12 The Creator And His CreationModesty is also needed at the time of prayer. Modesty is a kind of
feeling of mind. He is the master, I am His slave; He is the giver, I
am the receiver - these are some expressions of modesty.
Prayer can also be done individually and collectively like worship.
There are many mantras for prayer in our Holy Books. A mantra
with simple meaning is given below:
Keshava Sheshharan Narayana Janardana
Govinda Paramananda Mung Sanuddhar madhava
(Gopalpoorbataponio Upanishada : Shrikrishnastuti, Sloka 14)
Simple meaning:
O Keshava, O Dukkhaharan, O Narayana, O Janardana,
O Govvinda, O Paramananda Madhava - save me.
We should begin our work with the name of Ishwara. We should
praise Him everytime we worship and pray. This is an integral part
of religion. Ishwara is pleased if we praise Him. It also makes us
happy. Great is the importance of worship and prayer. Both worship
and prayer keep our body and mind fit and pure. They make our
mind cheerful. Constant worship and prayer lead human beings to
the path of honesty and religion. Thus we become honest and pious.
We can develop ourselves step by step. We can feel Ishwara within
our heart. We shall worship Ishwara and pray to Him at temples or
at our homes.
Exercise
- Answer the following questions:
a) What is 'Upasana'? Discuss.
b) What is idolatry? Discuss.
c) What do you know about formless worship? Discuss.
d) Write a mantra of worship with its simple meaning.