| Finally, the most
important subjective function of ritualism is what may be called its mystical function.
The central part of every true religion is a profound mystical experience in which the
soul feels the nearness of God. And one of the functions of ritualism is to suggest this experience and
create an atmosphere in which the soul would be predisposed to it. This is done by means of various ritual acts the symbolism of which we
dimly comprehend, by means of sacred formulas in an ancient, archaic language the meaning
of which we only half perceive, but the utterance of which thrills the heart with a vague
suggestion, and by means of consecrated things such as images, rosaries, vessels and
lamps, which with their thousand associations with the religious mood take away the mind
from what is wordly and familiar and vulgar.
Here we have the subtlest of the functions of ritualism and the
secret of its great influence. A wisely planned and solemnly conducted ritual prepares the
ground, creates the atmosphere, suggests the mood and predisposes the mind, so that
the religious soul may easily detach itself from the world and feel the mysterious
presence of God. That is why, though God is everywhere and understands every language, we
refer to go to a temple to worship Him-the more ancient the better and say our prayers in ancient Sanskrit. |
