WHY IDOL WORSHIP – STORY
(Observed from H.H Radha Govind Maharaj)
HH Radha Govinda Maharaj meets an Airport official at Kuwait airport .
H.H Radha Govind Maharaj mentions this incident on his flight from kenya to India his flight had a transit via kuwait.
Due to some delay he had to wait for 4-5 hrs at Kuwait.
While chanting Hare Krishna in the airport lounge, an airport official watching the indian swami became intrigued and called him over to speak.
At first Maharaj was feeling somewhat reluctant to go as he was in a country which may not appreciate his path.Gathering courage with faith in his Lord,
Maharaj went to meet the man.
The official quickly opened the discussion with his introduction and then asked Maharaj if he was a Hindu swami.
Getting his answer yes, He asked ” I heard hindus worship stone as God”
Maharaj immediately answered him in a way that he may understand “Oh, No , we don’t worship stone as God but we worship God in stone”
This answer surprised the gentleman and intrigued him. Now he wanted to know how.
Maharaj then said “Actually as per your scriptures, Allah has a bluish face, he is playing flute and that he has many followers devotees staying with him.”
“Is it ?” – asked the official…
Maharaj continued ” Of course not all have seen him, only those who are pure have seen him. So now if you love someone , many times people to remember the beloved and to cherish their memories , they make a beautiful painting or sculptor of the person. Similarly , in our tradition those who have seen god have beautifully painted them and carved his form for them to remember him and also help see those who have never seen them”
“Oh that’s unique” replied the kuwaiti man.
Wanting to ask more , know more – the man was ready with his queries. Just then some alarm rang announcing time for Namaz prayers.
Politely excusing himself, the man there and then opened up his mat put it on ground and began offering prayers. He was not alone, literally the whole airport joined him .
Mean while Maharaj continued chanting the holy names on japa beads in his style. Minutes
Later, the man was done with his prayers and so he joined back. This time Maharaj opened the discussion with the question …. ” Are you sure that your prayers are being heard by Allah”…
YES came the stern and serious reply.
Maharaj: “So you mean your prayers, Allah can hear !”
Man quite annoyed remarked, ” Just like you can hear me, Allah can hear all of us”
Maharaj, ” That means Allah has ears to hear. Since i hear thru ears as per your logic”
(Maharaj mentions to the audience “at this time i didn’t inform him that god need not have ears to hear……he can also hear from legs, mouth “angani yasya sakalendriya…”. He was not ready for this advanced version”)
Maharaj continued ” If he can hear you, can he also speak to you”
“Yes” came the reply.
Maharaj: “Then can he not see you when you are in trouble”.
“Sure” came the reply.
Maharaj: “It means Allah has ears, eyes, mouth- implies Allah has a form”
The gentleman couldn’t believe how simple it could be…
Just then Maharaj heard the announcement for boarding of his flight to India.
Confirming from him the time, Maharaj asked for his leave..
Impressed by the swami, the officer asked “you do not have a watch !”.
“No” said Maharaj.
The officer immediately went to a shop, bought one nice watch for Maharaj and gave him as a gift saying ” You may require to check timings for your prayers”.
The officer was happy to meet Maharaj and they both parted.