Prayers must emanate from the heart.

[Guest guest]

It is said that words can not reach the "Self". No instrument is capable of defining or describing the Self. It is said that "one who has realized" won't speak. The one who speaks about the self, in fact has not realized the self. One more example can be given here. A half filled pitcher of water will give sound when it is immersed in the lake or river. Once it is filled up to the brim, no sound will emanate from the pitcher. Self is synonymous with "Silence". Only in the worldly level, there will be actions and reactions whereas in the realm of Self there won't be any action or reaction. In temples, we find the idols of Divine forms. People pray in front of those deities, closing their eyes. Of course there won't be any visible reaction from the idol. But the devotee returns satisfied. He has prayed from the bottom of his heart. The self within, responds to the prayers. God or Self or Atma is a mute witness of our actions and thoughts. But when the prayers rise from a sincere heart, the prayer will be answered without doubt. Swami used to say, words must correspond to the feelings. Hence be sincere while praying. Sairam.