These days most of us rarely use
All five senses in an activity, to choose
Something that involves our senses can be
A grounding practice to counter restlessness and anxiety
*
In searching for a practice that would engage all five senses of mine
I found that some religious rituals were designed
In such a way that sight, sound, smell, touch and taste converge
To connect the soul to the surrounding universe
Although to many Hindu temples I have been
Through this lens the rituals of worship I had not seen
*
I take off my shoes at the entrance
My feel touch the floor, engaging my first sense
I ring the bell and the high-pitched sound
Invokes a sense of spirituality profound
Soothing devotional music I hear
I feel a sense of calm appear
I take in the sight of the deities dressed in silks fine
And the devotees bowing their heads to a power divine
The sweet smell of incense makes its way to me
With four senses engaged, I am now immersed blissfully
In the ritual of worship, after the chanting of prayers is complete
I am ready to accept the prasad, the divine offering, and eat
The food prepared with devotion for the temple deity
This step engages the final sense of taste for me
*
Apart from its religious or spiritual aspect, this practice
Engages sequentially all five senses
Visiting the temple, therefore, I find
Invigorates my spirit and mind
Passion...unbridled 