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Confession Prayer: This type of prayer is quite popular and the devotee open-heartedly takes refuge at the lotus feet of God. With immense inner repentance, he narrates all the negative qualities of his personality like faults, vices, shortcomings, defects and sins. He even states, "O Lord! All sins which I may have committed knowingly or unknowingly may be forgiven. I abide by my vow of not committing them again." In real repentance with total dedication, the sins are burnt like dry grass in a fire.
An example of this type of prayer is Kshamapana (asking forgiveness) in the 56th lesson of Mokshamala by Shrimad Rajchandra, the spiritual guide of Mahatma Gandhi. A partial translation is given here."Oh God! I forgot, wandered aimlessly, rambled here & there and I am caught in the snare of transmigratory worldly life. I am sinful, intoxicated with pride and my soul is defiled with the dust of my Karmas. I am
Any prayer which always engrossed in the machinations of worldly life and I have been does not evoke inward blinded by ignorance. I have no discretionary power, and so I am
awareness, that is foolish."
awareness of God's Community or Mass Prayer: Like many religious practices, mass prayers presence in one's own are also conducted in several traditions. Sunday, Saturday and Friday heart, can't be regarded are the usual days fixed for mass prayer by the followers of Christian, Jewish and Muslim religions, respectively. The main significance of
as truly spiritual. these prayers is social, ritual and cultural. They are conducted in an Thus community prayers appropriate dress, at proper timings, with directional orientation, and and individual prayers sequential body movements such as, standing, prostrating, bowing in a should be considered as particular posture and so forth. In order to have true spiritual value added to it, it is essential that the participants, at times, also perform
complementary to individual prayers. Any prayer which does not evoke inward awareness, each other for that is awareness of God's presence in one's own heart, can't be
spiritual progress. regarded as truly spiritual. Thus community prayers and individual prayers should be considered as complementary to each other for spiritual progress.
SUMMARY: The purpose of prayer may be summarized as the most universally accepted form of worship for one's own spiritual benefit, as well as a vehicle for goodwill, harmony, peace and universal well-being of mankind. It contributes towards peaceful coexistence among nations and between peoples. It was, is, and will remain one of the most prevalent instruments for self-improvement and for the betterment of society. While uplifting spiritually, the power of prayer spreads peace on earth and goodwill towards all.<>
"The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Confucius
14th Biennial JAINA convention 2007
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PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE
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