Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 10.05.2019 evening, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Monday)

Question of Manjari: My question is about the prayer. You said that it’s very nice if somebody, whose prayers are heard, prays for you. Can you say something more about this: which prayers are heard, which are not heard, how to pray in such a way that your prayers are heard? 

Swami Tirtha: Once we had a summer Mela in Ahtopol. When these young people came – do you remember, someone remembers – these orphans, from the orphan’s house? We started a discussion. It was a very, very painful discussion, I tell you. One girl started to give her story, telling that “Oh, I started to learn how to smile when I was grown-up. When I was a kid, I didn’t have the chance to smile, because I had so much suffering in my life.” Very, very bitter. But they came together and sharing nicely, in a jolly mood. My heart was broken by listening to them, but they were in a jolly mood: ‘Somebody is paying attention to us’. And then also, the same question came. Because, what can I say if somebody tells me that “I learned how to smile when I was a grown-up person.” It’s very painful. I could say only “Pray and forgive. Forgive the people who gave you the trouble and pray.” And that girl also had the same question. “Pray? Why? Is it heard?” “Yes, yes. Prayers are heard.” And then she said for one colleague “Yeah, her prayers are always heard. Whenever she is praying for something, it happens.” So, they had a direct experience how it works, although in a very, very sad situation of life. But you know, the lotus is growing in the mud. So even in the most difficult circumstances of life, some beautiful realizations will come. 

You don’t live in the mud. You have learned how to smile when you were kids. Where is your realization? Prayers are heard. But even if prayers are not heard, we must believe that they are heard. This is a way of conviction. This is a decision: ‘I want to see life like this, not in any other way. I want to see the miracle. I want to be a part of a spiritual reality.’ And then you are a part of a spiritual reality.

You can find hundreds of examples, just look around. When you really pray from the deepest core of your heart, that will reach the divine platform. Daily routine – maybe not. But the real moments, the blessed moments – they are intense enough to bridge the gap from here to there. Purity, innocence, intensity, selflessness – these are the keys of the success of prayers. 

Of course, in general we hope that God is not simply a God of justice. Because if He hears everything, He will hear all the stupid prayers as well. And if He is a God of justice, whatever you ask, He will supply. But no, He is merciful. Our Krishna will provide only what is beneficial for His devotees. What will curb your progress and your free flow of affection to Him, that He will not provide.

All right. You might think that “My prayers are not really heard.” No problem, find somebody whose prayers are heard and establish a good friendship with that person. Then when you are in need, you have a mentor. Because we can say that prayers, as a very deep and very special kind of meditation, are a mystic approach. And maybe not all of us can become real mystics. But if in your group you have at least one or two mystics whose prayers are heard, then they can help you. 

And also I can add that Krishna knows your hearts. Even if you don’t say anything, He will understand and if it is good for you, He will fulfil it. This should be our conviction. Prayers are heard. 

(to be continued)