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