Acharya Prashant explains that the path of devotion is a continuous journey from the manifest to the unmanifest. Referring to the verses of Surdas, he notes that while the unmanifest Brahman is beyond the reach of the mind and senses, the worship of the manifest form serves as a necessary bridge. He clarifies that the transition from ritualistic worship to a deeper understanding of the formless is not a sign of laziness or failure, but rather a result of the grace of the unmanifest itself. As a seeker's devotion purifies the mind, older forms and methods of worship naturally fall away to make room for higher realizations. He emphasizes that Saguna and Nirguna devotion are not separate paths but are harmoniously linked. The unmanifest truth guides the seeker toward the specific forms and qualities that are most appropriate for their current stage of growth. Therefore, feeling a lack of interest in previous rituals or idols is a natural progression in spiritual life. Acharya Prashant encourages the seeker not to be disheartened by this change, as spiritual advancement inevitably leads to newer ways of worship and a broader perception of the divine that eventually transcends the distinction between form and formlessness.
