In True Prayer God is not the giver and we are not the receiver. True prayer merely cleanses the dust of ignorance blocking the the true vision of God.
True Prayer as Communion with the Supreme Truth: A Hindu Perspective
In Hinduism, prayer transcends the act of mere words or rituals; it is fundamentally viewed as a communion with the Supreme Truth, Brahman, or the Paramatman (Supreme Soul). True prayer is not just supplication, but a profound expression of union with the Divine — a state of deep alignment with one's higher self and the universal consciousness. This is the essence of spirituality in Hindu thought, where prayer is seen as a way to realize the deeper truths of existence, culminating in moksha (liberation).
Symbolism in Hindu Prayer
The elements of prayer in Hinduism are symbolic of connecting with this Supreme Truth:
- Mantras are sacred syllables or phrases that embody divine energy. For instance, the Gayatri Mantra (Rig Veda 3.62.10) invokes spiritual illumination and wisdom.
- Puja rituals involve offerings such as flowers, fruits, and lamps, symbolizing purity and devotion. Each element reflects inner qualities — flowers represent the heart, incense the breath, and light the soul’s enlightenment.
- Mudras (sacred hand gestures) and asanas (postures) during prayer or meditation are ways to bring the body, mind, and spirit into alignment, symbolizing balance and harmony with the cosmic order.
Prayer in the Vedas and Upanishads
Hindu scriptures are replete with insights into the purpose of prayer as a communion with the Divine:
- The Rig Veda, the oldest Hindu scripture, contains hymns and prayers that are an invocation to cosmic forces, or Devas, not just for material gain but for enlightenment and universal harmony. The Purusha Sukta hymn (Rig Veda 10.90) speaks of the Purusha, the cosmic being, as the source of all creation, emphasizing that true prayer leads to realizing our unity with this all-pervading consciousness.
- The Isha Upanishad (verse 1) begins with the teaching that “All this, whatever moves in this universe, is enveloped by the Lord.” This Upanishadic wisdom emphasizes that everything in the universe is interconnected and that prayer is a way to realize this divine interconnectedness.
Quotes from Hindu Scriptures (Other than Bhagavad Gita)
Yajur Veda (40.1) – "Om. Everything in this universe is filled with the Lord. Whatever you experience in this world, enjoy it as His gift. Do not covet the wealth of others."
- This verse underscores that all creation is a manifestation of the Supreme Reality and that prayer is a means to harmonize oneself with the divine presence in everything.
Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.4) – "In the effulgent light of Brahman, the individual soul merges into the Supreme Soul, just as rivers merge into the ocean."
- Prayer, in this context, is the path through which the soul (Atman) reclaims its oneness with the universal soul (Brahman).
Taittiriya Upanishad (3.10.5) – "May we hear with our ears what is auspicious, may we see with our eyes what is auspicious...May we contemplate what is holy and the Supreme Truth."
- Prayer here is seen as a practice of contemplation, a disciplined focus on the auspiciousness of the divine all around us.
Stories Illustrating the Essence of True Prayer
The Story of Dhruva: In the Puranas, Dhruva, a young boy, seeks the blessings of Lord Vishnu through intense meditation and prayer. His motivation was initially materialistic — he wanted a kingdom greater than his father's. However, through his deep communion, he attained not just a kingdom but self-realization and a place as the eternal pole star, Dhruva Nakshatra. This story symbolizes that true prayer transcends desires and ultimately leads to divine communion and spiritual growth.
Nachiketa and Yama (Katha Upanishad): Nachiketa, a young boy, meets the god of death, Yama, and seeks the knowledge of what happens after death. Despite Yama’s attempts to tempt him with worldly pleasures, Nachiketa’s prayerful determination leads him to the highest knowledge of the Self and the nature of immortality. This story highlights that true prayer is the quest for the Supreme Truth — the realization of the eternal soul beyond life and death.
Importance of True Prayer in Hinduism
- Connection with the Divine: True prayer is an expression of devotion (bhakti), not just to gain favors but to recognize one’s oneness with the divine. In the Upanishadic tradition, prayer is seen as a form of meditative contemplation that leads to Atma Jnana (knowledge of the self).
- Purification of the Mind: According to the Chandogya Upanishad, prayer helps purify the mind, making it a fit instrument for divine wisdom. When the mind is purified, it becomes an abode for spiritual truth, leading to the realization of the Atman (inner self).
- Transformation of Ego: The Bhakti Sutras of Narada teach that true prayer is a way of dissolving the ego, surrendering all actions to the Divine, and merging with the Supreme.
Lesser Known Facts about Prayer in Hinduism
Silent Prayer (Mouna Upasana): While Vedic chants and prayers are more widely known, Hinduism also emphasizes silent prayer or inner communion. This form of prayer is akin to meditation, where one does not use words but communes directly with the Divine through inner reflection and awareness. In the Mundaka Upanishad, silence is seen as the highest form of worship.
Manasa Puja (Mental Worship): Hindu scriptures describe mental prayer, or manasa puja, where one mentally offers all the rituals, visualizing the divine with the same devotion as in physical worship. This practice underscores that true prayer is a mental and spiritual offering, independent of external rituals.
Modern-Day Relevance of Prayer
In today’s world, true prayer has immense relevance, especially in terms of mindfulness, mental peace, and ethical living. As many struggle with stress, anxiety, and disconnection, prayer in the form of meditation, mindfulness practices, or gratitude prayers helps individuals reconnect with their higher selves.
Prayer as Mindfulness: In modern-day practice, many people find that prayer, like japa (repeating a mantra), helps in reducing mental clutter and focusing on the present moment. This is akin to modern mindfulness techniques that encourage living in the present.
Balancing Material and Spiritual Life: True prayer in Hinduism helps bridge the gap between the material and the spiritual. In an era driven by materialism, prayer is a reminder of the impermanence of worldly possessions and the need for inner peace and contentment.
Practicality in Daily Life: Prayer can be a daily practice to cultivate gratitude, peace, and focus. Reciting simple mantras like "Om" or performing daily puja brings regular moments of reflection and devotion, reminding one of their deeper spiritual goals.
True prayer in Hinduism is much more than a petition for personal desires. It is a communion with the Supreme Truth, a way to connect the individual self with the cosmic order, transcending material concerns and leading to self-realization. Through prayer, one can cultivate purity of mind, surrender of the ego, and the wisdom of non-duality — seeing oneself as an inseparable part of the whole universe. Whether through rituals, silent contemplation, or mental worship, the core of Hindu prayer is this journey toward understanding and becoming one with the eternal Brahman, the ultimate reality.