How the Internet’s spiritual resources offer me support in my religious life and practices
By Kumudha Venkatesan
I was in a state of ecstasy hearing devotees chant “Jai Sri Ram” and sing soulful bhajans while watching Ram Lalla’s Prana Prathisthapana (installation) live on a large LED TV at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta. Seeing the divine Ram Lalla adorned with flowers and precious jewels was spiritually elevating and a feast for my senses. In a moment of deep love, I adopted Ram Lalla as my precious son, filling my heart with motherly affection. My intense bhakti (deep love) for God grows each time I gaze at Ram Lalla on my smartphone.
Swami Sarvapriyananda (of the Ramakrishna Order), in his YouTube video “Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion,” emphasizes the power of the form of God for bhakti, explaining that having an image or picture of God provides a divine focus for love and devotion. This principle explains why devotees have personal Deities like Ladoo Krishna or Bala Murugan. I also enjoy listening to and singing devotional songs from various sources on YouTube. These songs inspire joy and devotion in me. I memorize and sing these songs while cooking, and share recordings with my mom. During a video call with my sister from Tiruvannamalai, I feel the bliss from the sacred land of Ramana Maharshi. I also join a weekly call with devotees to learn kirtans and stotras. Listening to and memorizing these songs guides me on the path of dharma.
Seeing or visualizing religious things has an amazing impact on calming my mind. Beautiful images of Lord Siva on Instagram aid my meditation. Once or twice a week, I immensely enjoy reading the Kauai Hindu Monastery blog, where Saiva monks pray, meditate, garden and publish this very magazine, to spread the eternal glory of Hinduism to the world. I loved witnessing the Iraivan Temple’s crystal Sivalingam Pratishtapana live on YouTube. Whenever my mind is agitated, I imagine Lord Siva emerging from the crystal Sivalingam to embrace me. Instantly, I feel composed and calm, and I can think clearly! Narada Muni in the Bhakti Sutra says, “At all times, in all ways, without worrying—love and worship God.” Lord Ram explains nine types of bhakti that bring one closer to God. They are: satsang, hearing the divine attributes of God, service to the guru, devotional singing, chanting Vedic mantras, control of the senses, selfless service to others, contentment, simplicity and humility in every moment.
Despite my spiritual practices, I sometimes experience negative emotions when faced with challenges. In such times, I mentally chant “Om Namah Sivaya,” recall Ram Lalla’s beauty and visualize divine scenes, which instantly bring me calmness. Narada Bhakta Sutra emphasizes virtues like non-violence, truthfulness and compassion, which I cultivate through my devotion to Ram Lalla. This devotion makes me kinder and more empathetic, and I maintain balance in praise and criticism.
The Internet, though filled with distractions, is essential. Following Swami Gaur Gopal Das’s advice on moderation and awareness, I use the Internet judiciously. Setting weekly spiritual goals helps me stay focused. The Internet deepens my connection with the Divine, providing wonderful satsang that melts my ignorance and fills my heart with devotion.
Living by Swami Chinmayananda’s words, I strive to make each day beautiful with love, goodness and joy. Visualizing and reflecting on divine events keep my mind aligned with loving and surrendering to God. Bhakti has made my life fulfilling and happy. I am eternally grateful to God, my guru, and the Internet for increasing my devotion and helping me to be a better version of myself.
About the author
Kumudha Venkatesan, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a wife and mother. She is passionate about Hinduism and spirituality. Contact: kumudha_1998@yahoo.com
Great to hear about the positive aspects of internet era, well written,