What Is Worship?
What is worship? Or perhaps this article is better opened with, “Do you (I) worship Aine?”. We’ll get into the question of “worship” in a moment.
As an aside: what a beautiful name, “Aine” (AWN-yuh).
I have mulled over this question considerably, and each time I come to the same answer: “No, I don’t worship Aine”. However, that response is tied directly with what I perceive as the commonly accepted definition of “worship”. It’s from knowing that I must give an answer to the would-be listener in such a way that they would understand from their perspective.
In other words, what do you think of when you consider the meaning of the word “worship”? For me, it’s people falling to their knees, bowing to religious leaders, and otherwise going about their religious practices without question.
It seems like a type of slavery to me.
My idea of “worshipping” m’lady - if it could even be considered as such - seems to be completely backward when compared to the above idea. Except for on extremely rare occasions, I don’t kneel to her. That’s not to say that I don’t sit in seiza position at times, but that’s considerably different from kneeling.
I don’t unquestioningly follow orders (I question too much!), I don’t kneel, and I don’t grovel. I feel no need to. What, then, is “worship” to my mind?
Worship, to me, is an act of respect and love. It’s opening yourself to something that’s so special to you that you wish to bring them/it/her/him joy. Some would see my behavior as prideful arrogance. It’s just the opposite! I stand before my lady, not groveling on bent knees, because I respect her that much!
If someone were to frequently come to you on their knees, begging you to do every little thing for them, then would you respect them? Would they seem to have any respect for themselves? How would you feel if this person told you how much they respected and revered you? Would you take this seriously?
Do you think that it would become tiresome, or uncomfortable, or even make you angry at this person if they continued their behavior?
Would you perceive their behavior as respecting you, or would you perceive it as loathsome and want them to stop? Unless you have some sort of mental disorder you would probably want them to gain respect for themselves, to stop their behavior, and to leave you alone. How could you have any respect for them, and how could their delusional behavior express true respect and admiration for you?
If you truly love and respect someone then you are going to show them that love and respect. Action speaks infinitely louder than words - indeed, I would argue that words largely do not speak at all.
Another way to express that you genuinely respect an individual (or individuals) is to show that you appreciate them, not their ability to bring you gifts. If someone speaks to you only when they want something then what is your reaction when they try to contact you? I bet that it’s something along the lines of, “Oh, no, not them again”.
All of this comes together to form my idea of “worship”. So, what is worship?
Worship is love, respect, admiration, and devotion to some one/thing/group that is truly special to you. Those qualities are expressed rather than spoken; you show your deity(ies) that they are truly a part of you, your heart, your thoughts, and that they themselves are very special to you.
This is why worship, to me, is not kneeling. It is not groveling. It is not unquestioningly following. It is standing proudly, with love, before your deity(ies). Showing the respect that you have. It’s “praying” to them simply to say “Hello!” and/or to ramble about your day, even as you fully accept that they may be too busy to listen to you at that particular moment. It happens.
Sometimes I even invite her to tell me about her “day”, though I certainly don’t expect a response. Doing so is my way of expressing respect, concern, and interest in her.
It frustrates me to have to ask m’lady for anything, and she knows that I will gladly return effort for her in return (despite my traditional lazieness).
I love m’lady and am so thankful that she has always been a part of my life, and I am certain that she knows this.
~Steph
Topics: Spirituality |
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