The Vedic principle of celestial controllers does not diversify the Unity, but unifies the diversity. Deities are just different names and forms, or symbolic representa tions, of the energies of nature. The deity is a conduit through which the water of di vine grace can be made to flow by the power of conviction expressed through worship and prayer from the reservoir of infinite conscious ness. However, the seedling of faith becomes the fruit tree of convic tion only when it comes out of the ground of Self-knowledge and survives the frost of logic. We evoke the potential energy of cosmic forces by con templating on deities with faith.
Faith really works.
The power of faith in rituals or the spiritual science works in the same manner as a placebo works by the power of faith in the medical science. However, it is not very easy for the intellectuals to develop a deep faith in the power of rituals. All different types of worship reach One and the same Lord as waters of all different rivers reach the same ocean. External worship with the help of an image or a symbolic representation of God is necessary for the beginners. It is very helpful to develop a personal relationship with a deity of one's choice who can be consulted and counted upon for help during the moments of crisis in life.