Lord Shiva said: Mahadeva is adored by the wise as intellect and conscious soul and also as pervading and supporting all being. He is situated alike in pots and paintings, in trees and huts, and in the vestures of all men and creatures. He has the several names Shiva, Hara and Hari, Brahmâ, Indra, Agni and Yama. He is both within and without all things, as the Universal Soul, and dwells in the spirit and soul of every wise man. He is worshipped in various forms and modes by diverse peoples.

It is only by the outpouring of the nectar of understanding that he is worshipped. The wise know this as the best meditation and adoration of Deity. The pure intellect, known to be ever present within oneself, is to be constantly looked into and searched out, heard about and felt, whether one is sleeping, sitting or moving about.

Constantly dwelling on it, and resuming the enquiry quickly if ever left off, one becomes fully conscious of SELF, and then should worship the Lord - the self-same Soul - by meditation. The offering of the heart in meditation unto the Lord is more delectable to him than the sweetest articles of food or the most delicate and fragrant flowers.

by Vasishtha Maharamayana