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by Jayaram V
We meditate upon that adorable effulgence of the resplendent
Savitr, the life giver. May he stimulate our intellects. (A prayer to
Savitr. Rig Veda II.62.10) O Lord lead me, from untruth to Truth, from darkness to Light and death to Immortality. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad)
May good thoughts come to us from every side, pure, unobstructed, overflowing. May we, O Devas, with our ears hear what is good. Holy ones, may we see with our eyes what is good. (Rig Veda)
Following are some of the basic concepts about prayers in Hinduism: 1. In Hinduism prayers are used to invoke gods or various supernatural powers for the welfare of particular individuals or the entire community. The Vedic hymns are some of the most powerful prayers ever known to the mankind.
2. In Hindu prayers the content of the prayer as well as the sounds involved in the utterance of prayers are equally important. A great emphasis is laid on the manner and method in which the prayers are recited. If a prayer is not correctly chanted, if the syllables are not properly pronounced, the prayers may not yield desired results and may even harm the individuals.
3. The Vedic mantras are believed to possess irresistible magical power to invoke supernatural beings, provided they are chanted in a particular manner and according to a particular rhythm.
4. The prayers extol the virtues and potencies of various gods and goddesses in order to seek favors from them.
5. The Vedic mantras are often chanted loudly during public ceremonies. At the same time there are some mantras, especially the personal mantras which are meant to kept secret. The scriptures also insist that the mantras should not be revealed to those who are not spiritually qualified.
6. Traditional Hindus offer prayers to gods in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening.
7. The Bhakti tradition made the practice of singing and dancing in the presence of God very popular. The songs sung on such occasions are deep devotional prayers.
In the spiritual realm a prayer has a greater significance. Continuous recitation of gods name (nam japam) would lead to purification of the mind and inner transformation. It is the best way to develop communion with God and realize the inner self.
Suggested Further Reading
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