiding over the ceremonies of life (saṃskāra), participating in religious studies that teach the foundations of Hinduism – principles of sacred duties, and establishing a sensually fulfilled life of economic growth and liberation. The priests at the request of the followers can visit their places of residence and organize pilgrimages to sacred places in India and other countries. In this manner, the ancient wisdom of Saura can be retained.
One of the commonly performed rites is Mauḷi – a Sanskrit term referring to red thread that symbolizes protection, blessing and spiritual power. This protection ritual consists of tying a special thread, strengthened by the energy of mantras and blessings. It is placed on the wrist, to ensure protection and attract positive Energy. This practice is usually applied during important spiritual celebrations or difficult situations in life. Wearing a mauḷi for 21 days is meant to remind the follower of spiritual grace, precious values and undertaken obligations.
Spiritual service relies not only on celebrations related to Sun Worship (sūrya). It also exists to mentor and support those in need – in spiritual and temporal matters. In practice, such activities aim to shape the social fabric of the community, build its morality and integrate its followers. Thanks to this Tradition, it consistently lives on in the hearts and minds of its worshipers, and its virtues influence its development.
Sūrya Deva embodies Love, Life and cosmic order. Practiced through ritual devotion of solar worship ultimately introduces order (ṛta), meaning harmony in the Universe understood as microcosmic and macrocosmic oneness. This supports, the well-being of all Creation, making the worship of the Sun a path leading to spiritual evolution, peace and advancement of the whole World.