GREAT EXPERIENCES WITH OUR JAGADGURU SRI SRI SRI SACHIDANATA SHIVABINAVA NRISIMHA BHARATI MAHASANNIDHANAM:

A person who did not have much faith in our shAstrAs but was still attracted by the tremendous magnetic force of HH, approached him and asked, "What is the use of the shrAdDhA ceremony? Is it noot mere superstition? Is it not absurd to say that by offering some things here in a prescribed way the forefathers are satisfied?

"The rice we offer is still in our presence and yet how could we say that our forefathers have partaken of it and are hence content? Can absurdity go further?"

HH replied, "You are perfectly right in your doubt. If I show you a parallel example where, by observing certain prescribed rules and forms, a person who is not in your presence is satisfied, will you accede that it is not s very absurd as it at first seems to you?

"Take for example the system of Telegraphic Money Orders. If you conform to those rules and forms and ake the money to the post office, the money you paid lies on the table in your presence, yet the person to whom you intended it to benefit is acualloy benefited. While human agencies can thus satisfy the cravings of people at a distance, is it impossible for divine agencies? Only you should do it as it is prescribed. In the instance of the Telegraphic Money Order also it is so. unless you strictly follow the prescribed rules and forms no effect will be produced.
Similarly your forefathers who had eyes of wisdom foresaw the methods by which they could be pleased after their departure from this world and prescribed the rites and rules accordingly. If you follow them you would certainly please them. Why do you doubt it?"

The hearer was quite struck with the force of the argument and went away thoroughly changed in his mind.

Om Sivaya Guruve Namaha