rajuvish
0
(from paper published by a research scholar on theology&philosophy)
(a courtesy item -- i am indebted)
Once we have understood the various kinds of prayers, it is easy to understand why the tone and verses used in them change so often. However, it is important to know that each and every religion in the world has a set of prayers that are used on different occasions, some of these have been developed over a period of time and have found their way into our daily rituals. At the same time, each faith has a prayer that is considered most sacred and powerful by the followers, in some instances these are known to trigger miracles like bringing the dead back to life.
Modern science might shun these notions, but constant research has proved that prayers indeed do have a magic of their own — unwavering belief in the Almighty apart, it has been proven that the vibrations that are generated by the chanting of these prayers have a positive and calming effect on the mind. Sometimes these vibrations are so powerful, especially when chanted in a group or on a day when the earth is very sensitive to sound waves, that they can cause changes in the environment and the things surrounding us.
One of the most powerful, recognised prayers is the Maha mrityunjaya mantra that traces its origins to the Rig Veda and Yajur Veda. This prayer is said to have the power to heal even the dead and is dedicated to one of the most powerful Gods in the Hindu pantheon — Lord Shiva. It goes like this:
Om triyambakam yajamahe, sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Uruvarukamiva bandhanat, mrityor moksheeya ma mritat
(Meaning: We worship Shiva, the three-eyed lord, who is fragrant and grows in all beings. Just like the ripened fruit is automatically liberated by the farmer from its bondage with the creeper; may he liberate us from death for the sake of immortality.)
The Maha mrityunjaya mantra was taught by Lord Shiva to Sukracharya, who in turn taught it to the devas, after he succeeded in the test of hanging upside down from a tree for 20 years with smoke blowing from underneath. This mantra is also known as the Maha Sanjeevani mantra because it is said to have the power to restore life back into the dead. The devout believe that placing a rudraksh in a glass of water that is held in one’s hand while reciting the mantra sanctifies the water, this should then be fed to the sickly and the effects can be seen almost instantly.
Christianity is replete with stories about how Jesus Christ used his powers to heal everyone, right from lepers to sick children. The Bible describes prayer as an act where one shuns all evil and bows one’s head in front of God, this not only helps to safeguard against everything negative, but it also helps to act as a confidence booster and helps to increase peace of mind. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (Phil. 4:6-7).
The Quran too is full of anecdotes that hail the power of Allah through prayer. In fact, Islam as a religion promotes the act of praying more than just twice in a day. “We have sent down in the Quran that which is healing and a mercy to those who believe.” (Quran 17:82).
In Buddhism, prayer is said to be an essential part of a spiritual journey that takes one from being just another ordinary human being to someone who is learned and enlightened, this paves the way for salvation which is the ultimate goal. However, Buddhist prayers are never self-centred instead they beseech God to ask for compassion and kindness. One of the most famous Buddhist chants is Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo. (Meaning: Devotion to the mystic law of the Lotus Sutra.) This is a Buddhist invocation that stems from the Lotus Sutra and is said to bring peace and calm to the person who chants it, it helps to open one’s inner energy channels that allow the free-flow of positive energy. Even though this line is from one of the lesser-known branches of Buddhism, it has become famous because many public figures are now embracing this faith and have openly advocated the benefits of chanting this invocation.
The bottomline is that prayer is something that allows one with a lot of scope to take up which way one wants to practice it. This need not be accompanied by rituals either, but the fact remains that prayer helps to establish a connect with a Supreme Power and this in turn does wonders for one’s confidence and state of mind. The debates and studies might rage on about the effectiveness of prayer, but it’s up to each one to find a method that is most compatible and follow that.
_________________________________________________________
(a courtesy item -- i am indebted)
Once we have understood the various kinds of prayers, it is easy to understand why the tone and verses used in them change so often. However, it is important to know that each and every religion in the world has a set of prayers that are used on different occasions, some of these have been developed over a period of time and have found their way into our daily rituals. At the same time, each faith has a prayer that is considered most sacred and powerful by the followers, in some instances these are known to trigger miracles like bringing the dead back to life.
Modern science might shun these notions, but constant research has proved that prayers indeed do have a magic of their own — unwavering belief in the Almighty apart, it has been proven that the vibrations that are generated by the chanting of these prayers have a positive and calming effect on the mind. Sometimes these vibrations are so powerful, especially when chanted in a group or on a day when the earth is very sensitive to sound waves, that they can cause changes in the environment and the things surrounding us.
One of the most powerful, recognised prayers is the Maha mrityunjaya mantra that traces its origins to the Rig Veda and Yajur Veda. This prayer is said to have the power to heal even the dead and is dedicated to one of the most powerful Gods in the Hindu pantheon — Lord Shiva. It goes like this:
Om triyambakam yajamahe, sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Uruvarukamiva bandhanat, mrityor moksheeya ma mritat
(Meaning: We worship Shiva, the three-eyed lord, who is fragrant and grows in all beings. Just like the ripened fruit is automatically liberated by the farmer from its bondage with the creeper; may he liberate us from death for the sake of immortality.)
The Maha mrityunjaya mantra was taught by Lord Shiva to Sukracharya, who in turn taught it to the devas, after he succeeded in the test of hanging upside down from a tree for 20 years with smoke blowing from underneath. This mantra is also known as the Maha Sanjeevani mantra because it is said to have the power to restore life back into the dead. The devout believe that placing a rudraksh in a glass of water that is held in one’s hand while reciting the mantra sanctifies the water, this should then be fed to the sickly and the effects can be seen almost instantly.
Christianity is replete with stories about how Jesus Christ used his powers to heal everyone, right from lepers to sick children. The Bible describes prayer as an act where one shuns all evil and bows one’s head in front of God, this not only helps to safeguard against everything negative, but it also helps to act as a confidence booster and helps to increase peace of mind. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (Phil. 4:6-7).
The Quran too is full of anecdotes that hail the power of Allah through prayer. In fact, Islam as a religion promotes the act of praying more than just twice in a day. “We have sent down in the Quran that which is healing and a mercy to those who believe.” (Quran 17:82).
In Buddhism, prayer is said to be an essential part of a spiritual journey that takes one from being just another ordinary human being to someone who is learned and enlightened, this paves the way for salvation which is the ultimate goal. However, Buddhist prayers are never self-centred instead they beseech God to ask for compassion and kindness. One of the most famous Buddhist chants is Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo. (Meaning: Devotion to the mystic law of the Lotus Sutra.) This is a Buddhist invocation that stems from the Lotus Sutra and is said to bring peace and calm to the person who chants it, it helps to open one’s inner energy channels that allow the free-flow of positive energy. Even though this line is from one of the lesser-known branches of Buddhism, it has become famous because many public figures are now embracing this faith and have openly advocated the benefits of chanting this invocation.
The bottomline is that prayer is something that allows one with a lot of scope to take up which way one wants to practice it. This need not be accompanied by rituals either, but the fact remains that prayer helps to establish a connect with a Supreme Power and this in turn does wonders for one’s confidence and state of mind. The debates and studies might rage on about the effectiveness of prayer, but it’s up to each one to find a method that is most compatible and follow that.
_________________________________________________________
