Prayer question answered

RECENTLY many of us offered prayers to the deceased during the period of Mahalaya Paksham.

In Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita, verse 4, it is stated: “Men in the mode of goodness worship the demi gods, those in the mode of passion worship the demons and those in the mode of darkness worship the dead and ghosts.”

Does this mean that any prayers performed in respect of the departed souls is done in the mode of darkness? I fail to understand this. It would be appreciated if anyone from ISKON could explain the meaning of verse 4. VISHNU PILLAY

Kharwastan RESPONSE:

Please note that the verse in the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 Text 4 is referring to worship of ghosts and spirits (black arts) and not worship of the ancestors.

Moreover it is speaking of people who concoct some sort of worship with the idea that they are worshipping God. For further clarity you are advised to read the 9th Chapter Text 25 of the Bhagavad Gita. As It Is.

KRSANGI RADHE DASI

ISKON