Bookcase Puja

On a shelf on a bookcase in my apartment,

I placed a stainless steel thali with three small brass bells,

a few unlit divos, and a box of unused agarbatti

(because we can’t burn anything in our apartment).

 

I arrayed mini string lights

among the red, green, and yellow puja cloths

that line the bottom of the shelf.

I adorned a wooden crucifix with a mala and

set it to one side of a Bible on a wooden book stand.

Thus have I set up my “prayer room.”

 

This morning before breakfast,

I stepped in front of the shelf to begin puja.

I rang one of the little bells,

switched on the diffuser with sandalwood oil,

and clasped my hands together in prayer.

 

I read from the New Testament.

“You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Even though Yeshu would rise into heaven,

Bhagwan would stay with them as the Holy Spirit.

Bhagwan reminded me that he continues to stay,

even with me today.

 

I finished the puja and turned off the diffuser.

I felt peace through prayer and the time of meditation.

Even the scent of sandalwood calmed and

restored my mind to equilibrium.