Our Pràrthana

Pràrthana

 Sanskrit for ‘Prayer’  Never meant to be “begging”  Prārthana is meant to be invocation  Invocation not of any deity  Invocation of strength within  Prārthana is a method to help concentrate  Concentrate on task at hand  Concentrate on our own strength  Helps keep mind in a fair and a balanced state

Sangh Pràrthana

• In sangh,

prārthana

sung at the end of

shākha

• Not just a prayer but a collective vow • Initially, one

shloka

in Hindi other in Marathi • From 1940s, prārthana in

Sanskrit

, • unites Hindus not only in Bhārat but all over world • Our

vishwa

• prārthana has 8 stanzas Same prārthana for all countries outside Bhārat

Aspects of Our Pràrthana  Whom are we praying to?

 Who are “we”?

 What qualities are we seeking?

 What is our collective vision and mission?

 What are our means to realize this vision?

 Whose mission is this?

Whom Are We Praying To?

Mother Earth Who is auspicious to all Fulfills our desires The ultimate refuge

Whom Are We Praying To?

Paramātmā The seat of eternal bliss, happiness, intellect Responsible for welfare of universe The genesis of eternal principles The supreme being – Param Aatma

But Who is “We”?

We, who are … Assembled here in the shākha Driven by the ethics of universal dharma Seeking auspicious blessings from Him for achieving this goal

5 Qualities We Seek from Him Qualities of a dedicated swayamsevak Unconquerable self-strength All conquering character Knowledge to enlighten us to move on our path of ideals

5 Qualities We Seek from Him Qualities we seek A firm and effulgent resolve • for material progress • as well as for spiritual growth • which should blossom in our heart

5 Qualities We Seek from Him Qualities we seek A steadfast dedication towards the goal The goal of • world peace • in the light of universal dharma • by organizing Hindu society

The Mission And The Vision The vision Pinnacle of glory Through the mission Of collective strength Of ever victorious endeavour Of sustaining and safeguarding Dharma

Whose Mission Is this?

The divine mission God’s own work The work of universal welfare Let us offer to this work our body • made of sacrifice • made of service • made of resolve