Ayurveda Living

My altar

In India, where there is a long Vedic tradition, home altars are found in every home and there is a multitude of puja items,  that appear very mysterious and strange to us foreigners.  We have on hand a few familiar items like incense, candles, flowers.  We may happen to use them in a very unorthodox manner.  It is the intention that counts, as they say.  The Infinite - who reads thoughts – knows the purity of everyone’s heart.  It is therefore possible to improvise at will. 

My altar is quite impressive, I must admit.  I really have no merit as each piece came as a godsent.  A  painting of Lord Ganesh by Walter Covanti is the centerpiece. I have added some plants, an incense burner.  Photophores were designed by Maurice Filipozzi.  I like to leave on the altar a meditation shawl(pitambar), my malas and other sacred jewelry when not in use.   All these ritual items get ”potentized” by the energy (prana) that is abundant in a sanctuary or sacred place.

In India, they have a variety of  oil burning lamps and incense burning is part of daily life. A nice scented candle can replace advantageously both oil lamp and incense in our claustrophobic winterized interiors. Lighting a candle symbolizes a readiness to get attuned with the Divine.

My preference goes to beeswax candles which are really spiritual and energizing. They diffuse a soothing bright yellow light, a delicate nutty aroma while emitting negative ions which are supposed to make one feel happier. Divine beeswax is perfect for upasana.