Prayer doesn’t mean just sitting and chanting some words. It’s about being in that serene, calm and meditative state. That is why, in the Vedic tradition, before prayer comes dhyana (meditation) and there is dhyana after prayer. When the mind is focused, the prayer becomes far more powerful.
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji
A beautiful and insightful explanation from Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji!
He emphasizes that prayer is not just a mechanical recitation of words, but a state of being that requires a calm, serene, and meditative mind. In the Vedic tradition, meditation (dhyana) is an essential part of the prayer process, both before and after the prayer itself.
By meditating before prayer, we:
– Calm the mind and focus our attention
– Connect with our inner self and the present moment
– Prepare ourselves to receive the grace and guidance we seek
And by meditating after prayer, we:
– Integrate the blessings and insights received
– Seal the intentions and commitments made
– Carry the peaceful and centered state into our daily lives
Gurudev reminds us that a focused mind makes prayer far more powerful, allowing us to connect with the divine and ourselves on a deeper level. May we embrace this wisdom and make meditation an essential part of our prayer practice!