There are a variety of methods, practices and procedures adopted in the symbolic worship of God, the Almighty. Depending upon the social evolution of races, people practice different modes of worship in different places. Some practice meditation, contemplation, recitation of Mantras (jap), chanting of sacred verses and singing hymns, in praise of Lord and His glory, while others find solace in undertaking pilgrimages, bathing and anointing idols, participating in religious processions and offering homage to the deities. These various methods, practices and procedures of symbolic worship comprise the first stage of divine worship.

The next step lies in advancing from the earthly to the spiritual plane where instead of using tangible and visible objects and practices, the worshipper adopts more sublime, intellectual means to reach the Divine. Meditation (dhyan) and the recitation of hymns and verses, are used as intermediate steps to reach higher levels of realization. This combination of recitation and meditation lies at the heart of all the modes of divine worship prevalent in every society in the world.

The ultimate stage of worship excludes any form of physical or mental activity on the part of the worshipper. Ultimate bliss is attained solely through self-realization, empathy and resolution. This is known as the calm steadiness of the senses, or a state of trance. This is the stage when one is in perfect communion with the Supreme Being. This is the zenith of selfrealization when the Atman and Brahma are one and the same. Having attained this, the worshipper realizes the ultimate aim of oneness with the Lord, the Supreme. This is possible only by gradual evolution of the Soul-the Atman.

Impatience and haste resulting in unmethodical meditation or the adoption of many already prevalent practices to realize God, betray childlike efforts and lead nowhere. One whose body is engaged in good deeds and whose mind is absorbed in noble ideas may be able to attain higher levels of selfrealization and through this, reach divine bliss and experience the Divine.   As one continues to tread the sacred path, there are umpteen unseen divine forces in the universe which guide and help one in purifying one's tangible efforts and elevate the subconscious level of one's mind. This elevation should be the real objective of the worshipper and all the numerous practices and procedures lead one only up to this point.

Having reached this stage one may depend upon the grace of God and the direct guidance of the Guardian of the Universe, the Almighty God. Now the Atman arrives at a stage where further journey is undertaken on its own, like a rocket traversing its desired path after crossing the gravitational frontier of the earth. Thus one completes the remaining part of the journey to the Absolute Bliss.   Excellence in thought and idealism in deeds form the core of the whole exercise to reach higher levels of self-refinement. Nothing is achieved by mere rituals and adoption of various religious practices and procedures.

These rituals and practices help one to advance further along the path as do the toys and entertainment equipment used in kindergarten for taking children forward on the road to education. These tools are both necessary and useful, but one has to bear in mind that they do not have magical powers in themselves. They only help a healthy body in enhancing its strength and attuning the chosen objectives in life.