Why I Pray?

II OM GANESHAYE NAMAH II

We all are aware with Valmiki’s story. How a low-born dacoit, mere by chanting Lord Rama’s name became one of the revered sages. Prayer washes away sins and can work like a very soothing balm on hurt minds and souls. Hence, not just in my religion, prayers are essential part of any good household. Prayer unites religions and people across the world.

There are various forms of praying. By the word ‘pray’ I mean not only the ritual ‘pooja’, but also the entire process of developing a heart to heart bond with the Almighty like chanting, meditation, sacred dancing etc. Here are my major reasons for praying and also the things I pray for. 
1.                 For knowledge and wisdom

For knowledge and wisdom, I sing to her,

Divine white, my holy Saraswati mother,

In reverence, I kneel with folding hands,

To her golden ‘Veena’ and sacred swan.

My day starts with the chant of Maa Saraswati, ‘Om Saraswataye Namah’. Her holy name is the first word that I utter. Knowledge is liberation. For us, a good earthy life and ‘Moksha’ can only come from right decisions that in turn come from wisdom. Hence, to Her, I always pray after getting up and before going to bed.

2.                 To face the world with confidence

When spines snap and spirits crack,

I pray to Him for a stronger back,

Not to lessen my old debt and load,

But for a tougher resolve, on to hold.

A strong will power and resolve only can keep us on the tracks of our goals. Whatever we get here, is directly related to our past life karmas, for I strongly believe in the Karmic theory. Hence, I ask for a stronger back and not for a lesser load from God.

3.                 Prayer is healing, it does heal!

When beloveds leave, never to return,

Above they shine as stars from heaven,

I pray to my God for a calmer mind,

To help arranging what’s left behind.

In such times, mediation helps regain mental and physical composure. I also pray for the departed, for the eternal peace of their souls.

4.                 For my concentration- focus is everything.

When goals seem hazy and dim,

For some more will, I pray to Him,

Walking on a path to my dreams,

I plead for Thy divine blessings.

Just like others, I too have many dreams and goals. I pray for God’s blessings so that I may never fall into snares while on my way to them.

5.                 When I have none with me- when emotions bleed.

When the world turns a brutal face,

When robbed of dignity and grace,

Only for His love and mercy I pray,

All my heart’s secrets to Him I say.

When my kin became my enemy and I had no one to derive emotional support from, prayer only kept me going as it makes me feel in a divine bond with God.

6.                 For maintaining balance and harmony.

Far from cacophony and ugly fight,

I pray deep to soak His divine light,

Floating in clouds of peace and amity,

I dip in the aura of God almighty. 

At least for the time I am praying, I am far away into a world where only positive energies are present. Hence, prayer immensely helps me to shed the dirt of everyday life.

7.                 The ultimate liberation – Moksha.

All I yearn is to dissolve in His light,

I pray for ‘Moksha’, the final flight,

When none is there, no kin, no friend,

When I am but a free soul, in the end.

A sinless soul never returns to this world and dissolves forever into God’s aura. For all souls like me trapped in earthly bodies, ‘Moksha’ is the final destination. Hence, I pray for Moksha. 

The festival of lights, sweets and gold is always fascinating! I look forward to this day the whole year. With house dressed like a bride, we pray to Goddess Lakshmi to enter our abode bringing along happiness and prosperity. May we all develop sacred and deep bonds with our Holy Creator!

A very happy and prosperous Deepawali to all of you!

(Images: Monk In Prayer sketch by me)