ESSENCE OF PRAYER : A Journey Towards Inner Enlightenment

It is important to contemplate and understand the significance of prayer, an integral aspect of our spiritual journey, within the profound teachings of His Holiness Brahma Sri Siva Soobramonia Guru Swamigal and the Saiva Sithantha Sungum - Universal Mission.

Prayer, as we all know, is more than just a conversation with God. It is the language of the heart, a means of communicating with the supreme consciousness that resides within us and permeates the entire universe. It is a medium through which we reveal our deepest desires, fears, regrets, and gratitude. In prayer, we do not just talk to God; we listen, feel, and connect.

Let's take a moment to reflect on a story, a story that shows the transformative power of sincere prayer.

There was once a man named Ravi, a simple and honest man who worked tirelessly in his farming business. He was not a scholar or a deeply religious person, but he had a heart full of devotion for Lord Siva. He prayed every morning and evening, often without asking for anything, just expressing his love and reverence for the Lord.

One year, a severe drought struck Ravi’s farm land, turning the once fertile land into a barren landscape. The workers, helpless and worried, decided to pray together for rain. Everyone, including Ravi, joined in this collective prayer.

However, while others asked for rain to save their crops, Ravi prayed differently. He thanked Lord Siva for everything he had been given and accepted the drought as part of the divine plan. He asked only for the strength to endure and the wisdom to understand the Lord's will.

Days passed, and there was no sign of rain. The workers began to lose faith, but Ravi remained steadfast in his prayer and his trust in Lord Siva's wisdom. Then, one day, without any forecast or expectation, it started to rain. The parched earth soaked up the water, and life was restored. The workers rejoiced, and their faith in the power of prayer was restored.

Ravi's prayer was not different in words but in spirit. His humility, acceptance, and unwavering faith had become the conduit for divine grace.

This story illuminates a significant tenet of His Holiness Brahma Sri Siva Soobramonia Guru Swamigal's teachings. As followers of the Saiva Sithantha Sungum, we believe in the infinite wisdom of Lord Siva, the supreme consciousness.

We understand that everything in this universe is a manifestation of His divine will. Our journey, therefore, is not about seeking His intervention in altering our lives but seeking His guidance to navigate through it with grace, wisdom, and acceptance.

His Holiness Sri Sivaya Subramaniyaswami of the Hawai Adheenam says : “Siva's devotees accept all experiences, however difficult, as their self-created karma, without cringing or complaining. Theirs is the power of surrender, accepting what is as it is and dealing with it courageously.”

Prayer, in this context, becomes an exercise in self-realisation. It is not a tool to change the world around us, but a key to unlock the divine wisdom within us.

In closing, let's remember the words of His Holiness Brahma Sri Siva Soobramonia Guru Swamigal, “Let prayer be your chief preoccupation! Pray ardently and without ceasing, alone and together, let it be the alpha and omega of your life.”

May we imbibe this philosophy in our prayers, seeking not just external solutions but internal enlightenment. Let us pray, not just with our lips, but with our hearts, our minds, and our souls. Let our prayers become the beacon guiding us on our journey towards Siva consciousness.

SAIVA SITHANTHA SUNGUM - UNIVERSAL MISSION