Sri Bhagavan often speaks of namaskār (prostration) in the following strain: “This namaskār was originally meant by the ancient sages to serve as a means of surrender to God. The act still prevails but not the spirit behind it. The doer of namaskār intends to deceive the object of worship by his act. It is mostly insincere and deceitful. It is meant to cover up innumerable sins. Can God be deceived? The man thinks that God accepts his namaskār and that he himself is free to continue his old life. They need not come to me. I am not pleased with these namaskārs. The people should keep their minds clean; instead of that they bend themselves or lie prostrate before me. I am not deceived by such acts.”
Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi · Volume III
Talk 549
25th January, 1938