Praying for friends, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, is a wonderful way to express love and support. Hinduism’s inclusive nature celebrates the diversity of existence and acknowledges every individual's unique path. Here is a guide to praying for LGBTQ+ friends, with specific prayers, mantras, and tips on a meaningful approach rooted in compassion, spirituality, and inclusivity.
1. Understanding Inclusivity in Hinduism
Hinduism encompasses numerous deities and forms that represent different aspects of life and consciousness, often embracing the spectrum of gender fluidity and duality. For instance:
- Ardhanarishwara represents the divine unity of masculine and feminine, symbolizing the acceptance of all forms.
- Mohini is the only female avatar of Lord Vishnu, who highlights the idea of transformation and embracing one’s inner truth.
2. General Intentions for Prayers
When praying, your intentions may focus on:
- Inner peace, joy, and self-acceptance for your friend.
- Harmony in their relationships.
- Their mental and physical well-being.
- Spiritual guidance and protection on their journey.
3. Simple Prayers and Mantras for Support
Below are some specific prayers and mantras that can be used while praying for friends in the LGBTQ+ community.
Ardhanarishwara Mantra
- Mantra:
“Om Ardhanarishwaraya Namah”
- Meaning: A salute to the deity who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities. This mantra seeks unity, harmony, and acceptance of self and others.
- Mantra:
Mohini Mantra for Embracing Inner Truth
- Mantra:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Mahamohinyai Namah”
- Meaning: Invoking Mohini helps bring courage and strength in embracing one’s unique identity.
- Mantra:
Ganesha Mantra for New Beginnings and Removing Obstacles
- Mantra:
“Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”
- Meaning: This is a powerful mantra for removing obstacles, invoking blessings for a peaceful and harmonious life.
- Mantra:
Saraswati Mantra for Wisdom and Self-Understanding
- Mantra:
“Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah”
- Meaning: Praying to Saraswati brings clarity and understanding, helping in the journey of self-discovery and wisdom.
- Mantra:
Dhanvantari Mantra for Health and Healing
- Mantra:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amritakara Krupaya Namah”
- Meaning: This mantra invokes Dhanvantari, the god of health and medicine, and is ideal for blessings of well-being.
- Mantra:
Lakshmi Mantra for Emotional and Material Prosperity
- Mantra:
“Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyai Namah”
- Meaning: Lakshmi represents wealth and emotional prosperity, which are vital for stability and support.
- Mantra:
4. Practical Puja Steps
To perform a simple puja, follow these steps:
Choose a Peaceful Space: Find a quiet, clean place where you can set up a small altar or sacred space with images or idols of the chosen deities.
Prepare Offerings: Offer flowers, fresh fruits, incense, and a small lamp or diya.
Dress and Colors: White or yellow are ideal, as these colors signify purity and spiritual growth. However, you can also wear colors associated with the deity you are invoking, such as green or red for Durga, or blue for Vishnu.
Begin with Invocation: Start by calling upon Ganesha to remove obstacles in the prayers. Use the mantra, “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” three times.
Chant Mantras: Recite the chosen mantra(s) for the deity, focusing on the specific intention. Visualize blessings flowing to your friend, filling them with peace and self-acceptance.
Offer Prayers from the Heart: Speak from your heart, asking for protection, guidance, and blessings for your friend. You may also silently express gratitude for their presence in your life.
Closing: Conclude with a short prayer of gratitude and extinguish the lamp.
5. Ideal Deities for Supportive Prayers
- Ardhanarishwara: For acceptance and harmony between dualities.
- Mohini: For embracing individuality and transformation.
- Ganesha: For removing obstacles and offering a smooth path.
- Hanuman: For strength, resilience, and emotional courage.
- Lakshmi and Saraswati: For emotional wealth, peace, and wisdom.
- Dhanvantari: For health and healing.
- Durga: For protection and empowerment, invoking strength to overcome societal obstacles.
- Vishnu and Parvati: For love, balance, and support in relationships.
6. Rare Facts and Spiritual Insights
- Ardhanarishwara’s Symbolism: Ardhanarishwara’s unique form symbolizes that divine energy holds no single gender, highlighting Hinduism’s inclusivity.
- Role of Mohini: Mohini is a reminder that divinity can take any form, embracing fluid identities without judgment.
- Temple Acceptance: Some temples in India, such as those dedicated to Bahuchara Mata in Gujarat, are known for openly accepting and blessing members of the LGBTQ+ community.
7. Modern Practical Steps for Praying for Friends
- Daily Mantra Chanting: Chant the chosen mantra for your friend each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Visualization helps create a strong positive impact.
- Virtual Puja or Prayer Group: If you can’t meet in person, consider hosting a virtual prayer session or including this intention in your meditation or prayer group.
- Affirmation Practice: Use affirmations alongside your prayer, such as “May they find peace and self-love” or “May they be surrounded by love and understanding.”
- Create a Friendship Talisman: Charge a small item, like a bracelet or a crystal, with positive energy by keeping it near you during your prayers. Gift it to your friend as a symbol of your supportive intentions.
By following these practices, you not only embrace traditional Hindu spirituality but also adapt it to support inclusivity and compassion in a modern context. Hinduism teaches that the soul is beyond labels, identities, and forms, reminding us that divinity lies within all beings.