Work is worship worship is not work Essay Example

natural disasters and calamities. Another reason for worshiping God in various ways is the longing for wishes and demands to be satisfied. People believe that by appeasing these unseen supernatural forces, they can accomplish anything and witness miracles. Hence, worshiping the unknown may originate from three factors: gratitude, fear, and worldly aspirations. The subsequent sections will delve deeper into the notions of worship, work, and religion.

Worship

The idea of worship is closely tied to divinity and carries a sacred meaning. Nowadays, it has become difficult to differentiate between God, religion, and worship as they are almost indistinguishable. Worship encompasses various positive attributes like dedication, devotion, commitment, sincerity, selflessness, honesty, truthfulness, and faithfulness. According to Tennyson's words, prayer is believed by many to have the extraordinary ability to achieve beyond our comprehension in this earthly realm.

The title of this paper contains the word worship twice, but with different meanings. The first use presents worship in a positive and admirable sense. However, the second use conveys a negative meaning. Before exploring the theme further, it is crucial to comprehend the negative connotation that has become associated with the word worship. Swami Vevekananda suggests that true worship involves purity and doing good for others. He believes that genuine worship of Shiva entails recognizing Shiva in impoverished and diseased individuals rather than solely in an image.

Worship, regardless of whether it is directed towards God, nature, or any supreme power, is regarded as a beneficial practice. Numerous individuals throughout history have partaken in such worship. Nevertheless, there exists a clear distinction between genuine worship and the actions that many individuals undertake while professing

to worship. These actions frequently involve engaging in rituals such as wandering through forests, renouncing family life, observing fasts, burning incense, chanting mantras, going on pilgrimages, and taking a holy dip.

There are individuals who stay awake at night, trying to please God by singing loudly to him. They may even use loudspeakers at full volume, which can disturb their neighbors. On the other hand, some people host large events with the purpose of demonstrating their ability to attract a significant number of attendees. These repetitive actions carried out in the name of religion and God seem to be endless. Therefore, when we say that work is worship, we mean worship in its original sense. Conversely, when we claim that worship is not work, we are using the term with a different meaning.

My job:

The text underscores the significance and role of work in human existence. It highlights that all advancements and accomplishments in various domains stem directly from work. Work is depicted as the essence of life, the key to happiness, and the pathway to success. The text acknowledges that throughout history, remarkable individuals have exerted effort and determination to forge a better world. Additionally, it acknowledges that nature has bestowed humans with an inexhaustible source of energy which should be utilized effectively. Engaging in honest labor not only leads to achievement and joy but also fosters self-fulfillment. The passage concludes by quoting H.W. Longfellow, who affirms that great men attain and sustain their lofty positions through diligent work.

The saying goes, "Were not attained by sudden flight / But they, while their companions slept, / Were toiling upwards in

the night." This means that the most honorable individuals on earth are those whose hands are marked by hard work. Genius is predominantly made up of effort and only a small portion of inspiration. We greatly admire work because it involves taking action, which is the very essence of life. It is through work that we can truly experience and savor the joys of life. All enjoyment, achievements, and progress stem from this magical concept. Work is the central focus of our entire existence and serves as the only pathway to reaching God. Those who have found their true calling in their work are truly fortunate and require no other blessings.

Work is a powerful force that protects us from boredom, vice, and need and acts as a remedy for our troubles and suffering. It accompanies us through life and teaches us invaluable lessons. There is no substitute for the hard work we put in - without it, our lives stagnate and deteriorate. When we reflect on humanity's past, we understand that people lived similarly to animals - eating, living nakedly, and sharing their existence with them. However, through centuries of selfless work and dedication, humans have transformed their animal-like appearance into the smart and handsome visage we see today. Therefore, it is undeniable that all progress and development are direct outcomes of human efforts invested in work.

The concept of work as worship is highlighted.

Both work and worship involve effort and exertion, but when we hold work in high regard and treat it with respect, it can be seen as a form of worship. Approaching our job with dedication and

devotion is akin to worshipping. Both work and worship possess a dignified nature that can elevate us morally. In religious institutions, immersing ourselves in the pursuit of knowledge or mastering an art can also be considered a type of worship.

The subjects of work, worship, and religion are interconnected.

In ancient times, sages and saints used to renounce their worldly life and retreat into the wilderness for solitary prayer and meditation, aiming to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Despite facing strenuous physical challenges, modern individuals are unable to completely detach themselves from society. However, their approach to prayer differs significantly. Traditional religions no longer meet their needs; instead, they have embraced a new form of worship through work. By considering work as an act of worship, individuals find fulfillment in the work itself. It is important not to perceive work as a punishment for humanity but rather as a source of strength and pleasure.

The highest reward one can receive from their labor is the transformation they undergo, rather than what they obtain. In the New Testament, it states that those who refuse to work should not be given food. According to the Bhagawad Gita, an ancient philosophical masterpiece, perfection can be attained by performing one's own tasks and worshiping the Lord who is omnipresent and the source of all beings. Lord Krishna defines true work (Karm) as actions carried out without concern for rewards. Sikhism's foundational principles include working diligently (Kirat Karo), meditating on God's name (Naam Japo), and sharing wealth with others (Wandd Ke Shako).

The concept of 'Kirat' is about earning an honest and dedicated living by

utilizing one's God-given skills, abilities, talents, and engaging in labor for personal, familial, and societal betterment. This requires working with determination. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, exemplifies a life of action. He believes that individuals can shape their own destiny through their actions. Those who lead idle lives suffer from various weaknesses. Individuals with true insight become creative while those who only engage in idle talk harm themselves. Swami Vivekananda teaches that God shows mercy to those who strive wholeheartedly for His realization but remains indifferent to those who are idle and make no effort.

Worship, instead of work, is recommended.

Our great Gurus, sages, and thinkers condemn the ritualistic type of worship with logic, denouncing baseless rituals performed to win God's grace. In Sri Guru Granth Sahib, there are numerous examples emphasizing hard work. Bhagat Kabir states, "While working with your hands, your mind must be with God." Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, in one of his famous poems, advocates for the gospel of work and strongly criticizes worship as work. He writes, "Leave this chanting and singing and telling of beads."