Prayer

Prayer can be so much more than reciting words or remembering a deity. It's a powerful way to connect with the universe, nature, and our inner selves. Prayer comprises all-encompassing noble thoughts and invoking the universe. This approach acknowledges prayer as a personal and subjective experience, transcending traditional religiosity. By framing prayer as aligning with the universe and rising above oneself, we tap into its potential to inspire growth, transformation, and self-awareness. This holistic understanding of prayer encompasses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being.

Taking prayer beyond the limits of oneself is the root of many problems we face today. With multiple temples and noise all around, people clash with each other, and the power of prayer is totally destroyed.

The ecstatic experience of भक्ति (bhakti) in a group setting, where individuals become fully immersed in music, dance, and singing, transcending their ordinary selves, can indeed be a powerful form of prayer. However, acknowledging the limitations of this approach, confining within the walls of a temple or a specific community has its beauty. True freedom and universality can be achieved when devotion spills out into the streets, becoming a more inclusive and expansive expression. The concept of नगर संकीर्तन (nagar sankirtan) - silent, collective chanting in public spaces - offers an interesting contrast. While it may not be as overtly energetic as the group bhakti experience, it has its own beauty and can create a profound impact on the surroundings. All in all, everything, anything should be in limits, keeping others in mind.