Sivananda Yoga FAQ December 2019
Sivananda Yoga FAQ Q 1: Do you think that a mediator is necessary in order to enable us to attain Self-realization? A: Yes, yes. That is the Tutelary Deity or Ishta Devata. The mind cannot all at once rise beyond itself. The ego will seldom cut its own throat. Your consciousness will find it a hard task to realize the Cosmic Consciousness. Therefore the Name and the Form of a Deity are chosen to meditate upon. In due time, this Deity will manifest Itself before you and do the work of annihilating the ego [...]