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Prayer/ MeditationPrayer in Hinduism is a special kind of religious activity. Hindu prayer is not a conversation with God as it is in some other religions. Hindu prayer involves repeating a name for the supreme Brahman over and over again using a mantra. A mantra is a word or phrase that a Hindu chants during meditation. The sacred word ‘Om’ or ‘Aum’ is a mantra for the supreme Brahman. Hindus believe the supreme Brahman is essentially nameless, even though he is known by thousands of different names. Hindus generally use just one mantra during their lifetime. In most cases the one chosen will have been given to them by a guru (a spiritual adviser).

Personal Prayer

In Hinduism, prayer is an individual activity. Hindus do not have to meet together for communal prayer in a place of worship. Sometimes Hindus visit the temple in large numbers at festivals and holy days. Even though they all gather together, everyone prays on their own.

Most Hindu prayer and worship takes place in the familyhome. Families setup a shrine in analcove or a cornerof a room. Puja is worship that takes place before the shrine.

Every morning the mother is usually the first family member to go to the shrine. She lights a candle and burns incense beforean image of a favourite god. She may also place an offering of flowers or fruit in front of the image. Offerings are a way of giving praise and thanksgiving to the creator god for the gifts of creation. This offering is an essential part of Hindu prayer. She then recites the names of Brahman and says the daily prayer.

The prayer recited daily is:“Om. Let us meditate on the glorious light of the creator. May he guide our minds and inspire us with understanding.”Gayatri Mantra (Rig Veda 3, 62,10)

In addition to puja, some Hindus meditate, or read from one of the sacred texts.

Meditation

During meditation Hindus sometimes focus on a mandala to help concentrate the mind on the supreme Brahman. A mandala is a mystical design like the geometric pattern above. A person’s attention is drawn deep into the pattern. An invisible point at the centre represents Brahman. The sacred sound Om or Aum is chanted repeatedly. Hindus find it helpful to sit upright on the floor with legs crossed when they are meditating. Breathing deeply helps to relax the body and calm the mind.

Questions

1. What is a puja?

2. What is: a. a mantra? b. a mandala?

3. How do mantras and mandalas help Hindus to pray?

4. How important is prayer in the life of a Hindu?

5. Explain what is distinctive about prayer in Hinduism compared to prayer in one of the monotheistic religions.

Section C: Foundations of Religion - Hinduism10