In the Hindu tradition, closing a meeting with prayers or rituals is a way to offer thanks to the divine, seek blessings, and ensure the success of the endeavors discussed. The closing prayer can be simple or elaborate, depending on the context of the meeting. Below is an expanded explanation with a few prayers, pujas, worship mantras, and relevant information.
1. Significance of Closing a Meeting with Prayer
- Spiritual Closure: Offering a prayer at the end of a meeting is believed to invoke divine blessings for the successful implementation of decisions taken.
- Positive Vibration: Reciting mantras or prayers creates a positive and sacred atmosphere, ensuring the thoughts and actions are aligned with dharma (righteousness).
- Gratitude and Humility: It's a way to express gratitude to the divine forces for their guidance and support.
2. Simple Prayers and Mantras to Close a Meeting
Gayatri Mantra: The Gayatri Mantra is a universal prayer in Hinduism, often recited for purification and enlightenment.
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः।तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं। भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि। धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥Meaning: "We meditate on the glory of the Creator; who has created the Universe, who is worthy of worship, who is the embodiment of knowledge and light, who is the remover of all sins and ignorance. May He enlighten our intellect."
Shanti Mantra (Peace Prayer): Shanti mantras are chanted to bring peace and harmony.
ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः।सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु। मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत्॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥Meaning: "May all beings be happy, may all beings be free from disease, may all beings experience auspiciousness, and may no one suffer in any way. Om Peace, Peace, Peace."
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra: This mantra is a powerful prayer for protection, healing, and overcoming difficulties.
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥Meaning: "We meditate on the three-eyed one (Lord Shiva), who permeates and nourishes all like a fragrance. May He liberate us from the bondage of worldly attachments and death, granting us immortality."
Common Closing Prayers (Shanti Mantras)
Shanti Mantras are often used to close gatherings, meetings, or any important events in Hinduism. They are prayers for peace, harmony, and well-being. Here are a few examples:
a. Om Shanti Mantra
This mantra is a universal prayer for peace:
Mantra:
ॐ द्यौः शान्तिरन्तरिक्षँ शान्तिः,पृथिवी शान्तिरापः शान्तिरोषधयः शान्तिः। वनस्पतयः शान्तिर्विश्वेदेवाः शान्तिर्ब्रह्म शान्तिः, सर्वँ शान्तिः शान्तिरेव शान्तिः सा मा शान्तिरेधि॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Transliteration:
Om dyauh shantir antariksham shantih,Prithivi shantir apah shantir oshadhayah shantih.
Vanaspatayah shantir viswedevah shantir brahma shantih,
Sarvam shantih shantireva shantih sa ma shantir edhi.
Om shantih shantih shantih.
Translation:
May peace radiate in the whole sky, in the vast ethereal space.May peace reign all over this earth, in water and in all herbs, trees, and creepers.
May peace flow over the whole universe.
May peace be in the Supreme Being Brahman.
And may there always exist in all peace and peace alone.
Om peace, peace, peace.
b. Asato Ma Sadgamaya Mantra
A powerful prayer from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad for guidance towards truth and enlightenment:
Mantra:
ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय।तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Transliteration:
Om asato mā sad gamaya,Tamaso mā jyotir gamaya, Mrityor mā amritam gamaya. Om shanti shanti shanti.
Translation:
Lead us from the unreal to the real,From darkness to light,
From death to immortality.
Om peace, peace, peace.
2. Puja for Closing a Meeting
To close a meeting in a more ritualistic manner, a simple puja can be conducted. Here’s a brief outline:
a. Ganesh Puja (Praying to Lord Ganesha)
Lord Ganesha is considered the remover of obstacles and is worshipped at the beginning and end of Hindu ceremonies. A simple closing prayer to Ganesha may include:
Mantra:
गणपति बाप्पा मोरया, मंगल मूर्ति मोरया।गजाननं भूत गणाधि सेवितं, कपित्थ जम्बू फल चारु भक्षणम्। उमासुतं शोक विनाशकारकं, नमामि विघ्नेश्वर पाद पंकजम्॥
Transliteration:
Ganapati Bappa Morya, Mangala Murti Morya.Gajananam Bhoota Ganadi Sevitam, Kapittha Jambu Phala Charu Bhakshanam. Umasutam Shoka Vinasha Kaaranam, Namaami Vighneshwara Paada Pankajam.
Translation:
Hail Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the embodiment of auspiciousness.O Ganesha, who is served by the celestial beings and who loves offerings of fruits like wood apples and berries.
O Son of Uma, destroyer of sorrow, I bow to your lotus feet.
b. Arati (Offering Light)
At the end of the meeting, performing an arati (a ritual of waving lighted lamps) while chanting the names of deities is also a common practice. For a general closing arati, you could use:
Mantra:
Om Jai Jagdish Hare...
3. Performing a Simple Pooja to Close the Meeting
Lighting a Diya (Lamp): Before closing the meeting, a lamp (diya) can be lit, symbolizing the light of knowledge, wisdom, and positivity. The diya is usually placed in the east direction of the room.
Offering Flowers and Fruits: Simple offerings like flowers, fruits, or sweets can be made to the deity or a picture of a god/goddess placed in the room.
Aarti: Performing a brief aarti with a small lamp or camphor is a way to honor the divine. A short aarti song can be sung, or simply rotating the lamp in front of the deity while chanting "Om" is sufficient.
Sprinkling Holy Water: Sprinkling a few drops of holy water (Ganga Jal) around the room can purify the space and bring auspiciousness.
4. Relevant Facts and Information
Mantra Chanting Benefits: Chanting mantras can positively impact the mind, body, and environment. It’s believed to bring mental clarity, reduce stress, and create a spiritual ambiance.
Om as a Closing Sound: Ending with the chanting of "Om" (ॐ) is very common in Hindu practices. "Om" is considered the primordial sound and is believed to contain the essence of the universe.
Offering Prasad: After the prayer or pooja, offering prasad (a small portion of food offered to the deity) to the participants symbolizes the sharing of divine blessings.
Respectful Silence: A moment of silence after the prayer allows the participants to internalize the vibrations of the mantras and maintain a peaceful closure.
5. Closing Words
After the prayer, the leader or head of the meeting can say a few words, such as:
- "May the divine guide us in the right direction."
- "Let us proceed with the grace and blessings of the Almighty."
- "May our efforts bear fruit for the welfare of all."
This approach not only brings a spiritual conclusion to the meeting but also ensures that everyone leaves with a sense of positivity and purpose.