quote:
Originally posted by Imhotep:
I think that if God is mind and the universal substratum of creation, then all is God including self. So in a way the question is asking if prayer is even beneficial since we are that which we are praying to? Should we just live and work hard to make things happen? Or should we do both (work hard at our intended goals and pray for the sake of praying)?
Your specific wording here: "So in a way the question is asking if prayer is even beneficial since we are that which we are praying to?" Very interesting. Well I use a lot of visualization, for example before going through the door to an interview I visualize perfect outcomes and such.. I believe that visualization technique is very helpful.
As a musician one hears the whole orchestra even when working on one small part. This is all to say that prayer in some ways is just a focus and clarification in some ways. And being clear and focused is often half of the job!
Now at the same time I truly see what you are saying with this: "Should we just live and work hard to make things happen? Or should we do both (work hard at our intended goals and pray for the sake of praying)?" Many people just pray, light a candle, say a chant, but don't act. I'm playing with a new word, "actitate." Some need to "med" or heal their "tating," so they med-itate. Some are very busy in activity, actions, and the old Buddhist idea of "mindfulness" or "active meditation" I concatinate to my new word: actitate but then, since I'm on the subject, I like levity - not only silly thinks, but also "raising awareness," but levitation doesn't mean that, or does it? Well anyways back to your question it seems you have given two specific options:
- Should we just live and work hard to make things happen?
- Or should we do both (work hard at our intended goals and pray for the sake of praying)?
Is it silly when an athlete wears special "good luck socks" or someone spills some liquid for ancestors? I guess your question is, should we be putting the prayer energy-and time and resources-into our actions and hard work, eh?
I loooooove the question! I have no real answer (that is for everybody). And I am very impressed that you have the gumption to ask such an incredibly personal question.. wow! But then I like my preconceptions challenged, things that make me have to rethink or overview thinks.. he he..
I pray to the deepest inner wisdom (which is also externally manifestation of life in the universe), that questions and dialogs that help us fine tune our intentions and spiritual energies do truly help us achieve our positive aims more and more making us better individuals and a greater whole. Amen.
peas
teo
