The Presence of God manifested in a solid, palpable form is called a vibhūti. By the power of Divine Will, a mantra, tīrtha (sacred place), holy book, sanctified food (prasāda), or person (saint or Guru) can become a perfect channel to transmit the divine energy. Without such energy-centres and their assistance spiritual sādhanā becomes abstract, complex and often a drudgery.

There are those who hold the view that books serve little purpose for deeper travel in the spiritual realm. However, books like the Upanishads, Gita, Bhagavata and revelations of Realised Sages are equal to the presence of a true Guru.

It is true that there are some who float in the powerful stream of divine grace within and need no help from such outer manifestations. These are very few though. For the majority of seekers who have no direct contact with true saints, such scriptures alone are the infallible guides and inspiring companionship. Such spiritual assistance becomes inevitable for all spiritual aspirants who want to progress on the path.

The Bhagavad Gita is, undoubtedly, a remarkable manifestation of the Divine. Bhagavan Krishna has declared, “In the Gita do I reside.” Hence, treating a sacred scripture such as the Gita like any other book amounts to nothing short of sacrilege—apachāra.

Let us learn to reverentially visit this most authentic temple of Bhagavan Krishna every day of our life and be blessed.

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~ An excerpt from Srimad Bhagavad Gita | Elixir of Eternal Wisdom by Sri Nochur Acharya

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