Excerpt from Seven Mystic Holydays
Swami Premananda
And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way! others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before and that followed, cried, “Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest”
—Matthew 21:8-9
Each year in the spring, when human hearts rejoice in the glory of new life resurrecting through all nature, certain religious rites are observed throughout the entire world. With only slight variations of time, all great religions enjoin upon the observance of Lent. Under different names it is celebrated as a period of fasting and purification. Its purpose is to lift the consciousness out of the domain of the sensory world into greater awareness of God and of divinity.
During this holy season, millions draw a little closer to God in consciousness. In that sense we say that it is an especially sacred time. Every moment is sacred because the all-permeating presence of God is ever with us. In reality each day is holy because all time is God’s time. Can there be a moment or second apart from God? But during special holydays, when millions of souls are awakened to the love of God, there is a spiritual radiation, like a cosmic broadcast, through the entire universe.
The Lenten period precedes Palm Sunday which commemorates an occasion of deep spiritual significance in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. After eighteen years of meditation and realization, Jesus began to preach the truths he had found within himself. The people of his home town and country heard of the spiritual glory which had come to their native son. So when word came that he was returning to Jerusalem, throngs came forth to meet him. They gave him a gala welcome, waving palms and shouting hosannas of praise.
In this homecoming, I believe, there was a deep human touch. Jesus had wanted to come back to the place where he had spent most of his early days. He knew that his earthly life was coming to an end. He could have observed the Passover anywhere for he had transcended the idea that there is virtue in mere external forms of rituals.
In the light of mysticism, the entry into Jerusalem symbolizes the journey of life, the pilgrimage of self-unfoldment which each of us must follow on the path of life. The life of Jesus sets forth a spiritual pattern to walk on the path of God. When he comes and enters into the center of the city, the people welcomed him by strewing their garments before him. It signifies the inner subjective discardance of false concepts and ideals, eradicating and dispersing the clouds which hide the light of purity and holiness.
The multitude, as they spread their garments, cried out “Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!” This chanting implies the consciousness of joy. Inner happiness is a prerequisite to spiritual realization. The reality of God is revealed only in subjective joy. One who is awakened to the love of God has an inner current of contentment in the heart. God alone is the source of all true joy and the palm is the symbol of joy and faith.