Commentary
A gift, however small, is accepted by The Lord when it is offered with profound faith and devotion. He is satisfied even with a leaf, a flower, a fruit or a little water when it is offered with single-minded devotion and pure heart. What is offered is not as important as how it is offered. Although all the objects of the world belong to Him only and not to the devotee, yet if they are offered to Him by a devotee they become the conveyors of the latter’s love and dedication unto The Lord.
Therefore the offerings serve their purpose only if they are accompanied by (a) devotion and (b) pure mind and heart. If these qualities are absent they are mere economic waste, vanity and false belief breeding superstition. On the other hand, if properly done, they are the means of transport in the spiritual path of self-development.
The way to the Highest is not by way of subtle metaphysics or complicated ritual. It is by sheer self-giving, which is symbolized by the offer of a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water.
WHY AT ALL THE LORD REQUIRES OFFERING FROM A SEEKER?
Swami Chinmayananda
Swami Chinmayananda Commentary
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Adi Sankara Commentary
Yah, whoever; prayaccati, offers; me, Me; bhaktya, with devotion; patram, a leaf; puspam, a flower phalam, a fruit; or toyam, water; asnami, I accept; tat, that (gift)-leaf etc.; prayata-atmanah, of the pure-hearted man; which has been bhakti-upahrtam devotionally presented. Since this is so, therefore-
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